Q: I am considering liposuction and am wondering if you use laser liposuction for this procedure and if repeat liposuction will help tighten loose sagging skin on my legs 6 years after a prior liposuction procedure? Also, what would my recovery time be after liposuction?
A: The ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons®) has just released the cosmetic surgery statistics for 2018 and Liposuction is the 2nd most popular cosmetic surgical procedure with over 258,000 performed. The growth in liposuction procedures is with both men and women. Liposuction is a very safe and effective procedure as long as it is performed by a surgeon who is board certified and experienced in Liposuction.
I use power-assisted liposuction, which allows me to perform liposuction accurately, efficiently, and safely. The liposuction cannula is specifically calibrated to vibrate at a target speed, allowing me to tailor the degree of liposuction needed for each individual patient and body region. This enhances the amount of fat that can be removed, improves the accuracy of fat removal, and maximizes safety because the blunt cannulas are constantly in motion. Laser liposuction uses heat to melt the fat first, then liposuction is performed to remove the fat. The equipment manufacturers claim that the heat also tightens the dermis. Any time heat is applied, there is the risk of thermal injury or burn to the tissue. When this is combined with the friction of liposuction, this risk is increased. In my experience, the addition of the “laser” or heated part of the liposuction has not shown an increased benefit that would outweigh the risks.
Whenever there is loss of skin elasticity, lift procedures may be indicated to correct sagging skin, especially if liposuction has exacerbated this condition. Because liposuction is a procedure to remove extra fat, it is not designed to address sagging skin. A thigh lift is a lift procedure where the extra thigh skin is trimmed, and the remaining skin is lifted, resulting in a smoother contour to the upper thigh. To determine whether you are a candidate for liposuction or a leg lift, I recommend that you come in for a consultation to discuss the procedure that is right for you.
Recovery for liposuction patients includes compression garments for a period of time to reduce swelling and compress your skin to your new body contours. Depending on the area treated, compression garments are worn for anywhere from 4-6 weeks, with gradual tapering of the hours of wear per day. The time for all swelling to completely disappear depends on the body part treated and the amount of fat that is removed. Recovery is as individual as is each patient and their specific procedure, the above are general estimates.
During a consultation in my office, I use the Vectra 3D Imaging system that allows me to simulate your results so that together we can determine your individual surgical plan and discuss recovery time as well. Please schedule a consultation with me to discuss liposuction or any other body enhancement surgery you may be contemplating.
Dr. Cindy Wu
Dr. Cindy Wu discusses liposuction: