Posts Tagged ‘los angeles liposuction’
Cellulaze™: YES, It Really Works!
Many people in Los Angeles considering liposuction are thrilled about Cellulaze, a breakthrough procedure that creates long-lasting improvement in the appearance of cellulite.
Cellulaze is revolutionary in its approach to cellulite reduction. It not only helps liquefy lumpy fat but also improves the skin by making it thicker and more elastic. Skin has been shown to remain smooth and cellulite-free for 2 years or longer after just 1 Cellulaze session. With results this encouraging, it’s safe to say that the battle against cellulite is finally over!
And, It Lasts!
Cellulaze is a one-of-a-kind, highly effective treatment with long-lasting results that may even be permanent. I have seen this procedure work wonders for my patients who struggled with cellulite, and most are still enjoying the benefits of their Cellulaze procedures today.
Cellulaze is an extremely rewarding method of treatment. It’s minimally invasive, which means that little downtime is needed after the procedure, and the side-effects are minor. The results are substantial, but they appear gradually during the 3 to 12 months following treatment.
The improvement is usually quite visible at about 6 months. At this point, my patients are much more confident about showing their skin and feel free to wear shorts, skirts and swimsuits without embarrassment.
New Uses for Liposuction
People in Los Angeles undergo liposuction to sculpt leaner bodies, to reduce areas of unwanted fat and to feel more confident. But now, liposuction holds new hope for breast reconstruction patients who have undergone mastectomies as treatment for breast cancer.
A common point of concern for many breast reconstruction patients is how breast implants might affect their health in the future. A recent study explored how fat grafting could reduce complications for breast reconstruction with implants.
During the procedure, liposuction is used to collect fat from other areas of the body. The fat is then purified and used to augment the breast that is being reconstructed. The study found that for a select group of patients, fat grafting combined with a breast implant could be a beneficial option.
Liposuction patients in Los Angeles may not immediately think of these less-common uses. This study is just one example of how advances in surgical techniques are helping to create safe and long-lasting results.
More to Love?
Anyone who has struggled with obesity can tell you the battle is a challenging one to win. For that very reason, one of the most satisfying procedures I perform in Los Angeles is liposuction. For many men and women, liposuction is the final step in a long and dedicated weight-loss journey. It achieves the sculpted body they envisioned when they first made the decision to shed their excess pounds.
It’s important to understand that liposuction is not a way to help you lose weight. You’re a good candidate for the procedure only if you have reached your weight goal but still have small, stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet or exercise. Once you’ve reached that point, liposuction can put the icing on the cake of your weight-loss transformation.
As a result of advancements in liposuction technology, many different techniques are now available. This means liposuction can now be even more effective for body sculpting.
In the past, skin elasticity has been a key factor in determining whether liposuction is the right body contouring solution for you. Now, Smartlipo™, one of the newest liposuction options, includes the ability to tighten skin, making it a good choice for those whose skin has less elasticity.
What do you think? I invite you to share your thoughts with us as to how liposuction can complete your transformative journey.
Knowing the Difference Between Trendy and Timely
Non-surgical alternatives to Los Angeles liposuction are constantly emerging. So, how do you know whether a procedure is just a “flash in the pan” or a revolutionary new technique? Here are some things to look for:
- FDA approval: Approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ensures that the procedure has been thoroughly researched and tested for safety and effectiveness. However, it’s important to note that there is a difference between medical devices that are “FDA cleared” and those that are “FDA approved.” FDA clearance applies to devices that are substantially similar to those that are already available. Approval applies to items that employ new technology that hasn’t been previously tested and must go through a complete approval process to be investigated for possible new hazards.
- Scientific research: There are a lot of inflated claims floating around in the field of cosmetic medicine. Clinical studies give validity to a new product because they measure how predictable the new cosmetic device is. This also allows researchers to identify whether the machine produces reliable results, as well as pinpointing any weaknesses or limitations in the technology.
- History of use: There’s a fine line between “trendy” and “timely.” One of the distinguishing characteristics of a new cosmetic treatment is whether it is being widely used. Doctors only want to invest in technology that is safe and delivers real results. The more accepted the procedure is in the medical world, the more likely that it is turning out to be trustworthy and effective.
CoolSculpting®: A Non-invasive Method That Works
I have found CoolSculpting to be one of the most reliable methods of non-surgical liposuction. This procedure has undergone clinical testing and has been shown to reduce fat by an average of 20% to 25% after just 1 treatment. CoolSculpting received FDA approval in 2010 and has been widely used by doctors and dermatologists since that time. The results are consistent, and the side effects are minimal. With these qualifications, I think it’s safe to say that CoolSculpting is much more than a trend; it’s here to stay.
Ready for Liposuction?
Women and men in Los Angeles considering liposuction may wonder how they can determine whether the procedure is right for them. This procedure is growing in popularity, and is an excellent option for many of my patients who want to eliminate small areas of fat, such as the “love handles.”
When patients come to my practice for a liposuction consultation, there are some quick and easy ways that I can check if this is the right procedure for their needs. Here’s a shortened version of my checklist to see if you’re ready for liposuction:
- Physical: One of the best ways to prepare for any surgery is to check that you are at a reasonable weight for your age and height. Since liposuction is not intended as a tool for major weight loss, check your cosmetic goals to make sure this procedure is right for you. Ideal liposuction candidates are people who lead active and healthy lifestyles, but who have stubborn pockets of fat, such as “love handles.”
- Mental/Emotional: Although advances in procedural techniques have made liposuction a safe procedure, it’s important to understand the mild risks associated with any surgery. A great way to ensuring the results you desire is seeking out a board-certified surgeon. That surgeon can help you set realistic expectations, and make sure it’s the right procedure for achieving your cosmetic goals.
Once you feel you are ready for liposuction, you can set up a consultation with an experienced board-certified surgeon. Together, you can create a treatment plan customized just for your needs.
Liposuction – More Than Just Fat Removal
Liposuction has become one of the country’s most popular cosmetic surgery procedures, because when performed properly by a skilled surgeon, it is quick, safe, and it works. With the tremendous growth in the demand for this procedure, it seems like doctors everywhere are offering liposuction. In Los Angeles, it is not uncommon for dermatologists, gynecologists and general practitioners to offer liposuction procedures. Although liposuction may seem simple, it isn’t, and you should trust only a board-certified-plastic surgeon to perform this procedure.
Liposuction involves so much more than fat removal. My Los Angeles liposuction patients come to me for body sculpting, not just fat removal. What’s the difference?
- Fat Removal is just about extracting fat from the body. On its own, it does not require an artistic eye or a technique that minimizes bruising, swelling, or scarring.
- Body Contouring requires a combination of knowledge, technical skill and artistic vision to sculpt targeted areas of the body. These come only through extensive education, training, and experience dedicated to liposuction – not a weekend course.
Other considerations involved with liposuction include evaluation of skin tone, the patient’s weight, advanced sculpting techniques, treating smaller or more difficult areas, and above all else, patient safety. All of these factors are additional reasons why it matters a great deal who is performing the liposuction procedure.
There are also numerous types of liposuction available, and it important that your doctor understands the best type of liposuction for your particular needs. I teach liposuction courses to other surgeons, and cannot emphasize enough that the combination of a skilled, knowledgeable surgeon with the right contouring technique for your cosmetic goals is essential for a pleasing outcome.
Los Angeles Liposuction: Common Questions from Patients
In Southern California and Los Angeles, liposuction is often the subject of many celebrity news stories. Today I thought I’d take a moment to discuss a few common questions my staff and I receive regarding liposuction, laser liposuction, and Smartlipo™.
Are some areas of the body resistant to, or inappropriate for, liposuction?
Certainly, some areas of the body are more difficult to treat, particularly areas like the “love handles” or lower back where fat is interspersed between fibrous muscle tissue. However, virtually all areas of the body can be treated with liposuction. Some liposuction technologies are better than others for treating particular areas, and sometimes a combination of technologies produces the most favorable result. A qualified plastic surgeon can determine how to help you reach your personal aesthetic goals.
What is the difference between traditional and tumescent liposuction?
Traditional liposuction is performed under general anesthesia, using an instrument to dislodge and remove fatty tissue. Tumescent liposuction improves upon this technique through the use of large volumes of saline, anesthesia, and adrenaline injected into the treatment area to create a fluid “pocket” surrounding the fatty deposits. The injection of tumescent fluid makes the fat cells easier to separate and remove from the body. Practically all plastic surgeons use the tumescent technique these days because it makes the surgery and recovery period easier.
Is Smartlipo an alternative to tumescent liposuction?
No, Smartlipo is not an alternative to tumescent liposuction. Instead, it is one of many different techniques to be used during tumescent liposuction to dissolve or destroy fat in target areas. These techniques include mechanical disruption (PAL), ultrasound dissolution (UAL), or laser lipolysis.
Smartlipo uses bursts of laser energy to liquefy fat cells, which are then removed with a suction device. The laser energy also seals blood vessels, which can help reduce bruising, swelling, and healing time. As an added benefit, the procedure stimulates collagen production and causes tissues to contract, leaving skin looking tightened and toned. It’s an excellent technology for removing small areas of localized fat—or as an adjunct to other liposuction technologies.
My focus is on positive patient outcomes, and I always strive to use the best approach, including new techniques and technologies, to meet each patient’s unique aesthetic needs.
Dr. Grant Stevens
I am a board-certified Beverly Hills plastic surgeon with over 20 years of experience researching and implementing new approaches to plastic surgery. At Plastic Surgery Insider, you get the benefit of my experience and authority when you read my perspectives on the latest news and procedures in plastic surgery.
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