Today's Tumescent Liposculpture Vs. Traditional Liposuction

Author: Rodney Davis, Physician Assistant

Not very long ago, getting the shape that you always wanted required invasive surgery that almost certainly resulted in significant postoperative pain, obvious bruising, an increased risk of complications – not to mention an extended recovery time. Yesterday’s liposuction was risky, difficult, and surprisingly is still practiced  by most plastic surgeons who offer liposuction as just one of the several different procedures that they try to squeeze into an already exhaustive list of other cosmetic services. Liposuction is considered a major surgery, sometimes resulting in serious complications in the operating room, causes major bruising, and unsightly scars. This was and remains an aggressive procedure that produces deep bruises and sometimes requires stitches. This in turn can lead to increased scar formation.

Today’s tumescent liposuction, also known as Liposculpture, is a much safer procedure with minimal downtime.  Liposculpture is an advanced form of liposuction that leads to gentler body sculpting and more precise results. Unlike traditional liposuction with general anesthesia, liposculpture patients remain awake while their fat is removed with very tiny instruments. And, because Liposculpture doesn’t use the same heavy sedatives as traditional liposuction, most patients are able to walk out of the treatment offices immediately following the procedure. A good portion of liposculpture patients are able to return to most activities in 1 to 2 days. The tumescent liposuction procedure also stimulates the collagen-producing agents in skin, leaving skin firmer and smoother.

Liposculpture is less invasive. Most areas of the body require only 1 to 2 tiny incisions. The cannula, or straw-like tool that is used to suck out fat, is only 2-3 millimeters wide –that’s about the size of a cooked piece of spaghetti. The incisions resulting from the procedure are barely noticeable after only a few weeks. Because the cannulas are so much smaller than the ones used in traditional liposuction, you won’t experience the unsightly scars that sometimes accompany traditional liposuction.

Liposculpture is more gentle. When using larger instruments in
traditional liposuction, providers generally make larger, more aggressive strokes while removing fat. Liposculpture uses smaller cannulas, all procedures are performed with shorter, gentler strokes. Patients usually experience only mild soreness the day after the procedure – something equivalent to post-exercise muscle ache. Tumescent liposuction may take longer than traditional liposuction, but the procedure leaves minimal bruising and pain. With today’s Liposculpture, you get the same results as traditional liposuction without all of the bruising and scarring.

Liposculpture is not considered a major surgery, it is a completely outpatient procedure.  Some patients even drive themselves home from the procedure. Many of the serious complications associated with traditional liposuction occurred because the patient was under heavy anesthesia. Patients under heavy anesthesia are unable to tell their provider if the procedure is too aggressive or causing unusual amounts of pain.  With Tumescent Liposuction, complications due to general anesthesia are eliminated. Patients remain awake under light or no sedation, and always able to communicate anything they are feeling. And, because Liposculpture uses only local anesthetic, patients are less likely to experience adverse reactions. Gentle and minimally invasive, most patients are on their feet the next day, and enjoying their new body in no time.

For more information on Liposculpture, contact Pacific Lipo at (858) 427-8899. To ask Rod Davis, Physician Assistant a question – email rod@pacificlipo.com.

Inner Thigh Lipo

When stubborn fat accumulates between the thighs, this can lead to uncomfortable rubbing and chafing. It can also be a problem on the outer thighs or "saddlebags", making it difficult for the individual to find clothing that they fit comfortably into. The patient in this set of photos treated her inner thighs with liposculpture. There is a noticeable improvement in her shape and skin just 4 days and 4 weeks after her procedure.

For more information about the liposculpture procedure and if it is right for you call (858) 427-8899.  Ask for a complimentary consultation with liposculpture specialist, Rod Davis, PA-C. 

Male Breast Reduction for Gynecomastia

Men want to look their fittest and their best. But a male hormonal condition called Gynecomastia can lead to the accumulation of fat behind the nipples that gives the enlarged appearance of breasts. Now there's help for active men who despite regular diet and exercise, cannot rid themselves of this stubborn and embarrassing, rarely-talked-about condition.

Male chest liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for men. Pacific Liposculpture's state-of-the art liposuction procedure enables men to now get the chiseled chest and pecks they have always desired.  Pacific Lipo uses the liposculpture technique to safely and permanently remove these fat cells, reducing the size of the breast and improving the shape.  

Occasionally, for more severe cases, liposculpture is combined with excision of the breast gland for the treatment of Gynecomastia; however, most of our clients are extremely happy with their outcome without having the more invasive excision procedure of the breast gland. 

The male chest liposuction procedure takes about 60-90 minutes to complete.  With this advanced technique, patients are able to remain awake during the procedure and drive themselves home afterwards.  Little to no downtime is required and most patients return to work just a few days after procedure.

For more information about the liposculpture procedure for the male chest, schedule a consultation with liposculpture specialist Rod Davis, PA-C, at Pacific Lipo.  Consultations are free and allow for you to learn more about the liposculpture procedure and if it is right for you.

View more Before and After photos of Chest Liposculpture here.

Liposuction - What Is the Best Technique For Me?

Author: Rodney Davis, Physician Assistant-Certified

There are several different techniques for achieving virtually the same results – despite all of the marketing claims. So what do you need to know before choosing which option is best for you? I have briefly outlined the three major methods that every prospective patient should be aware of before moving forward with liposuction.

Ultasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

This method was originally considered an advancement in liposuction methods in the 1990’s. Vaser is one of the main manufactures in this realm of UAL devices. ULA uses cannulas which send ultrasound energy through the fatty tissues, thereby liquefying the fat tissue. Most providers now agree that this method carries an increased risk of skin and tissue burns, permanent tissue damage, scarring, nerve damage, and localized fluid accumulation called seromas. There is insufficient proof of the safety of UAL devices therefore the FDA has never approved the marketing and advertising of UAL devices to be specifically used for liposuction.

Power Assisted Liposuction

Power Assisted Liposuction or PAL is a form of liposuction that uses vibrating straw-like cannulas of varying sizes, to break up and remove fat cells.  This method allows the practioner to use less force while suctioning out fatty deposits compared to manual liposuction. The use of less physical force during the procedure is not only a more efficient way for the provider to remove fat, but may also lessen the amount of swelling to the tissues and minimize the degree of trauma to the incisions.

Laser Liposuction

Most advertising would suggest that laser manufactures such as SmartLipo and its competitors have completely reinvented liposuction. However, in reality all of the basic steps involved with traditional liposuction are usually performed with laser liposuction including the frequent sedation of the patients, the injection of tumescent fluid (numbing solution), as well as the suction of fat. With laser lipolysis there is always an additional step which involves the burning of fat just before removal. Initially, the laser was intended to be used without liposuction of the fat. ‘Melted’ fat was to be resorbed by the body. This has generally been shown to be ineffective. Most liposuctionists now agree that fat must be removed after the burning. Ironically, this is achieved in the EXACT same manner as would be performed without the laser.

Some known disadvantages of the laser are that the act of burning fat makes this a more invasive procedure. Burning can lead to complications and permanent injuries to the skin and surrounding tissues. This procedure can sometimes be more expensive and is frequently used by non-experts.

SmartLipo was the first laser FDA approved for this procedure, many other “fat melting” lasers are now on the market and many others are being developed. Other lasers include CoolLipo and LipoLite. Proponents of laser assisted liposuction claim that lasers have the ability to emulsify fat and tighten skin. Reportedly, skin tightening occurs due to laser energy which breaks collagen bonds in the dermis stimulating new collagen to form. This process is call neocollagenesis.

Before and After Liposculpture by Rod Davis, PA-C at Pacific Lipo

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No certain brand of lipolysis laser at this point has been proven to be superior to any other. In my opinion, it is actually the skill of the provider in proper tumescent liposuction technique that is the best predictor of outcome.

For more information on Liposuction in San Diego, please contact Pacific Lipo at (858) 427-8899. To ask Physician Assistant Rod Davis a liposuction question – email rod@pacificlipo.com.

Pacific Liposculpture vs. Lipodisolve (Lipolysis or Mesotherapy)

Author: Rodney Davis, Physician Assistant-Certified

Lipodisolve (also known as Lipo Disolve or Lipo Dissolve) is a nonsurgical alternative to liposuction that uses a chemical formula injected into the unwanted fatty areas of your body. Lipodissolve uses a combination of chemicals, such as phosphatidylcholine, deoxycholate, multivitamins, alpha lipid acid, enzymes, and plant extracts that are currently not approved by the FDA. Therefore, the FDA is unable to support the safety and effectiveness of Lipo Dissolve. Like other procedures, Lipo Disolve includes several risk factors such as skin deformation, scarring, and painful knots that can form in the injected areas.

At Pacific Lipo, we believe our minimally invasive liposuction technique offers lower risks than other procedures. With use of laser liposuction technology (much like SmartLipo), San Diego based liposculpting specialists permanently remove unwanted fat from the chin, jowls, hips, arms, thighs, male breast (chest), bufffalo hump, back, flanks, abdomen, and most other areas of the body. And with our advanced body sculpting technique, we permanently remove fat, tighten skin and contour the body with little to know downtime, no stitching or scarring.  Our patients usually return to work within a day or two following their liposculpture procedure.  All this can be done under a budget most patients can easily afford.

If you are interested in having an advanced lipo procedure at Pacific Lipo, call our office today at 858.427-8899 or complete a virtual consultation today with Rod Davis, Physician Assistant.

Chin Liposculpture - The Alternative To A Lift

 Chin Liposculpture is a favorite at Pacific Lipo. Many of our patients are bothered by a “double chin” or “turkey neck” and have sought out an alternative to reduce these problems areas. This excess fat around the face can make an individual look heavy or older than they actually are. Now there is a safe and minimally invasive way to achieve a more defined jawline, which can help you to look thinner, younger, and healthier without the downtime or scarring of a face lift or facial reconstruction.

Results are permanent and incisions are inconspicuous once healed. Visit Pacific Lipo's Chin Gallery to view more before and after photos of patients that have had life changing results.

Chin Liposculpture (Lipo) by Rod Davis, PA-C at Pacific Lipo.

"I would never even consider going anywhere else. Rod Davis is the best in the world of lipo. I first saw him for removal of my double chin--the results were amazing! The same weekend, I got a perm, and when I returned to work, some of my co-workers did not even recognize me! " -Nancy H. from San Diego, CA

Chin Lipo - by Rod Davis, PA

Chin Lipo - by Rod Davis, PA

Military Inch Loss - Liposculpture With Rod Davis

Pacific Lipo's Director of Surgery, Rod Davis, PA, preps a Marine for lipoculpture procedure.  This Marine has a tape test that he needs to pass later in the week.  The patient is looking for immediate and permanent inch loss that will save his career with the Marine Corps.  Davis will target this patient's love handles, upper, and lower abdomen to remove inches of fat and get him within his require measurements.

"Experience and reputation matter”, says Rod Davis, Director of Surgery, PA-Certified, of Pacific Lipo. “That’s why we remain one of the top lipo centers in California.” Davis has performed over 15,000 lipo procedures and is considered an expert in his field. He specializes in tumescent liposuction and has a track record of helping each one of his military patients get their body within the required measurements. To view before and after pictures, refer to Pacific Lipo's Military Patients Photo Gallery.

For more information about Rod Davis, Physician Assistant, visit www.RodDavisPA.com or call Pacific Lipo at (858) 427-8899 to schedule a consultation for his professional advice.

Is a Revision Lipo Procedure the Right Choice for You?

Author Rod Davis, PA-C, Director of Surgery, Pacific Lipo

Have you had a prior liposculpture or liposuction procedure that didn’t quite meet the expectations that you were hoping for? There may be several reasons for this. You may have had unrealistic expectations to begin with despite your experienced liposuctionist explaining the limitations of the procedure and the individual challenges presented by your body type or skin tone prior your to surgery. It could also be due to the need for a completely different kind of procedure that would address a problem that additional lipo could not correct (ie., tummy tuck/abdominoplasty). Or it may be due to the need for an additional lipo treatment to the same area commonly called a “touch-up” or “revision” procedure. Fortunately, in most offices that specialize in liposuction, this is not a common procedure. However, specific indications for this kind of procedure depend on the physical appearance of the problem areas, the degree of laxity in one’s skin, subsequent weight loss or gain following your procedure, or changes in exercise patterns, etc. A touch up procedure is normally a quicker procedure re-using some or all of the same incisions. The aftercare is often easier and more manageable as well.

Speak with your liposuction specialist honestly regarding your expectations prior to any procedure. Following your procedure, return to the liposuction office or at least contact them on a regular basis to discuss how things are healing and anything that may be done to optimize your results. Try to follow the advice that is given to you without deviating on your own. Once healed, if you have not noticed the improvements that were discussed prior to your procedure, communicate that to the office which performed your procedure. Perhaps a simple touch up procedure would help you to achieve the results that you had originally hoped for.

For more information on a Liposuction Specialist in San Diego, California, please contact Rod Davis PA at Pacific Lipo (858) 427-8899. To ask Physician Assistant Rod Davis a liposuction question – email rod@pacificlipo.com. Rod Davis is the Director of Surgery of one of the leading liposuction clinics in the country, Pacific Liposculpture in La Jolla, California.

To view before/after photos and patient video testimonials regarding Rod’s work, visit the photo gallery  at www.PacificLipo.com

Rod Davis, PA-C, Director of Surgery at Pacific Lipo

The Director of Surgery for Pacific Liposculpture, Rod Davis, is a Professional Physicians Assistant (PA). In his role with the San Diego, California-based clinic, he performs consultations; engages in various outpatient liposculpture procedures; liaises between directors, physicians, and staff; and generally supervises all aspects of the Pacific Lipo surgical department. Board certified as a PA for nine years, Rodney Davis is licensed to practice in both California and New York State, and has trained physicians and other PAs on the art of liposculpture. 

Having performed over 15,000 liposculpture procedures to date, Rod Davis maintains particular expertise across tumescent anesthesia and laser-assisted liposculpture. He has employed lipo treatments for a variety of satisfied clients, including athletes, lawyers, physicians, and even a number of coworkers. View Before and After photos of his work here. 


Rod holds a BS through Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and commands extensive training as a Physicians Assistant. He attended Touro College, ultimately earning a BS through the Bayshore, New York-based PA program. Following this, he acquired specialized training and diverse professional experience through a series of medical and cosmetic surgery-oriented positions. 

Rod Davis maintains PA accreditation through the National Commission on Certification of Physicians Assistants. A member of the California Academy of Physicians Assistants, he also holds certification through the DEA, sustains CPR accreditation through the American Heart Association, and carries ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) infectious disease certification. In addition to his work as a Physicians Assistant, Rod also maintains a rich array of personal interests. He regularly supports charitable initiatives such as the American Red Cross and Elijah's Promise Soup Kitchen and contributes to organizations like The Salvation Army and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. On top of fishing and traveling, Rod is an avid reader and plays basketball and racquetball when time permits. 

Watch Rod perform the liposculpture procedure on Pacific Lipo's YouTube channel or visit www.RodDavisPA.com for his full bio and professional works.