Liposuction
Remove exercise-resistant fat.
Improve your shape by slimming areas of your body that exercise just can’t help tone. Liposuction removes fat deposits with a cannula and surgical vacuum. Some of the common locations for liposuction include neck, upper arms, abdomen, hips and thighs.
There are multiple ways liposuction can be performed, but Charlotte Plastic Surgery endorses and uses two: suction-assisted lipoplasty and ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty. Both of these use the super wet technique, which ensures fat is targeted more precisely, meaning a significant increase in safety and reduction of post-operative bruising and swelling.
Suction-Assisted Lipectomy (SAL)
This more traditional form of lipectomy breaks up fat and uses a high-pressure vacuum to remove the fat through a hollow instrument inserted beneath the skin.
Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL)
For fibrous body areas or larger amounts of fat, this technique involves inserting an ultrasound probe beneath the skin to "liquefy" the fat before it’s suctioned. This is particularly effective for more stubborn fat deposits.
These techniques have proven results in hundreds of thousands of patients, because they actually remove fat. While some trademarked techniques may be heavily promoted by others, they don’t always meet our standards. If a method doesn’t have proven success for our patients, then we won’t use it. That’s our promise to you.
Our responsibilities extend far beyond surgical skills to include researching and recommending the best procedures possible for the highest level of safety and satisfaction.
“By utilizing technology, technique and experience, we’re able to give our patients the best possible care with the most trusted procedures.”
While medical technology is always evolving, solid experience will never be obsolete. It’s important to advance with the latest technology and techniques, but it’s equally important to make sure these new methods are trusted and proven.
Surgical Overview
Length: 1-2 hours or more.
Anesthesia: Usually asleep.
In/outpatient: Usually outpatient.
Side effects: Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness and burning sensation. Super wet: Temporary fluid drainage from incision sites.
Risks: With any surgery, risks such as infection and blood clot exist. Our surgeons will always talk with you about potential risks specific to your procedures in your consultation. Other risks include asymmetry, skin irregularity, pigmentation changes, fluid retention or loss.
Recovery: Back to work: One week. More strenuous activity: Two to four weeks. Full recovery from swelling and bruising: Two to six months or more. A post-operative garment is usually necessary. More extensive surgery may require longer recovery times.
Duration of results: Permanent, with sensible diet and exercise.
