You are a good candidate for Liposuction if you are near your normal weight. People with localized areas of fat see the most dramatic results. Patients with firm, elastic skin will find that the skin fits easier to their reduced contour. Poor candidates include anyone with a medical condition such as diabetes, poor circulation, and a weakened immune system.
Advanced Laser Center offers Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL), performed using the Tumescent Liposuction technique. PAL is the gentler form of Liposuction. Thirty percent more fat was removed with PAL than with manual liposuction, while bruising and recovery time was significantly reduced, based on research and studies performed. This makes PAL useful for treating areas notoriously difficult to sculpt, including the inner thighs, belly button area, and male breasts. Patients report many long term benefits of fat removal with Power Assisted Liposuction.
PAL is performed using a special cannula which uses tiny, rapid vibrations to break up fat cells so that they can be suctioned out of the body. The vibrating tip used in PAL allows for safer liposuction because of its small, precise motions. The vibration actually makes liposuction gentler on the body tissues because it loosens fat cells and allows them to be easily suctioned away. The specialized cannula allows for smaller incisions and reduces the recovery time compared to other liposuction techniques. Doctors can target specific areas without damaging surrounding tissues and remove more fat in a shorter period of time, which leads to enhanced results, a safer procedure, and faster recovery. PAL is used in conjunction with Laser Lipolysis (ProLipo) to remove pockets of fat to contour specific areas of the body. In a typical PAL procedure, up to ten pounds of fat can be removed. Frequent areas treated include the chin/neck, upper arms, upper back, upper and/or lower abdomen, love handles, hips, thighs, and knee area.
The most common side effects post-Liposuction are swelling, slight bruising, and a very small scar from the insertion site of the cannula. Swelling may last up to several months but will not interfere with everyday life activities. Rarely is any bruising seen when using the tumescent Liposuction; mild discomfort may be present up to two weeks post-procedure. The incision scar is approximately one fourth of an inch long and will fade in several weeks after the procedure. Patients are able to return back to work within 48 hours post-procedure.
Liposuction by itself can leave skin loose, uneven, and wrinkled, though it may tighten over time. Used in conjunction with Laser Lipolysis (ProLipo) and SkinTyte (BroadBand Light) by Sciton, the skin will become tighter and more natural in appearance.
We use warm sterile saline solution which allows us to add medication based on your body mass to make this procedure fairly painless; some patients will feel pressure, but no pain. The medication we use in the tumescent fluid is a local anesthetic and additional medication to constrict the blood vessels to prevent bruising.
You will most likely notice improvement immediately after your PAL and Laser Lipolysis (ProLipo), but it will take four to six weeks for swelling to subside. Optimal results should be visible in four to six months and full results can take up to a year. Liposuction should not be used for weight loss, but to reshape the body through removal of fat deposits.
Before beginning any exercise routine after PAL and Laser Lipolysis (ProLipo) treatment, it is important to consult with your physician. Most patients can resume normal activity within 24 to 48 hours post-procedure. Patients can begin to increase their level of activity within two weeks of their Liposuction, but vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least the first month to give the body time to heal
Liposuction removes fat cells from specific areas of the body. Those fat cells will not return; however, if the patient does not maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine, remaining fat cells could expand and lend to weight gain across all areas of the body. The areas that were contoured with Liposuction will have a reduced capacity for fat production.
Many people who are considering Liposuction believe they no longer have to exercise and watch what they eat following the procedure, that they will be able to maintain their new streamlined figure without effort. However, no procedure can replace a healthy lifestyle. Studies show that patients who do not follow a healthy diet after PAL and Laser Lipolysis (ProLipo) are three times more likely to gain weight, while patients who do not exercise are four times more likely to gain weight.
While PAL and Laser Lipolysis (ProLipo) are excellent ways to reduce excess body fat in specific areas, the removal of certain fat cells is by no means a guarantee against weight gain. Adults have a fixed number of fat cells in their bodies, so the fat cells removed will not regenerate. However, if a patient does not observe a healthy diet and exercise routine after PAL and Laser Lipolysis (ProLipo), the remaining fat cells can still grow and contribute to weight gain. They are more apt to gain weight in areas of their bodies that were not problematic, where fat cells were left unaltered. The most successful and satisfied patients are those who use their PAL procedure as motivation to develop healthier eating and exercise habits.
Many patients use PAL and Laser Lipolysis (ProLipo) as a way to jump-start a healthier lifestyle, using their physical and financial investment in the procedure as motivation to take better care of their bodies. Keep in mind that this procedure is not a cure for weight gain and does not change a patient’s metabolism. While excessive dieting is not a good idea, a healthy diet is essential. You can refer to our Transitions Weight Management page for information on classes or one-on-one coaching.
Cellulite removal with Liposuction is not completely effective, although Liposuction may diminish the appearance of cellulite slightly. Cellulite is caused by many factors, which liposuction cannot change, such as age, genetics, gender, and thickness of the skin.
Liposuction by itself will not tighten loose skin which is why we combine Laser Lipolysis with PAL. For optimal results we recommend SkinTyte (BroadBand Light) for skin tightening before and after the PAL and Laser Lipolysis treatment.
