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.

What is new in liposuction?

Dr. Bray, Jr. is committed to offering his patients the safest and best techniques in liposuction. A new technique being used for liposuction is fat equalization. This technique involves the careful separation of fat followed by removal of fat and then equalization of remaining fat. This technique was designed to avoid scarring and tissue damage that may be caused by other techniques, such as laser assisted liposuction. This technique is intended to protect adipose derived stromal cells. The fat separation is similar to ultrasound or laser liposuction except there is no heat generated that could harm normal tissue. Similar to these other techniques, fat is then removed with liposuction. The fat equalization is then performed. The fat is equalized throughout the area of liposuction in order to achieve smooth symmetric contour. Dr. Bray, Jr. prefers this technique because it avoids the dangers of thermal energy while achieving optimal contour results. If you would like to learn more about this new procedure please contact Dr. Bray, Jr. at (310) 326-9400.