Liposuction

Liposuction, sometimes called “lipo”, is a body contouring procedure used to remove excess fatty tissue. It is designed for the permanent removal of fatty tissue in areas such as the hips, thighs, abdomen, knees, back, and neck. Liposuction or liposculpting is an elective procedure that allows Dr. Bray, Jr. to remove undesirable subcutaneous fat in areas that do not respond to diet and exercise.

Liposuction is most successful in people with good skin tone who have fatty deposits. It is not a treatment for obesity. If weight gain occurs following liposuction, the fat may be deposited in areas that have not been treated. The procedure can be repeated, if necessary. To maintain the safety of the procedure, there is a limit on how much can be done at one time.

The Liposuction Consultation

During the initial visit, Dr. Bray, Jr. will assess your areas of concern. The amount of excess fatty tissue, skin quality, and surrounding body contour will be evaluated. Dr. Bray, Jr. will make recommendations and explain the options for optimal body contouring with you.

The Liposuction Procedure

Liposuction is done on an outpatient basis. The procedure may be performed under local anesthesia, IV sedation and local anesthesia, or general anesthesia. Dr. Bray, Jr. makes small incisions in the areas to be treated. Tumescent or wetting solution is then infiltrated into the fatty tissue. This solution provides local anesthesia and reduces bleeding. A cannula is inserted in a small incision and attached to a suction machine. The excess fatty tissue is then carefully removed in a symmetric fashion. Dr. Bray, Jr. will use multiple cannulas to optimize the procedure. Dr. Bray, Jr. may sculpt the area in order to provide an improved contour and shape.

Recovery from Liposuction

Most patients are able to go home after liposuction. The pain is well controlled with oral pain medication. Dr. Bray, Jr. will see you in the office on the following day. You may have swelling which can increase over the first few days. During the following weeks the swelling will improve and you will be able to see the significant changes from liposuction. You will wear compression garments provided to apply pressure, minimize swelling and provide support while healing. These garments also assist in retraction of the skin.

You may increase your activity daily until full activity is resumed at 2-4 weeks. You will be ready to return to office work in a few days. Avoid the sun until all bruising has subsided. Continue to wear your compression garment until Dr. Bray, Jr. advises you to stop.

Before/after images of Dr Bray, Jr.’s liposuction results are available in the image gallery.

Candidates for Liposuction

Liposuction is ideal for people close to their ideal weight who struggle with stubborn fat that won’t budge with diet and exercise. 

Liposuction is not a weight-loss solution. The best results come when you’re near your optimal weight with good skin elasticity. 

Dr. Bray, Jr. helps patients determine if liposuction alone or a combination procedure will deliver the best results.

Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck

Liposuction removes fat from targeted areas but doesn’t address loose skin or muscle laxity. A tummy tuck does both those things but doesn’t remove fat (except that which is attached to the removed skin.)

Liposuction alone may be enough if your main concern is stubborn fat pockets. 

If you have sagging skin or weakened muscles (for example, diastasis recti or separated abdominal muscles after pregnancy,) tummy tuck is the only way to address those issues.

Each procedure does something the other does not, so many patients combine them for a more sculpted result. Dr. Bray, Jr. tailors each treatment plan to match your specific goals.

Liposuction vs. Nonsurgical Fat Reduction

Liposuction surgically removes fat cells while nonsurgical reduction generally aims to break down fat using a device. In some cases, nonsurgical reduction involves using a device to apply cold to the underlying fat.  Nonsurgical reduction may require multiple treatments.  

Dr. Bray, Jr. can help you choose the best approach for your needs.

How Liposuction Differs for Men and Women

Liposuction techniques are customized based on body type and aesthetic goals. Fatty tissue deposits can differ in men and women. Men may seek liposuction to create more defined contours in areas such as the chest.  

Women may be more concerned than men with excess fatty tissue of the inner and outer thighs.  Also, the hips, waist, and back may be treated differently in the female patient attempting to create an S shaped curve compared to the less curvaceous shape of the male patient.

Dr. Bray, Jr. has extensive experience tailoring liposuction for men and women, ensuring natural-looking, proportionate results.

Liposuction Myths and Misconceptions

Liposuction may be the most popular fat reduction procedure, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood types of surgery due to persistent myths and misconceptions. Those include: 

• It’s a weight loss procedure: Liposuction isn’t for weight loss. Its main goal is refining and sculpting the figure.
• Fat grows back: You might have heard rumors that fat returns to the treated areas. However, typically once those fat cells are gone, they’re gone for good. This misconception comes in because some patients may gain weight after liposuction. That can cause remaining fat cells to expand, making it appear the original fat has returned. Close attention to diet and exercise can help you maintain your shape and avoid this. 
• Liposuction tightens skin: Liposuction successfully removes fat but doesn’t tend to tighten skin. That’s why the best liposuction candidates possess good skin elasticity. It allows the skin to bounce back and retain a tight appearance.
• Liposuction has a long recovery: Liposuction has one of the shorter recoveries out of all popular plastic surgeries. Depending on the amount of liposuction, many patients resume non-strenuous work within a week. 

What is a Newer Liposuction Technique?

Dr. Bray, Jr. is committed to offering his patients the safest and best techniques in liposuction. Fat equalization is a newer technique.

Using this approach, Dr. Bray, Jr. expertly smooths out fat after liposuction to prevent lumps or uneven areas. Instead of just removing excess fat, he carefully redistributes the remaining fat for a more smooth, symmetrical, and beautiful natural contour.

This may help avoid post-liposuction issues like skin dents and ripples, especially in areas like the abdomen or thighs.

Liposuction in Torrance, CA

If you’re ready to learn more about liposuction, please call our office at 310-326-9400 to book your consultation with Dr. Bray, Jr.