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.

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

Local Anesthesia vs. General Anesthsia

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.

A Few Reasons Why Liposculpture Results May Be Less Than Perfect

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

There are many different reasons that someone may end up with less than perfect results from a lipo procedure.  He or she may have looser skin or pre-existing stretch marks which is a sign that the desired amount of post-liposuction skin tightening may not be possible.  Some people may have had prior surgeries with large amounts of scarring which could significantly limit the potential for smoothness after a lipo procedure.  Some patients may not have followed important aftercare instructions or follow-up regularly with office visits/phone calls as instructed.  Some patients do not continue to exercise or diet afterwards to ensure optimal results.  As with any procedure in any office, results may vary.

Before/After Abdominal Liposculpture by Rod Davis, PA-C

I invite anyone to view Pacific Lipo's Before and After Photos to get a better idea of how results do vary for patients with different body types, prior surgical scars, varying degrees of skin laxity, etc.  Although results may vary, one can still appreciate the significant improvement that may be achieved when the procedure is performed by an experienced liposuction specialist.  That being said, patients must keep in mind that not everyone will be completely thrilled with their results, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the technique used by the liposuctionist was poor.  Sometimes our bodies don’t heal as nicely as we would all hope.  The goal of any lipo procedure is to help every patient look much better but unfortunately not every patient will feel better despite all reasonable efforts.

Before/After Chest Liposculpture by Rod Davis, PA-C

Contact Pacific Lipo for a free consultation with our specialist Rod Davis, PA, Director of Surgery.  Lock in our Spring rates while they last. 858.427.8899 or visit www.pacificlipo.com to view before and after photos of actual patients.

There is only one Pacific Lipo and we are located in San Diego, CA. So don’t be fooled by our competitors! Call today to speak with one of our Patient Coordinators (858) 427-8899.

To ask Physician Assistant Rod Davis a liposuction question – email rod@pacificlipo.com. Rod Davis is the Director of Surgery at Pacific Liposculpture in La Jolla, California. To view before/after photos of Rod’s work, visit the photo gallery @ www.pacificlipo.com.

Tumescent Lipo - Are You A Good Candidate?

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

Tumescent anesthesia liposuction can be of great benefit for most people who have fatty deposits in areas of their bodies that have not responded well to dieting and exercise. However, the best candidates for tumescent liposuction are active, healthy persons of average weight and good skin tone, and who have never had a lipo procedure to the same body part. Overweight individuals can also benefit from tumescent liposuction, especially if they are in the process of exercising and losing weight. The tumescent liposuction technique should be judiciously used in the morbidly obese. Ideal patients have committed to healthier habits and do not consider liposuction to be a substitute for exercising.

Your liposuction specialist should listen to your goals of the treatment to better ascertain whether you have realistic expectations for what liposuction can and cannot do. It is best that liposuction patients have no significant medical problems. Age by itself is not a significant factor in tumescent liposuction.

The best way to know if you are a good candidate for tumescent lipo is to schedule a consultation with a tumescent liposuction specialist. Consultations allow for you to learn about the procedure and for you to develop realistic expectations.  

For more information on Liposuction in San Diego, California, please contact Pacific Lipo at (858) 427-8899.

To ask Physician Assistant Rod Davis a liposuction question – email rod@pacificlipo.com. Rod Davis is the Director of Surgery at Pacific Liposculpture in La Jolla, California. To view before/after photos of Rod’s work, visit the photo gallery @ www.pacificlipo.com.