Dr. Kaplan, you perform a procedure known as Tickle Lipo.  How does this procedure differ from traditional liposuction surgery?

Dr. Kaplan: Tickle Lipo is unique in being a “vibrational” liposuction.  Compressed air powers a handpiece that connects to the liposuction cannula, making it vibrate in a movement called “nutation”.  This makes liposuction very easy on both the surgeon and patient.  The vibration makes for minimally-traumatic movement of the cannula through the fat, akin to passing a bow over a violin rather than sawing wood, as in traditional liposuction.  The relatively atraumatic technique makes for a more comfortable procedure, less bruising, an easier recovery, and more even and precise results.  Since the connective tissue holding the skin in place is well-preserved, a better skin tightening result can be expected.

How long have you been performing Tickle Lipo?  As a doctor, is it more complicated to perform than traditional liposuction?

Dr. Kaplan: Tickle Lipo was FDA-approved in 2009.  I was the first surgeon in Los Angeles County to offer the procedure, at the beginning of 2011.  Although additional equipment is involved in performing Tickle Lipo, the ease of fat removal can actually cut down on procedure time.  Since less physical force is required, the surgeon does not get fatigued.  Thus, more precise results can be achieved, even in larger-volume procedures.

Who is a good candidate for Tickle Lipo?

Dr. Kaplan: Anyone who is a candidate for traditional liposuction or laser lipolysis is also a candidate for Tickle Lipo.  There are no specific restrictions.

Is there a price range that a patient can expect for this procedure?  Does it vary dramatically based on the part of the body?

Dr. Kaplan: Since Tickle Lipo is a relatively new procedure in the US, prices may be slightly higher than for traditional liposuction.  However, conscious sedation or general anesthesia are unnecessary and the procedure can easily be performed in a procedure room in the office rather than at a hospital or surgery center.  This can lower the total cost of the surgery.

Are there particular areas of the body that Tickle Lipo is especially useful for?

Dr. Kaplan: Since Tickle Lipo allows for fat removal with minimal physical force, it is especially well-suited for fibrous areas, such as the male breast or in revision liposuction.  The most commonly treated areas are: abdomen, love handles, inner or outer thighs, upper arms, chin/neck, chest, and mid-back.

Tell us about the general results of the surgery;  what changes should the patient see in their appearance?

Dr. Kaplan:  Even immediately after the procedure, patients will usually notice significant slimming.  There will usually be residual swelling from the fluid infused into the fat during the procedure.  This fluid drains out or is absorbed in the initial few days.  Ongoing healing causes loose skin to shrink and contract, occurring in the weeks to months following the procedure.  Optimal skin contraction is promoted with the use of a post-surgical compressional garment which is worn for several weeks after Tickle Lipo.  Final results are apparent at 6-12 months when healing is complete.

What can the patient expect the day of the procedure?  How do they prepare for the surgery?

Dr. Kaplan:  In my practice, patients take oral antibiotics, starting the day before surgery.  They are encouraged to eat a full breakfast or lunch, depending on the time of the procedure.  A mild anti-anxiety medication is given at the start of the procedure.  The Tickle Lipo itself is very comfortable, especially once the local anesthetic is infused into the fat.  The patient remains fully awake but sometimes is lulled into sleep from the vibration of the Tickle Lipo.  The procedure usually takes 2-4 hours, depending on how many areas are treated, the amount of fat removed, and whether any fat is used for fat transfer.    At the conclusion, the patient is fully awake, is placed in highly-absorbent dressings, and is ready to go home with friends or family.

What type of recovery can the patient expect?  How long does it generally take?

Dr. Kaplan:  Much of the anesthetic fluid infused during the Tickle Lipo, and that is not removed during liposuction, drains out overnight onto highly-absorbent dressings.  There is usually very little pain and most patients report taking 1-4 pain pills in the first 24 hours.  The patient then returns to the office the next morning for a recheck and removal of dressings.  They are then placed into a compression garment which they wear for the next 1-3 weeks.  Most patients that have several areas treated take the next 2 days off work.  There is very little activity restriction and patients may go to the gym 1-2 days after surgery for a light workout.  Some soreness of the suctioned areas remains for 1-4 weeks but is not bothersome unless they are directly rubbed or pressed.  The tiny holes used for the liposuction cannulas heal over a couple of weeks without the need for stitches.

What does the patient need to do to maintain their new appearance?

Dr. Kaplan:For patients that have any looseness of skin after surgery, wearing the compression garment for the prescribed time period is very important.  It is also necessary to avoid direct trauma to the suctioned areas in order to minimize bruising.  In the long-run, proper diet and exercise and an improved caloric balance is important to avoid laying down new fat and compromising the ultimate esthetic result.

Qualifications:  Fellow of the American Society of Laser Medicine and Surgery; member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery; board-certified in emergency medicine

Services Offered:

Liposuction with Tickle Lipo, Fat Transfer and Brazilian Butt Lift, Botox and fillers, Smartxide DOT CO2 laser resurfacing, laser tattoo removal, laser hair removal, microdermabrasion and peels, and medical weight loss.

Description of Practice Specialty:

Dr. Alex Kaplan of Celebrity Laser Spa specializes in liposuction using Tickle Lipo.  This is a recently FDA-approved vibrational liposuction technique that allows for minimally invasive treatment with only local anesthesia.  Discomfort is minimal and recovery is very speedy.  Unlike laser and ultrasound-based systems, no heat is created and there is no risk of burns.  The fat obtained with Tickle Lipo is ideal for use in fat transfer to areas such as the buttocks for the Brazilian Butt Lift.

Tumescent liposuction has become the preferred method of liposuction being performed in the United States. Tumescent liposuction cost is among the more moderate of cosmetic procedures, well within reach of the general public. The benefits of the procedure far outweigh any of the potential negative side effects, traditionally resulting in a faster recovery time and fewer complications.

While other techniques of liposuction have gained a following in recent years tumescent liposuction is still the most popular, doctor approved method of treatment. This procedure is quickly performed in comparison to its counterparts and can have the patient back to normal activities within five to seven business days.

What is Tumescent Liposuction?

The term tumescent literally means to make swollen and firm. This is at the core of how, and why, tumescent liposuction is so successful. The treatment area is injected with a solution, part saline, part lidocaine and part epinephrine. The solutions makes the treatment area tumescent providing dual benefits.

First, the lidocaine in the solution acts as an anesthetic to numb the treatment area. This allows for the patient to have reduced pain both during and after surgery, while simultaneously avoiding the need for full sedation. Second, the epinephrine acts as a powerful vaso constrictor which significantly reduces the amount of blood loss during surgery. Typical blood loss is less than a few teaspoons for the average procedure.

What are Tumescent Liposuction Costs?

Given the simplicity of the tumescent liposuction technique it can be performed on any number of body parts. This; however, can have a large affect on tumescent liposuction costs. Depending on where on the body the procedure is performed the final price can fluctuate as much as a few thousand dollars.

On the more economic end of the spectrum tumescent liposuction performed on the arm, back, hips, flanks, and chin can range from $1,500 to $5,000. While procedures performed on the abdomen and breast are going to range from $3,000 up to $7,500. Given the labor intensive nature of the procedure tumescentliposuction prices can often exceed other more simplistic measures. On average the median price for the procedure tallies at $3,500.

There can; however, be hidden costs associated with tumescentliposuction, which will need to be clarified with your physician. Blood work, prior to your procedure can add an unexpected cost. Post surgical garments needed to compress and dress the treatment area post procedure can add to your final totals. Should you opt to have more than one area treated at a time you will experience added costs.

The geographic location of a procedure can have a significant affect on the price of your final procedure. Typically, more seasoned physicians will set up shot in more metropolitan areas. Experience and pedigree can be worth the additional cost, helping to ensure that your procedure will be performed with a trained hand and experienced eye. Typically physicians with a higher pedigree will be located in larger metropolitan locations like, Miami, Los Angeles and New York.

What is the Recovery Process?

Tumescentliposuction recovery is typically a smoother transition than that of other liposuction procedures, or cosmetic procedures collectively. The lidocaine in the solution used to perform the surgery provides an anesthetic affect giving the patient a more enjoyable experience during and after surgery. Typically drainage tubes will be left in the treatment area to allow for excess fluid to drain form the site. This allows for a quicker recovery allowing for less blood to pool below the skin, reducing bruising while at the same time reducing the potential for seromas (fluid filled pockets below the skin).

Typically most patients can expect mild bruising and overall sensitivity in the treatment area. The sutures used for the pathways of the cannula will require ten to fifteen days to heal, typically with stitches that will dissolve naturally. A few days after your procedure you will need to go back to have the drainage tubes removed.

What to Consider when looking for a Surgeon

Ultimately, you will need to have an extensive consultation with your physician. Be sure to take the time and literally shop around for the best physician for you. This doesn’t always mean the cheapest. Cheap price can sometimes be masking a physician’s inexperience in performing your specific procedure.

Ask pointed questions about the physicians background, schooling, residency, and their comfort level in performing your procedure. Determining the number of liposuction procedures your physician performs annual can help you feel comfortable that your procedure will be performed with trusted experience.  Experience can pay dividends. This could be the difference in getting your procedure done cheaply the first time, and then corrected a second time by a more experienced physician.

Since it’s introduction into the mainstream in the early 1980 liposuction has been a procedure that has captured the allure of the general public. Each year thousands of people will undergo tumescent liposuction, in part for is simplicity and in part for the results. While the procedure produces fantastic immediate results it was not always the safest cosmetic procedure available.

In it’s infancy patients undergoing liposuction were at such high risk of blood loss that they were often asked to donate their own blood in the weeks leading up to their procedure, so that during the surgery their own blood could be reintroduced into their bodies via intravenous transfusion. This increased the dangers to the patients and surgeries undergoing and performing the procedure.

What is the Tumescent Liposuction Technique?

With anything, time breeds innovation. There was no exception when it came toliposuction. Tumescent liposuction is a procedure that is an improvement over traditional liposuction and was introduced to the medical community in the late 1980’s. The tumescent liposuction technique was such a success that it quickly became the gold standard of how the procedure is done today.

Tumescent literally means swollen and firm, which is how the treatment area will be prepped prior to surgery. At it’s heart the tumescent liposuction technique is much the same as a traditional (or dry) liposuction. A small cannula (or hollow tube) is connected to a suction device. The cannula is inserted below the skin, using small incisions in the skin to gain access to the treatment area. The cannula is moved back and forth across the treatment area simultaneously removing fatty adipose tissue and sculpting the desired area.

With tumescent liposuction the treatment area is pretreated by injecting a solution of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine. The solution makes the treatment area “Tumescent” which serves two very important functions. First the lidocaine is a powerful anesthetic which numbs the treatment area. Second the epinephrine acts as a vaso constrictor which limits the blood loss during treatment. Once the area of the body has been treated with the fluid the liposuction procedure can proceed as normal.

What are the Benefits of Tumescent Liposuction?

The tumescent liposuction technique has a long list of benefits associated with it. The lidocaine which is part of the treatment solution eliminates the need for full sedation. This limits the need for expensive anesthesia treatments and increases the safety of the overall procedure. The majority of complications resulting from anesthesia during liposuction involve full sedation. The lidocaine allows the patient to be fully conscious during the procedure to report any adverse feelings or discomforts to their surgeon. The anesthetic allows the tumescent liposuction recovery period to be quicker than that of it’s predecessors.

As referenced earlier the epinephrine that is part of the treatment solution acts as a powerful vaso constrictor. This significantly reduces the overall blood loss during the procedure, on average limiting it to under a few teaspoons worth of blood. The epinephrine also helps to aid in the tumescent liposuction recovery by allowing for less blood to pool under the skin, thus limiting the bruising and outward appearance of the treatment area.

What to Expect Post Surgery?

Post surgery, the treatment area will be allowed to drain, using small drains inserted into the sutures. This will allow for the excess treatment fluid to be removed as well as limiting the unsightly swelling of bruising. You can expect overall tenderness and bruising of the treatment area. The sutures will take anywhere from ten to twelve business days to really close up, and the site of the sutures will be tender. Traditionally patients are well enough to return to their normal lives within five to seven days.

Factors Affecting Tumescent Liposuction Price

Tumescent Liposuction costs on average is $3,500, although there are a variety of factors that can affect the overall final price. Area of the body the procedure is being performed on, geographic location of where the surgery is being performed, and the number of areas being treated at the same time can all have a significant affect on the final price of your procedure.

It’s best to consult with your physician to determine the best approach for your individual procedure. Be sure to ask about the associated costs of your individual treatment including, laboratory tests, anesthesia, post surgical dressings/garments, and physicians fees.  Typically tumescent liposuction results are better than other varieties of liposuction, with faster recovery time and optimal cost. Be sure to discuss all of your options with your treating physician when determining what the best option is for you.

With each year the percentage of male based liposuction procedures have been increasing. This past year the percentage of males receiving liposuction was over 16% in the United States of America. In certain geographic locations such as India the percentage of male based liposuction procedures was as high as 39%. Male breast liposuction has been one of the treatments that has been on the rise in recent years across the globe.

On average, world wide, there is an increasing occurrence of men partaking in cosmetic based procedures to improve their outward appearance. The impetus for this movement can be traced to a variety of factors. The collective importance and preoccupation of ones physical appearance has been increasingly thrust into the spot light. The flawless stars of Hollywood or Bollywood tend to give us an unrealistic model of what the “ideal” male/female body should look like. Coupled with the societal pressures to conform to the artificial standards of beauty,  the procedure of liposuction itself has become that much more perfected and relatively available to the general public.

Why get Male Breast Liposuction?

Breast reduction liposuction surgery is not a new procedure, per se. However, the clientele who has been tapping into this unique procedure certainly is. There has been a significant increase in the number of males who have been getting male breast liposuction. The reasoning for this can be two fold, one to correct cosmetic/superficial flaws, and two, to treat a medical condition known as gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is the excessive development of breasts in men, usually having it’s root in a hormonal imbalance. There is; however, a condition known as false gynecomastia, resulting in excessive breast tissue related to weight gain or medication complications. While the result is similar in both extrapolations of the disease the treatment options as they related to liposuction can be rather different.

Gynocomastia Treated with Liposuction

Gynecomastia male breast reduction can be accomplished through liposuction with surprisingly good results. It should be noted, that depending on the type of gynecomastia you are suffering from there could be some complications in your ultimate success through liposuction alone. To understand this completely we need to familiarize ourselves with the types of tissue that can build up in the breast. Adipose tissue is tissue that the body uses to store fat. While unsightly to some, it does serve a function in providing the body with a source of energy, protection and warmth. This type of tissue is most easily removed through liposuction. Results in this scenario provide the best overall outcome. Glandular tissue on the other hand has a more fibrous texture and is not as easily removed through male breast liposuction alone. In extreme cases you may need to still undergo gynecomastia surgery to remove more obstinate glandular tissue.

How Does Male Breast Liposuction Work?

The procedure surrounding male breast liposuction is much the same as any traditional liposuction procedure. Small incisions will be made surrounding the treatment area. These incisions will be used as a gateway to access the fat stores subcutaneously. A small cannula (hollow tube), fitted to a suction device will then be inserted below the skin and moved back-and-forth across the treatment area, subsequently removing the fat in the process.

There are a variety of liposuction treatments available, Tumescent Liposuction (using fluid), Laser Assisted Liposuction, traditional liposuction (no fluid or dry), and Ultrasound or Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction. Each have their benefit and detractors and ultimately should be further discussed with your physician to determine the most effective way to treat your gynecomastia. It should; however, be noted that Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction has not been formally approved by the FDA due to it’s unproven safety record and efficacy.

Finding the Right Physician

Triaging your ultimate physician and surgery location can be one of the most important aspects of the surgery. Be sure to shop around when choosing a physician. Choose a doctor who has a proven track record of performing your type of procedure. You will want a physician who performs you operation on a regular basis and will be well equip in the event of an emergency. Check to see if your physician is board certified and if the surgery center/hospital your are having the procedure done at is accredited. These will ensure that you physician and staff are held to a higher caliber of risk management standards and will likely ensure a better result. The complications with liposuction are very real including, nerve damage, seromas, tissue damage, tissue death, infection, even death. Do your self a favor and spend time in choosing a physician, it could be the most important thing you do.

Since it’s inception in 1974 and it’s mainstream adoption into modern culture in 1982 liposuction has captured the allure and fascination of the general public. Prior to its invention, the medical field was not bashful in it’s pursuit in the art of body sculpting; however, often times the result were met with significant complications and in extreme cases, death.

Thankfully medical science has come a long way in their pursuit of the “perfect body”. Modern procedures are still not without their complications; however, they are few and far between. Now that liposuction is as common as a routine physical, the stigma associated with this cosmetic procedure has gone by the waste side. Dependent on the individual patients needs liposuction can be paired with a variety of procedures to treat specific “problem areas”. A liposuction tummy tuck is a perfect blend of two procedures that have been helping to restore not only physical beauty but also piece of mind to many needy clients.

How Does a Liposuction Tummy Tuck Work?

The interesting part about a liposuction tummy tuck is that they are actually two separate procedures. However, historically they have performed in tandem. Due to recovery time typically there is a short window of time allowed to elapse before each procedure is performed to allow for the maximum benefit of each surgery. The liposuction portion of the paired procedure is the more simplistic of the two procedures and is typically performed first. This is followed by the tummy tuck to help tone the abdomen and bring definition to the treatment area.

With liposuction small incisions will be made in the area to be treated which allows for a cannula (a skinny hollow tube) to be inserted subcutaneously which literally sucks the fat from below the skin. This allows for fatty tissue to be removed from the treatment area which will then be further sculpted by the tummy tuck afterwords.

Conversely, a tummy tuck is a much more significant medical procedure. A tummy tuck involves full sedation and the removal of significant amounts of tissue. The skin is literally separated from the the abdominal wall and then pulled back, tightening the skin giving the body a more sculpted look.  The whole idea behind a tummy tuck is the removal of the excess sagging skin, trimming the skin that is no longer needed to cover the abdomen. The procedure further sculpts the abdomen by having sutures put into the abdomen giving you that six pack look.

Benefits of Liposuction

Liposuction, while still a surgical procedure, has become commonplace enough to be done on an outpatient basis. The procedure itself is a rather simplistic operation taking on average sixty minutes; however, this can fluctuate depending on the type of liposuction performed. The benefits to liposuction are wide ranging. The speed of the procedure being one of them, coupled with the fact that the recovery to liposuction is much quicker than a full on tummy tuck.

The incisions used in the procedure of liposuction are small, as the cannula used during the procedure is a small pencil sized structure that is inserted under the skin. The act of liposuction leaves minimal bruising and discomfort, typically the patient can be back to work within three to five business days. Liposuction, is an ideal procedure for those who do not need extensive body sculpting. The procedure itself is ideal to remove anywhere from five to ten pounds spread out over a large cross section of the body, most typically the midsection and thighs.

The cost of liposuction and tummy tuck differ significantly. On average a typical liposuction procedure can cost approximately $3,000. The overall pricing can fluctuate from doctor to doctor and city to city. It should be cautioned that in most cases you pay for what you get. It’s important to use your common sense, should a situation seem too good to be true, it probably is. The dangers of liposuction, while minimal can result in very real consequences. Infection, muscle/tissue perforation, and sepsis can result from a sub par procedure. To safe guard against this it is important to make sure your procedure is performed at an accredited surgical facility and by the hands of an experienced physician.

Tummy Tuck Explained

A tummy tuck, as we discussed earlier is a significantly more complicated procedure. A tummy tuck causes immediate and  permanent body sculpting to patients who are in need of intervention beyond the capabilities of a simple liposuction procedure. In more advanced cases liposuction will be performed on the patient first to reduce the amount of subcutaneous fat, giving the tummy tuck a better outcome.

Then, upon healing, the tummy tuck will be performed primarily to remove the excess skin and tighten the stomach mussels. The dangers of a tummy tuck are very legitimate, and can include anything from infection and in more serious instances death. The complication of major surgery should not be taken lightly. Cost associated with having a tummy tuck can be extensive. On average the cost ranges from $3,000 – $8,500; however, there are many outside associated costs including, anesthesia, surgery center fees, and associated laboratory work. All of these can raise the cost of the procedure up over $10,000.

Regardless of the nature of the procedure you will always need to make sure that you are protecting your personal welfare. Verifying that a facility is fully accredited and that the physicians performing the procedures is of the utmost importance. Use your common sense, if a situation doesn’t feel right then it probably is not. Don’t be afraid to pace yourself with the various procedures, you may find that after the initial liposuction procedure you may not feel you need the full tummy tuck. Most importantly, spend more time in evaluating your physician than you would when purchasing a car.

Many of us are the beneficiaries of good genetic traits. Beautiful blue eyes, golden blond hair and lean muscle tone are some of the fortunate hand-me-downs from our parents. While many people reap the benefits of these natural gifts there are just as many of us that are the recipients of the short end of the genetic spectrum.

A receding hair line, short sightedness, the perennial spare tire or a double chin are body characteristics that all to many of us have inherited. The good news is that while frustrating many of these characteristics can be reversed with the help of plastic surgery. The double chin can often be one of the most frustrating anatomical abnormalities, mainly because this area is not as easily affected by diet and exercise.

Neck Liposuction Technique

Neck liposuction can be done on a stand alone basis or in conjunction with a variety of cosmetic procedures to help obtain the sculpted lean look patients desire. Tumescent liposuction is one of the more popular options when considering neck liposuction. Tumescent literally means to become swollen or engorged. This procedure works by injecting a solution of saline and lidocaine (anesthetic) into the treatment area.

This makes the treatment area tumescent. Then small incisions will be made surrounding the treatment area, which are used as pathways for the cannula. The cannula is a small, hollow tube used to perform the actual liposuction. This is inserted below the skin and sucks out the fat deposits along with the injected solution. This allows for a quicker and simpler procedure for both the physician and the patient.

Ultrasonic liposuction has also been a popular method of performing the procedure in recent years. This treatment is much the same as traditional liposuction, using the cannula  to remove the fat. However, in this method the ultrasonic technology is used to break down fat deposits either prior to or during the actual liposuction procedure.

The ultrasonic technology relies on high powered sound waves that literally break down and emulsify fat deposits into a liquid form. This can be accomplished by treating the area with ultrasound prior to the liposuction, or by affixing the cannula with the ultrasound technology and using it during the procedure. Some physicians feel that this methodology works better for those hard to treat areas of the body.

Face Lifts, Dermabraision, and Chem Peels… Oh My!

Depending on the severity of your individual situation simple liposuction may eclipse your cosmetic needs. Neck liposuction works best when removing difficult to treat pockets of fat that result in the appearance of a “double chin”. Should you have excessive skin that needs to be removed a face lift may be the ideal procedure for you. Liposuction will not be able to tighten excessive loose skin. In some situation these procedures can be performed in tandem, with the neck liposuction first followed by the face lift after having healed from the liposuction. Discussing this option with your plastic surgeon is always the best protocol for your personal surgery.

Many times women will opt to have a resurfacing of the treatment area performed in conjunction with the neck liposuction. The purpose of these resurfacing procedures is to give the skin a more youthful appearance after the liposuction has been performed. Regardless of the method of achieving this result the procedure is essentially the same. With both dermabraision and chemical peels the first layer of the dermis is removed leaving more youthful cells underneath. This gives the treatment area the appearance of vibrancy.

What to Expect Post Surgery

Many liposuction procedures, including neck liposuction are done on an out patient basis. This means that you will be in and out of the facility within the same day. Typical patients will experience some moderate pain and discomfort in the treatment area. Surgical dressings will need to be worn to reduce the potential for seromas, or fluid filled pockets forming below the skin. Depending on the extent of your individual procedures small drainage tubes will need to be inserted to the treatment area to funnel built up fluid away from the surgery site.

Most patients are back to work within five to seven days of the surgery. This is mainly to allow for the swelling and bruising to heal. It will take approximately the same amount of time to allow for the sutures to heal used for the pathway of the cannula.

Should you opt to have a more complicated procedure in conjunction with your liposuction such as a face lift or dermabraision you can expect to add a few more days to your overall recover period. With a face life you will need to allow for more sutures to close the openings made by the plastic surgeon.

Weighing your Options

Any time you are considering having plastic surgery it is important to have a discussion with your primary care physician. It is vital to understand if you are an ideal candidate for plastic surgery. You may be surprised to learn that you are not physically healthy enough to undergo the procedure.

Certain co-morbidity’s can significantly impact your survival rate when undergoing plastic surgery. Obese patients, chronic smokers or alcoholics can have compromised immune systems which leaves their bodies weakened unable to handle the stresses of anesthesia and surgery.

Taking the time to shop around for the right surgeon for you can make all the difference in your success rate and happiness with you ultimate procedure. Do your homework on the physician verifying that he/she is licensed, accredited and board certified to perform plastic surgery. Speak to prior patients and gauge their happiness with that particular physician. Doing this little bit of leg work in the beginning can make all the difference in the world when you are thinking of going under the knife.

It would come as no surprise to anyone that today’s culture puts an increased emphasis on physical beauty. Like it or not, that is the way our culture is hard wired. We idolize the thin and beautiful and marvel at the strong and muscular. Understandably Hollywood does nothing but help perpetuate the stereotype of the “Ideal” male and female body. This puts an amazing amount of pressure and body dysmorphic thoughts in not only adolescents but adults as well.

In reality, the standard body image is really something that is far from the fit and trim stereotypical image of what mass media puts before us. The sad fact is that many Americans are overweight. Some of us, more significantly than others. This too can be traced back to our culture of excess and consumption. Regardless of it origin, the simple truth is that obesity is one of the leading causes of premature death not only in America but across the globe.

Understandably, many people turn to cosmetic procedures to help reverse the years of damage or neglect they have imparted on their body. One of the most popular weight loss options available is liposuction. This to some people seem like a quick fix, and it is; however, what many people don’t understand is that if you ate like a pig before your procedure chances are you will eat like one after. There are many liposuction alternatives available, but some may not be your first resort.

Dieting your Way to a Healthier Body

All too many people are sooner willing to go under the knife than they are to go on a restrictive diet. This speaks to many peoples desire for instant gratification and immediate results. While liposuction will provide these results it can be a costly way to shed some unwanted pounds. The funny part, is that if you were to ask any fifth grade school child what it takes to be healthy they would tell you “diet and exercise”.

So why is is that so many of us will try but eventually fail in an attempt to diet? The problem is part will power, but also the restrictive nature of the diet itself. People will often spend too much time counting calories but not really contemplate how the food they are putting into their bodies will have an affect on how their body runs and feels. After all, food is fuel.

A diet high in lean proteins and vegetables eaten consistently can do wonders to a diet. It is important to understand the caloric content of the food you eat. A cup of spinach has about 25 calories, while a cup of rice has approximately 250. Eating the spinach will leave you feeling hungrier sooner because you body has broken down those nutrients to use for fuel, eating larger portions of vegetables can help overcome this caloric deficit.

Beans can also be a great supplement to a healthier diet. They offer the needed protein sometime omitted in a vegetable high diet. If you are worried about the … hmph… other side affects of beans, you can buy any number of over the counter supplements to help eliminate this problem. After a few weeks of eating a diet full of lean proteins like chicken, grass fed beef, beans and vegetables you should start to see the pounds melt away. The important part is not to drink you calories through beer, mixed drinks, fancy coffee drinks or sugary drinks. This will undo all the hard work you put in.

But I Don’t Have Time to Exercise!

So now that we are eating healthier it’s time to get in our daily dose of exercise. Now I understand that all of us don’t always have to go log in an hour at the gym. The important part is to get your exercise when and where you can. There are many simple steps you can take to ensure that you get a little more exercise into your daily routine.

Walking to work, when possible is a great way to incorporate some exercise into your routine. If that’s not possible park in the farthest parking spot in the parking lot and walk up to the building. If you take mass transit, get off at a subway stop before your normal stop, or get off the buss a few stops early. Instead of eating during your lunch hour, work while you eat and then take a long walk during your lunch hour.

The next suggestion may send people into a tizzy, but you can always wake up an hour early and get in a quick workout before work. Trust me, that I can understand that this is not the most desirable option, but working out in the morning can help boost endorphins, jump start your metabolism and give you the energy you need to plow through your day.

I’ll Take Diet Pills!

Buyer be ware, while there are some FDA approved diet pill options on the market they are not a cure all. Simply, you can’t eat whatever you want and take these pills and remain thin and fit. If you read the FDA warnings and guidelines on the bottles you will see clearly that those pills are meant to be taken in conjunction with a balanced diet and moderate to light exercise. So if you’re going to have to diet and exercise why not just buckle down and do it o-natural?

While there are FDA approved drugs on the market, they are outnumbered ten to one by non approved diet pills that have flooded the market. These pills should be approached with extreme caution and only taken after having been discussed with a physician. Many of these pills can have a dangerous blend of chemicals and supplements that have not yet fully been evaluated for their safety and efficacy by the FDA.

Liposuction Alternatives, Are you Up for It?

So as we have discussed there are many liposuction alternatives available. Some may be more difficult than others. However, the ultimate point is that you really should try some if not all of the non surgical alternatives prior to making the decision to undergo surgery.

Speak with your primary care physician as well as with your intended plastic surgeon to find out who is a good candidate for liposuction. You many be surprised to learn that you will actually need to lose weight before you actually have your procedure.  The important thing to remember is that you need to change your eating habits and way of life so that when and if you do decide to undergo surgery the results you obtain will stick around for the long term.

Millions of people across the globe have faced the same daunting challenge each morning, stretching, straining and sucking in their gut to try and get a favorite pair of pants to button. Inevitably blaming the dry cleaners for the shrinking of those favorites, they are all too quick to cast off the idea that it might have been they themselves who have grown as opposed to the pants that have shrunk.

If this situation sounds remotely familiar you may be like any number of people who are packing on a few extra pounds. Obesity and weight gain are reaching epidemic proportions and more and more people are turning to any outlet necessary to reverse this growing trend. Not surprisingly cosmetic surgery is one of the solutions that many people turn to to help reverse the years of over eating. One of the more popular and effective options available is stomach liposuction.

What are Some Stomach Liposuction Options?

When entertaining cosmetic surgery, specifically stomach liposuction you may be surprised to learn that there are a variety of options available. Since the invention of liposuction its evolution has been fast paced. In the past twenty years there have been a handful of major innovations that transformed liposuction into the safe and streamlined process it is today.

Tumescent liposuction is one of the more popular options when it comes to liposuction on the midsection/stomach. Tumescent liposuction is a process where a solution of saline and lidocaine (anesthetic) is injected into the treatment area, in this case the abdomen. The solution is then removed subcutaneously, using a cannula (small hollow tube). This procedure often works well when needing to remove larger amounts of adipose tissue.

Tumescent liposuction works well with stomach liposuction procedures for a variety of reasons, first the lidocaine in the solution acts as a vaso constrictor. This constricts the blood vessels and smaller capillaries to minimize the blood loss during and after surgery. Second, the solution allows for the fatty tissue to more easily be removed during the procedure. This allows for more hard to reach fatty deposits to be removed, leaving a more contoured appearance.

Ultrasonic liposuction is another popular method turned to by both patients and physicians. This process is similar to many other liposuction procedures with the difference being how and when the ultrasonic application of the technology is applied. This technology works by treating the area on the body with ultrasonic sound waves. This has the effect of emulsifying (turning to liquid)  fatty tissue cells. The fat is then removed using standard liposuction procedures.

Ultrasonic liposuction can be performed externally or internally. The difference is fairly straight forward. On the external version, the technology is applied on top of the skin, and the fat is then removed subcutaneously. With internal ultrasonic liposuction the ultrasonic technology is affixed to the cannula. The cannula is then inserted beneath the skin and the ultrasonic technology is applied in conjunction with the active liposuction procedure. Some physicians feel that this allows for more even removal of fat deposits; however, this is up for debate.

What Does Stomach Liposuction Cost?

There are many factors that can affect liposuction cost. Geographic location of the surgery and the pedigree of the physician can all have an affect on the ultimate price. The price of stomach liposuction can also be impacted by the amount of tissue that the patient is having removed. Not surprisingly the more that needs to be removed the higher the cost. On average one could expect to pay anywhere from $3,000 – $7,500 for the basic liposuction procedure.

The above cost only factors in the cost of the surgeon performing the surgery and perhaps the cost of having it done in a special setting, such as a surgicenter or specialty hospital. What many people are unaware of is some of the hidden costs associated with having surgery. Pre-surgical blood work will need to be run prior to getting the approval from your primary care provider. You will also incur additional cost for anesthesia during your procedure, if being fully sedated. In addition you can also expect to pay for post surgical dressings and compression fittings to prevent the onset of seromas.

What to Expect Post Surgery

In the hours after surgery you can expect to be in mild to moderate discomfort. There will be bruising, swelling and possible discoloration of the surgery site. This will fade with each day you are post surgery. For the first few days you will have drainage tubes carrying away excess fluid build up to allow for proper healing of the treatment site. This will be aided by compression garments used to allow the dermis and muscle walls to form a better contact and heal as intended.

The sutures used as guidelines for the cannula will be closed with dissolveable stitches. These will require up to a week to ten days to heal completely; however, they can be dealt with by applying a minor bandage. Average patients are able to return to activities of daily living within five to seven business days. A few days after your procedure you will need to return to the doctors office to have your drain tubes removed; however, this is often a minor part of the process.

Do Your Homework When Finding a Physician

This point, while commonsense, is one of the key components that so many people overlook when getting plastic surgery. All too often people will blindly accept the name and reference of a friend of a friend who knows a “guy”. Don’t rely on this second hand method of finding a good plastic surgeon.

It is important to check the credentials of a physician before you entertain them for your procedure. Checking to verify that they are insured and are carrying adequate limits can be vital should there be an adverse event. Looking to see if the physician and the facility in which he/she is performing surgery is accredited by agencies such as “The Joint Commission” or the “AAASC”.  Verifying that your physician is a board certified plastic surgeon and speaking with past patients is also a good idea before you determine a final physician. Remember if you don’t feel comfortable with him or her, don’t feel obligated to have them do your procedure just because you had a consultation. Take your time and find the right doctor for you.

Making the decision to undergo liposuction can be both a gut wrenching and liberating decision for many people. The ability to shed those extra  pounds within minutes, as opposed to months, with restrictive dieting and exercise is an option that many people would opt for. The down side, for many, is the post surgical liposuction recovery.

While the recovery process for liposuction is minimal in comparison to other surgical procedures there are still things you will need to know when contemplating surgery. Discussing the specifics with your surgeon is a key detail to understanding what your individual procedure will result in. With a variety of techniques available today the scope and severity of your liposuction recovery can differ from procedure to procedure.

What to Expect Post Surgery

Immediately upon waking up in the recovery room you can expect to have the typical side affects of anesthesia. Lethargy, confusion, and disorientation will last for up to an hour after coming out of anesthesia. With some inhaled forms of anesthesia the patient can be left feeling nauseous, often being able to taste the anesthetic still in their lungs. Depending on the nature of your anesthesia the side affects can be quite different. General anesthesia (being fully sedated) results in a longer recovery process, while local anesthesia (numbing of the treatment area) can lead to a quicker recovery post surgery.

The treatment area depending on the location of treatment will either be wrapped or fitted with a compression garment. These wrappings or garments have a dual purpose. First they help to keep the dermis (skin layer) in constant contact with the muscle wall. It is important to remember that the procedure has separated the two during the operation. This allows for the two to join back together during the healing process. Second the compression fittings/garments will help to reduce the development of seromas (fluid filled pockets beneath the skin).

Will it Hurt?

Yes. There is no way to sugar coat this. You will be uncomfortable and in pain. The pain is most similarly compared to that of a severe bad black-and-blue. You will have soreness and tenderness in the treatment area as well as in the surrounding areas. Bruising may be present; however, is not there in all occasions.

There will be a handful of incision points used as pathways for the cannula that will require minor sutures to close. These incisions, while small, will still be sensitive and require monitoring to ensure there is no onset of infection or contamination. These sutures should close within ten to twelve days, often times requiring a return trip to the doctors office to remove the stitches.

In most cases when liposuction is performed on the abdomen or a larger area of the body your physician will need to install drainage tubes. The tubes are there for the purpose of draining away excess fluid that would normally build up between the muscle wall and dermis. If left unchecked they can quickly turn into seromas beneath the skin. The drains while unsightly and uncomfortable serve an important purpose post surgery.

Will I Have a Scar?

No. While there are small incisions that are made as pathways for the cannula these will be closed up and blended into the surrounding area. In many cases with smaller surgical areas the cannula used will be a smaller diameter, this requires a very small opening that can often be patched using nothing more than a band-aide.

Physicians over the years, especially plastic surgeons have become hyper sensitive to the needs of their patients. The whole reason for having the surgery is to leave the patient looking and feeling better then when they came in. Extra scars have no room in this equation.

How Long Is the Liposuction Recovery Period?

Each person responds to plastic surgery differently. Some people’s immune systems can be compromised due to existing illness which can make recovery that much more difficult. While healthier counterparts can expect a quicker recovery. Chain smokers or alcoholics can have a difficult time post surgery due to their compromised immune systems. The nature of your procedure can also have  big impact on the amount of time you will need to recover. Liposuction on smaller areas of the body will require less time to overcome the procedure. While having the procedure performed on larger areas such as the stomach or back can take longer to recover.

On average, people can expect to be out of commission for anywhere from three to five days. At which point the patient will likely be able to resume somewhat normal day to day activities, barring exercise, contact sports, or heavy lifting. Most patients will have made a full recovery within seven to ten days. Minor checkups with your physician will be needed to check on your healing process as well as monitoring the outcome of your procedure.