Liposuction

Liposuction

Liposuction is a great body sculpting procedure that can remove excess fat on the stomach, arms, thighs, under the chin, and more. Through liposuction, Dr. Rankin can remove stubborn bulges of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise, and as a result, create a more flattering silhouette.

Liposuction is a permanent surgical procedure that involves suctioning excess fat out of targeted areas of the body through a thin tube, otherwise known as a cannula. A surgical vacuum will remove the fat through the cannula, and then we will dispose of the fat unless you plan to undergo a fat transfer procedure, such as a Brazilian butt lift or fat transfer breast augmentation. 

A common misconception about liposuction is that it is a substitute for weight loss. In actuality, liposuction is a body contouring procedure for stubborn areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction has a modest skin tightening effect, but firm skin is ideal for the best results.

If you have loose skin, then you may be a candidate for LipoTyte™ a revolutionary treatment only offered at NorCal Plastic Surgery. During a LipoTyte™ procedure, Dr. Rankin combines liposuction with Renuvion®, a minimally invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency technology and cold helium plasma to improve the appearance of skin laxity. LipoTyte™ can allow patients with poor skin elasticity to enjoy the benefits of a liposuction treatment and improve their skin firmness in the process.

At NorCal Plastic Surgery, we use general anesthesia for liposuction to make sure you are comfortable during the procedure. Liposuction is an outpatient procedure, so you will be able to go home the same day as your surgery.

Liposuction works by removing fat from the areas you want to target. Often, your body stores fat in specific areas that can be hard to get rid of. Liposuction can be used on any body part to enhance the body-contouring you desire. Small incisions around 5 millimeters long are placed in strategic, discrete locations. The location of the incisions is important for both promoting the best possible healing and minimizing the appearance of scarring. 

One of the biggest benefits of liposuction is that it permanently removes stubborn fat from the body. It is best to be at a stable weight before having the procedure, as the remaining fat cells can still expand if you gain weight after liposuction. 

While the time it takes to recover can depend on where we perform liposuction, recovery can generally take four to six weeks.  Pushing yourself to return to your usual activities too fast can hinder your recovery. Most people can go back to work within five to seven days after surgery. 

Using a compression garment is key to promoting the best recovery. We will give you a compression garment to wear on the area(s) where you received treatment. This will also help reduce swelling, bruising, and redness at the surgical sites. 

Seeing your final liposuction results can take a few months as the swelling goes down. Larger areas of fat removal can take a bit longer due to the extent of the procedure. If you are preparing for an important event, we recommend having liposuction no less than three months before. We will discuss your recovery timeline with you more in-depth during your initial consultation.

People who want to remove stubborn excess fat from their bodies may be a good candidate for liposuction. We remove fat from several different areas of the body, including the stomach, upper arms, back, chest, under the chin, neck, and buttocks. 

Ideal candidates should:

  • Be an adult within 30% of their ideal weight goal
  • Have good muscle tone
  • Have firm skin – while liposuction has a modest skin tightening effect, firm skin is ideal to have for the best results – If you have loose skin, then you may be a candidate for Renuvion®, or another body contouring procedure
  • Be a non-smoker
  • Have specific, realistic goals about what liposuction can do for you 

How much liposuction costs depends on the surgeon you go to and the area or areas you want to treat. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of liposuction in 2020 was $3,637. The average cost is not all inclusive – there can be many different factors contributing to the total price. Some of those factors include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia fees, the length of time you spend in the hospital, etc. 

We will help determine a final cost for your individualized liposuction procedure during your consultation. 

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Before & After Gallery

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Want to learn more about how Liposuction can help you gain more confidence in your appearance? Schedule your consultation with Dr. Rankin by calling (925) 856-4800 or filling out the consultation request form below. We look forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals.

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