About Liposuction

What is Liposuction?

Simply put, liposuction is the surgical removal of fat cells through a stainless steel suction tube called a cannula. Liposuction was first performed in 1974. If you are considering liposuction, it is important that you have realistic expectations. Although dramatic results can be achieved, they may not be as immediate or obvious as you would like. As with all plastic surgery, the success of liposuction will depend on a number of individual factors, such as age, skin elasticity, weight, and overall health. Liposuction is not appropriate for people with a weakened immune system, diabetes, heart or artery problems, or a history of blood clots or restricted blood flow. You are a good candidate for liposuction if you are of normal weight; have healthy, elastic skin; and have specific “trouble areas” such as the tummy, thighs, and butt that will not respond to changes in diet and exercise.

Liposuction works best for areas of the face and body with stubborn fat deposits resistant to overall weight loss, such as the infamous “love handles.” The thighs, abdomen, buttocks, flanks, hips, upper arms, chin, jowels, and neck generally respond well. Men and women may also choose liposuction to reduce breast size, a procedure that results in less scarring than other types of plastic surgery. Liposuction can be performed consecutively on many different sites. There are several types of liposuction procedures available, all of which use a wand-like instrument called a cannula to remove unwanted fat. Tumescent liposuction involves the injection if a large amount of anesthetic into the area being treated; the wet and super-wet techniques are variations of this type of liposuction. In ultrasonic assisted liposuction (UAL), sound waves are used to liquefy the fat before it is removed. LipoSelection® uses the same concept without disturbing the surrounding tissue. Power assisted liposuction (PAL) employs a motor-powered cannula, which allows the surgeon to use smaller movements and make the experience more comfortable for the patient.

The cost of liposuction can vary greatly depending on the type you chose, the area(s) of the body you want to target, and your surgeon. Generally, liposuction procedures run anywhere from $2,500 to $7,500, your total cost depending on the number of treatments you undergo. Except in very rare cases, liposuction is not covered by insurance, and must be paid in full by the patient.

The basic liposuction procedure involves the insertion of a small, tube-like instrument called a cannula through tiny incisions made by the surgeon. The cannula then breaks up and vacuums away unwanted fat deposits beneath the skin. Local or IV sedation will be used, depending on the type and number of liposuction procedures you undergo.  Like any plastic surgery, liposuction carries some amount of risk. Although liposuction complications are rare, they can include infection, nerve damage, seizures, and negative reactions to anesthesia. The most effective way to minimize your risk is to have a thorough physical examination prior to liposuction surgery. There is also the risk of experiencing adverse side effects, such as bruising and scarring.

Although liposuction does remove a number of existing fat cells, it does not guarantee that you won’t regain some fat. The importance of healthy lifestyle choices post- liposuction cannot be stressed enough; you should stick to a moderate diet and be sure to exercise for at least 30 minutes three to five times per week. Not only will this help you maintain your figure after liposuction, it will also improve your overall health and help prevent the onset of certain diseases. If you are going to treat yourself to liposuction, be sure to treat your body well afterward! For more post- liposuction tips, see our full section on diet and exercise after liposuction.

What is the difference between traditional Liposuction explained above and the Ultrasound Liposuction offered by Slimming Sensation?

Ultrasound Liposuction is a new, revolutionary fat removal technology that does NOT involve surgery - there is no need for anesthetics, no hospital stay or time off work, and - last but not least - the cost of procedure is only around $200 (see Price List) as compared to up to $7,500 for liposuction.

Slimming Sensation utilize a unique cavitation technology that allows for non-invasive removal of stubborn fat deposits that never seems to disappear no matter of your diet or how hard you work out. The most problematic body areas are: abdomen, flanks (“love handles”), thighs (“saddle bags”), buttocks, inner knees, upper arm, male breasts.

Your body can be now contoured with no anesthesia, no scars, and no down-time.

Cavitation is a natural phenomenon based on low frequency ultrasound. The ultrasound field creates the bubbles in the liquid, which gradually grow, and implode at certain size. The energy in the form of heat (minor effect) and pressure wave (major effect) is released. As the membranes of fat cells do not have the structural capacity to withstand the vibrations, the effect of cavitation easily breaks them, while sparing the vascular, nervous and muscular tissue.

After disruption of adipose cells, the broken fat in the form of triglycerides is released into the interstitial fluid between the cells, where they are enzymatically metabolized to glycerol and free fatty acids. Water soluble glycerol is absorbed by the circulatory system and used as the energy source, whereas the insoluble free fatty acids are transported to the liver and processed as fatty acids from food.

The cavitation treatment does not require any special pre-treatment. It starts with circumference measurement of the target body area, continues with circular movements of the applicator over the treatment site, and is finalized with another circumference measurement.

The duration of treatment session is usually around 40 minutes, depending on the size of the area and the thickness of the fat layer. 3 to 6 sessions at 2-week intervals are recommended in order to achieve a notable result, but further treatments may be needed to attain your desired silhouette.

The treatment does not require anesthesia. Most of the clients consider the procedure painless and comfortable. There may be, however, a slight discomfort due to the specific noise spreading inside your body, but it poses no harm and disappears as soon as you are not in contact with the applicator. You may also experience a little warmth during the treatment. If it turns burning hot, immediately request some extra ultrasound gel to be applied.

There is a slight possibility of mild side effects such as transient redness, excessive thirst, and nausea immediately after the treatment which always resolves by drinking water. They are all short-term effects that disappear in few hours to few days.

Even though the studies have proven the treatment safe, the cavitation is not be used in clients with an acute illness, comprised liver function, severe bleeding tendencies, pace makers, or during pregnancy.

The cavitation treatment yields immediate and longlasting results. Most of the clients experience 2 to 12 cm of circumference reduction after a single session, with increasing results after each visit. The results may vary with different tissue structure, treatment area, age, metabolism, medications, and changes in hormones. Proper diet and increased physical activity will certainly improve and help to maintain the results.

Important: For best results you should refrain from any alcohol consumption for 3 days after the treatment. Alcohol consumption during this period may prevent your liver from removing the deactivated fat cells from your body (as the liver will assign priority to removing the alcohol from your blood).

Would you like to find out more about Slimming Sensation? Please contact us.