Liposuction

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty or liposculpture, is a popular surgical procedure that has been helping individuals achieve their desired body contours for decades. It was first developed in the late 1970s to remove undesired fat from nearly all body areas, including the face, neck, arms, chin, breast, abdomen, hips, flanks (love handles), inner and outer thighs, buttocks, and knees. Developed by Dr. Kline, the tumescent technique revolutionized the liposuction procedure and make it possible to have the procedure performed in-office setting. Tumescent provides local anesthesia to large volumes of subcutaneous fat and thus permits liposuction with minimal bleeding and a larger volume of fat removal. The use of tumescent technique allows surgeons safely and effectively remove deep and superficial layers of fat under local anesthesia with tolerable discomfort. 

How Does It Work?

Liposuction is the removal of excess fat with a small, straw-like instrument called cannula that is attached to a suction machine. The fat layer under the skin is converted to a network of tunnels, and the cannula is manipulated within the layers to remove unwanted fatty deposits, An elastic garment is then worn for compression and healing. The result is to sculpt and reshape the bulging areas into more attractive contours. Dr. Yuan offers power assistant liposuction and laser liposuction for the purpose of large volume fat removal.

Liposuction in Limerick, PA, is a highly effective procedure for removing love handles.

What Areas Can Liposuction Be Performed?

  • Abdomen central and lateral (love handles).
  • Lovehandle
  • Inner thighs. Outer thighs (saddlebags). Knees.
  • Arms
  • Lower back
  • Back of bra-line area
  • Male breast (gynecomastia)

Several areas can be combined into one procedure. There are limitations on how much can be done based on each person’s condition. Dr. Yuan will give you an individualized plan based on the goal you want to achieve.

Surgeon drawing

How To Prepare for the Procedure?

Before surgery, a complete medical history is taken and an examination is conducted in order for Dr. Yuan to evaluate your condition. Some people will not be candidates for liposuction and buttock lift procedures. Alternative treatments should be considered. During the consultation, we will go over the procedure and what results might be expected. The doctor will review alternative treatment options and explain the possible risks and complications that may occur. Photographs are frequently taken before and after surgery to help evaluate the amount of improvement.

What Are The Main Benefits of Tumescent Liposuction?

Dr. Yuan performs tumescent lipo with a tailored protocol to further decrease intra-operative bleeding and intra-operative discomfort. Patients can communicate with our physician for their discomfort level during the procedure. Majority of the 360 lipo and BBL surgeries can be done in this way without excessive discomfort.

When Is the Procedure Indicated?

Liposuction is most effective for removing localized fat deposits in body areas that do not respond to dieting or exercising. It will also be performed before buttock lift or BBL surgery to harvest the fat graft. The procedure is not intended as a substitute for weight loss but rather is a contouring procedure. 

Liposuction for Men:

Men often seek liposuction to target areas like the abdomen, flanks, and chest to achieve a more masculine physique.

Liposuction for Women:

Women may opt for liposuction to address concerns in areas like the thighs, hips, or arms.

fat woman turn back

Am I a Candidate?

While popular, it isn’t for everyone. It is best avoided if you’re someone in who:

  • Is pregnant or nursing
  • Has a blood clotting disorder
  • Has severe heart problems
  • Is a smoker
  • Has diabetes
  • Has a history of seizures

These are only a few examples of people who should avoid the procedure. To learn more about how lipo and body contouring can affect you and your chronic health concerns, get in touch with us at our King of Prussia, Pottstown, Havertown PA locations. 

arm liposuction

How Long Is the Recovery?

After the procedure, it’s crucial to follow your post-operative instructions carefully. You can expect some swelling and bruising, but this will subside over time. Be sure to get plenty of rest and wear compression garments as recommended.

Some of the local anesthesia which was injected into the tissue will remain in the tissue for 18 to 24 hours following liposuction surgery, greatly minimizing postoperative pain and any bleeding. The rest of the fluid will come out of the skin through the tiny incision sites. Absorbing padding to catch the extra fluid and an elastic garment is then worn for compression and healing. People should take a light walk and massage the area in a downward motion allowing the extra fluid to come out. Generally, the person will drain for about three days and then they are done with draining. 

The aftercare is just as important as the surgery and instructions must be followed perfectly. With the tumescent technique, there is minimal bruising, and many patients do not require postoperative medication for pain. Depending on the type of job you have, most people can return back to work within one week. No heavy exercise or aerobic exercise for four weeks, but light exercise is recommended.

How Is The Office Procedure Performed?

Liposuction can be performed in the doctor’s office facility, outpatient surgical suite, or a hospital. If general anesthesia is not otherwise indicated, its potential complications can be avoided by the use of local anesthesia (often used with light sedation) via the tumescent technique. This breakthrough technique refers to filling the skin with a local anesthetic in order to remove unwanted fat more efficiently.

With tumescent liposuction, large volumes of solution containing dilute lidocaine (a local anesthetic and dilute epinephrine (a drug to shrink capillaries and prevent blood loss) are injected with minimal discomfort directly into areas of excessive fatty deposits. Once the liquid is injected, a small incision is made in the skin, and a tube connected to a vacuum is inserted into the fatty layer. Using to and fro movements, the fat is drawn through the tube into a collection system. The tumescent method enables the surgeon to remove large amounts of fat more uniformly with fewer skin irregularities and less bleeding and bruising.

Liposuction Costs and Financing

Procedure Cost

The cost of tumescent liposuction varies depending on factors such as the number of areas treated and the technique used. Our starting price for liposuction is $2,500, with typical 360 liposuction averaging around $7,000 in our office. Laser liposuction is priced slightly higher and is ideal for smaller areas of fat removal. To get an accurate and personalized cost estimate, we recommend scheduling a consultation with our surgeon.

Financing Options

Our practice offer financing options to make liposuction more affordable. These options can include payment plans and medical financing services.

Liposuction Risks and Complications

While liposuction is a generally safe procedure with few significant liposuction is  safe, like any surgery, it carries some risks. These can include infection, bleeding, and irregular contours. It’s essential to discuss these risks with our surgeon during your consultation.  Unwanted effects of the tumescent technique, and liposuction in include:

  • Numbness
  • Infections
  • Scarring
  • Irregularities like lumpiness or dimples
  • Bleeding
  • Damage to nerves, muscles, and abdominal organs
  • Blood clots in deep veins
  • Fat embolization

Some of the rare complications are not included.

Interested In Liposuction & Body Contouring Services in Philadelphia and Reading, PA?

Our two office locations can be easily accessed through I-467 and Route 422 from Philadelphia, Reading PA, Cherry Hill NJ, and Wilmington DE. We’re happy to answer all of your questions. 

All clients need to have initial consultation in person or online. You have to be healthy or your medical conditions are under good control. Blood test will be done within one month. Some clients will need medical clearance before the procedure. Our medical assistants and the doctor will guide you step by step before and after the surgery.

Other Related Procedures?

Patients considering liposuction should also be aware of related procedures that can complement their aesthetic goals. These may include a Tummy Tuck to address excess abdominal skin and muscle laxity, Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) or fat transfer to enhance the buttocks, Skin Tightening procedures for overall body contouring, and even comprehensive mommy makeover surgeries to address multiple areas of concern following pregnancy. Additionally, Breast Augmentation can be a part of a transformative journey for those seeking a balanced and harmonious body contour. Alternative procedures for PAL liposuction is Laser Liposuction and J-plasma for deep tissue tightening. Understanding these complementary or alternative procedures and consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help patients make well-informed decisions about achieving their desired results.

Dr. Sean Yuan - aestheticandbariatrics

Dr. Yuan Has Years Of Experience Performing Liposuction

Dr. Yuan is a highly skilled surgeon with extensive experience in performing liposuction and Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgeries, delivering remarkable results to his patients. His proficiency in tumescent liposuction, a technique that is quicker and capable of removing a larger volume of fat and his skill in fat transfer, has been refined through years of practice. Dr. Yuan recognizes that achieving the optimal outcomes from these procedures requires not only technical skill but also patience and a deep understanding of each patient’s unique needs. You can contact our team if you think the procedure will help you to fulfill your needs.