Liposuction

As is the case with most things, the best way to determine if liposuction in Kentucky is right for you is to educate yourself on all aspects of the procedure. Make sure you are familiar with the different liposuction techniques, how liposuction is performed, the risks involved, the advantages of each type of liposuction, and what kinds of results you can expect. Your surgeon and our nurse educator will discuss all aspects of the procedure during an initial consultation.

At Calobrace Plastic Surgery Center, our patients often have many questions about liposuction in Louisville. When performed by a skilled plastic surgeon near Lexington, Kentucky like Dr. Calobrace or Dr. Mizuguchi, the procedure can create a slimmer and more attractive body contour. Request a consultation today or call 502.899.9979 to schedule your visit and learn more about this procedure.

Tumescent Liposuction

This technique involves the injection of saline solution (salt-water) into the fat followed by suctioning of fat with small metal cannulas (a wand-like surgical instrument that removes fat). Tumescent fluid injection has significantly reduced blood loss and bruising, allowing greater amounts of fat to be removed. This technique has been used for many years.

Internal Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

This technique combines internal ultrasonic energy application and tumescent fluid injection for removal of fatty deposits. The sound waves delivered to the tip of the metal cannula effectively liquefy the fat which is gently drained from the body. UAL has minimal blood loss, thus allowing larger amounts of fat to be removed. The "liquefaction" of the fatty deposits tends to have a "feathering" effect, minimizing any tunnels or depressions in the skin. The goal is a smoother, more sculpted contour.

UAL requires minimal surgeon effort due to the ease of cannula passage, thus allowing larger amounts of fat to be removed. This is especially effective in fibrous regions of the body (such as the chest/breast or lower back) and is also used for larger volume cases, redo liposuction, and selected male patients.

External Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction (E-UAL)

This Louisville liposuction technique combines tumescent technique with external application of ultrasound waves on the skin prior to suctioning the unwanted fat. E-UAL has wide application and is the technique most often performed at the practice. The ultrasound energy is believed to assist in "loosening" the fat to allow more gentle removal. There also may be some ultrasonic effect on the skin or superficial fat which may aid in skin retraction (tightening). E-UAL does allow for smaller incisions and is an excellent alternative or compliment to UAL.

LipoLite™

The new evolution of laser lipolysis, LipoLite™ is the minimally invasive system designed to destroy fat cells and coagulate tissue on the body and the face. It can be used on its own for subtle body contouring or as a way to improve the results of a traditional liposuction procedure. The key innovation is the use of a powerful laser beam to liquefy areas of unwanted fat. This procedure has the added benefit of tightening the skin for a smooth and toned result.

Recovery after Liposuction

Following liposuction, foam bandages and an elastic support garment are worn. As the swelling decreases, the elastic support garment is replaced with a smaller support garment. The sutures are removed within four to seven days following the surgery. Lymphatic massage begins about one week after surgery. This therapy is helpful in reducing the swelling. While the procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis, an overnight stay in the hospital is preferred by some patients. Full recovery time after liposuction varies, but in a few days most Lexington and Louisville area patients are able to return to work. Full recovery is usually complete after 6 weeks. Pain medications and antibiotics are prescribed for the post-operative recovery period.

Endermologie®

At Calobrace Plastic Surgery Center, Endermologie is available post-liposuction as a therapeutic massage technique. This is felt to reduce swelling and potentially produce an improved appearance of the skin post-liposuction. Endermologie is also used without liposuction to improve the appearance of the skin with a temporary improvement in the appearance of cellulite.

Your Next Step

To find out if you are a candidate for liposuction, request a consultation online or call 502.899.9979 to schedule your visit to Calobrace Plastic Surgery Center.