Author Rod Davis, PA-C, Director of Surgery at Pacific Lipo
Liposculpture under local anesthesia is the safest way to have liposuction. However, there are some people who may find it more uncomfortable than most other patients. I once performed a procedure on a patient who shared with me (after starting her procedure) that she always has difficulty when going to her dentist and requires multiple injections of the anesthetic to complete her dental procedures. Such people are commonly referred to as “lidocaine resistant” and may have a more comfortable experience if they were under general anesthesia (sleeping). However, general anesthesia is less safe and much more expensive. There were a handful of times when we stopped for a few minutes to add extra anesthetic during this person’s procedure but this is expected. She was still able to complete her procedure and even drive herself home afterwards. She scheduled another procedure in our office immediately afterwards. :)
Many members of our staff, including myself, have had a liposculpture (lipo) procedure. Most patients anticipate that lipo will not be a completely pain-free event for every patient but neither is laser hair removal, waxing, Botox, dental procedures, etc. So like many other procedures, one should have some expectation of momentary discomfort but most patients are pleasantly surprised.
The numbing phase tends to be the only uncomfortable part but normally just last for 5-10 minutes. Anyone can view website videos of actual patients having the same procedure that this person had but they are clearly comfortable and experiencing no pain while having their problem areas reshaped. Please visit Pacific Lipo's YouTube Channel to see patients having a procedure.
As for the incisions, we do not use stitches which allows for a couple of days of drainage (lessens swelling and bruising). Therefore, the incisions are still a little stretched immediately following the procedure. They normally heal about the size of a freckle and sometimes fade significantly but that takes some time. The incisions do shrink, bruising does fade, and the discomfort usually passes after a 2-6 weeks. To view before and photos of what incisions and results may look like immediately after our procedures (1 week later, 1 month, and several months after) , please visit Pacific Lipo's Photo Gallery.
Consultations are free and pricing is all-inclusive. Please call a Pacific Lipo Patient Coordinator at (858) 427-8899 for details or to scheduled a complimentary consultation.
Author Rod Davis, PA-C, Director of Surgery, Pacific Lipo
In our increasingly beauty obsessed society, it seems like more of us are choosing to seek out cosmetic surgery to improve any flaws (whether real or perceived). Of these cosmetic procedures, one of the most popular is Laser Liposcuction (also knows as Laser Lipo, Smart Lipo or Lunchtime Lipo).
Laser liposuction involves the use of a laser to “melt away” fatty deposits and then tightens the surrounding skin. This technique was first discovered in Europe and has recently become FDA approved for use in the USA. Laser liposuction has been used for the past 10 years in South America, Europe and Asia. The procedure is typically done in an office setting and does not require the use of a general anesthetic. A very small cannula, or tube, approximately 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm in diameter containing a laser fiber is inserted into the skin. The cannula is moved back and forth delivering the laser’s energy to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and easily drain away. The fluid released from the fat cells is removed by the body’s natural waste system. The laser also causes small blood vessels to coagulate immediately on contact, thus resulting in less bleeding and bruising.
Some liposuctionists report that one of the advantages of laser liposuction is the fact that the probability of scarring, muscle damage, or pain tends to be smaller than more traditional liposuction methods. As a result, the patient is usually able to return to work within 48-hours. One of the disadvantages of laser liposuction is that it may only be useful on a limited variety of body areas. These body parts include the neck, face, and arms. Some patients do not report a dramatic enough difference in their shapes or skin tightening following laser liposuction is used in other areas such as the abdomen, thighs, back areas, or the love handles. This may be due to today’s lasers not being quite aggressive enough in creating a significant change in the thickness of the fat deposits for most body types. There is also some doubt among liposuction specialists as to exactly how effective laser liposuction is when it comes to skin tightening. That being said, laser liposuction can be an effective procedure for a small portion of liposuction candidates.
Pricing of this procedure varies a great deal depending on how much fat you want removed, which body part is being treated, or which office you seek treatment in. Patients who are interested in this procedure should seek treatment in a facility that specializes in liposculpture. It is much more likely that their results will be better compared to other less experienced offices and the pricing often times is more affordable. Pricing to selecting any method of liposuction, one should contact a liposuction specialist to find out what this procedure can do for their particular problem area.
For more information on Liposuction in San Diego, please contact Pacific Liposculpture at (858) 427-8899. To ask Rod Davis, Physician Assistant a liposuction question – email rod@pacificlipo.com.
The numbing phase tends to be the only uncomfortable part but normally just last for 5-10 minutes. Anyone can view website videos of actual patients having the same procedure that this person had but they are clearly comfortable and experiencing no pain while having their problem areas reshaped. Please visit Pacific Lipo's YouTube Channel to see patients having a procedure.
