Liposuction Surgery

Serving Surprise, Scottsdale, Phoenix

Many Scottsdale, Glendale and Phoenix liposuction patients have benefited from the skill and experience of Dr. Angelchik. In the paragraphs below, he describes the liposuction procedure. Also visit the results of Phoenix liposuction patients.  

Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to enhance the contours of the body which have developed excessive fullness by removing fat deposits. This is accomplished through multiple small incisions ( 1/8” – ¼”) with the use of specially designed suction cannulas (tubes) which disrupt and remove the tissue fragments. This may include fat removal from the face, neck, back, abdomen, hips, buttocks, arms, and legs. It is now the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedure in the United States. Newer techniques incorporating ultrasound energy, power assisted cannulas and wetting solutions to decrease bleeding and enhance fat removal have increased the safety and effectiveness of this procedure.

Liposuction Candidates

The ideal candidate is someone who is height and weight proportionate in good health  who wants to contour and reduce localized fat deposits not responsive to diet and exercise. Patients who are extremely overweight are not good candidates for liposuction and are better managed with weight loss and exercise programs. Liposuction alone is not a good way to lose weight and keep it off.  Skin tone is also important in evaluating the suitability of a patient for liposuction as very lax skin that has lost its elastic properties may not shrink with the procedure and may sag. Mild skin laxity does not exclude a patient from being a candidate.

Liposuction: The Procedure

Liposuction is done under general anesthesia usually. Small and moderate volume liposuction is done on an outpatient basis. Larger volume removal ( more than 5 liters of adipose tissue) procedures require an overnight stay for monitoring. Liposuction treated areas generally feel sore and numb, but there is not significant sharp pain typically. Bruising and swelling are expected. Bruising will resolve over 2 -4 weeks. Swelling will go down gradually until the final result is visible at 6 months.  Patients can usually resume work and normal activities after 3 – 10 days depending on the extent of the procedure. Weight lifting and high impact cardio-exercise generally may not be comfortable for about 3 weeks. A compression garment is usually recommended for 6 weeks. A lighter second stage garment can be used after 3 days. Patients can shower at 3 days. Antibiotics and pain medication are prescribed for use after surgery. Liposuction is often combined with other procedures.

Ultrasonic Liposuction

Ultrasonic liposuction (abbreviated UAL) utilizes high frequency sound energy to disrupt adipocytes (fat cells). The vibration frequency of the ultrasonic probe is targeted at fat tissue, rather than muscle or skin for example. UAL appears to be most advantageous in areas where there is a more developed connective / fibrous tissue support structure in the fat compartments forming the subcutaneous tissue : the upper abdomen, male "love handles" or flanks, male breast tissue in gynecomastia, areas of previous liposuction or scarred areas. UAL is always followed by conventional liposuction and often power assisted liposuction (PAL) which more efficiently removes the emulsified fat and finishes contouring of the treatment area. UAL appears to enhance the overall efficiency of fat removal in most areas with reduced blood loss and bruising.

Power assisted liposuction works like conventional liposuction but the handpiece attached to the cannula has a small electric motor which moves the suction cannula rapidly back and forth about 2 millimeters. This oscillation more efficiently breaks up and removes fat and is very helpful in larger volume cases and in areas of fibrous tissue.

Liposuction: Major Complications are Rare

All liposuction procedures have some degree of risk. While most patients do not have complications, minor complications that do not affect the outcome of a treatment or surgery may occur after some procedures. Major complications are rare. The specific risks and the suitability of a particular procedure are carefully reviewed at your consultation (and preoperative visits if you are having surgery).  Your safety and comfort are our foremost concerns. We will provide additional detailed information for you at each stage of your experience from your initial contact with our office through your procedure and afterwards in an interactive fashion. We will ensure that you feel informed about your treatment options and recovery in advance and can actively and confidently participate in designing your treatment plan. We want you to have the best possible experience and will work with you to make it happen. Contact our liposuction surgeon today for your consultation.

Learn more about liposuction on our frequently asked liposuction questions page.

In addition to liposuction, Dr. Angelchik also performs other body contouring procedures in his Phoenix plastic surgery practice. Visit these pages in the website to learn about how Dr. Angelchik treats Phoenix tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), body lift, brachioplasty and thigh lift patients.