REAL PATIENT.
REAL RESULTS.
Liposuction slims specific areas of the body or face and is most ideal for targeting fat deposits that don’t go away despite dieting and exercise. Liposuction can be performed alone or in combination with other procedures such as breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and body contouring to enhance the aesthetic result. Liposuction can also be combined with VASER ultrasound technology and/or Renuvion/J-plasma technology to achieve more skin tightening and etch contours. Not every surgeon has access to these new technologies, and Dr. Li is one of the few surgeons in the Bay Area who can use these technologies along with liposuction to make your results even better. At the time of your consultation, Dr. Li will analyze your specific concerns in detail and discuss whether liposuction is a good option for you.
Liposuction is typically performed in areas such as the abdomen below the belly button, the armpit area next to the breast, the lateral chest, the arms, and the underneath the chin. Dr. Li may also suggest 3D Liposuction to enhance your overall torso shape, or high definition (high-def) liposuction to intentionally create shadows and contours to accentuate muscular tone in your arms, torso, and/or back.
DOCTOR'S CORNER
WHAT TYPE OF LIPOSUCTION DOES DR. LI PERFORM?
I have perfected my technique over the years after performing countless number of cases on patients of all sizes and shapes, under local anesthetic and general anesthetic. My technique is based on the "SAFE" technique with my own personal modifications, which breaks down liposuction into several steps so that you get the best results: Separating the fat from your tissues first, then Aspirating/suctioning the fat that has been separated to minimize trauma to your surrounding tissues, then lastly Fat Equalization which involves separating fat again to fat graft and minimize contour irregularities in the treated areas. Liposuction does not necessarily mean removing every single fat cell from the desired area and nor is that beneficial or recommended anyways. When artistically and skillfully performed, it involves selective removal of fat in key areas to help accentuate natural anatomic or muscular curves or contours, while leaving some fat behind to have a smooth appearance to your skin. Sometimes, where there is damaged or excessive skin, I may recommend a simultaneous skin excision procedure to improve the results after liposuction. Lastly, it is important to consider the body as a 3D structure, and it may be beneficial for several areas to be treated together to produce the best results.
DOES LIPOSUCTIONED FAT COME BACK?
Fat that has been mechnically removed via liposuction will not come back, nor will it grow in other places after surgery. These are urban legends. This is why liposuction is effective because it is definitive, versus other non-surgical techniques of fat removal, such as Coolsculpting or Kybella, which may or may not work to varying degrees.
HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY AFTER LIPOSUCTION?
You can be back to most normal activities within a week, although I usually ask that patients refrain from vigorous exercising for at least 4 weeks. More significant bruising and swelling is apparent in the first several weeks, which gradually improves over time and can be resolved faster with regular massage and compression. Final results can sometimes take 3 months, so it is necessary to be patient with the healing process.
WHAT DOES DR. LI DO DIFFERENTLY?
During the consultation, I take the time to consider your goals and expectations and reconcile these with your natural shape and form to offer my best recommendations and map out a surgical plan. We also discuss which type of anesthetic, local versus general, is best suited for you, based on your personal preferences and the sites being treated, No shortcuts are taken to enhance the aesthetics of your body.
KEY POINTS
SURGERY UNDER LOCAL OR GENERAL ANESTHETIC
GO HOME THE SAME DAY (DAY SURGERY)
RETURN TO NORMAL ACTIVITIES WITHIN A WEEK
SLIMMING AND FAT REDUCTION IS PERMANENT
SHRINK UNDESIRED POCKETS OF FAT
RE-SHAPE YOUR TORSO WITH 3D LIPOSUCTION
ETCH MUSCULAR TONE WITH HIGH-DEF LIPOSUCTION
COMBINE WITH OTHER AESTHETIC PROCEDURES
WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE SURGERY
You will be evaluated by Dr. Li at the time of your initial consultation to determine if liposuction is the best option for you
You will be required to quit smoking and oral contraceptives 4 weeks before surgery
You will need to complete testing before surgery, which may include a physical with your PCP/primary physician, blood work, and an ECG
Prescriptions for your surgery will be sent to your local pharmacy, please obtain these medications ahead of time and bring them to your surgery
A deposit is required to secure your surgery date
Full payment is required 2 weeks before surgery; payment options include cash, cashier's check, or credit through Alphaeon or CareCredit
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY
General anesthesia can sometimes cause generalized body soreness and fatigue for a couple of days
Maximum discomfort will occur in the first few days after surgery and gradually improve
You will be provided a compression garment to wear; it is recommended that you wear this for 6 weeks to help shape your body and minimize swelling
You may experience temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, or a burning sensation over areas you had liposuction and/or fat grafting; bruising and swelling takes several weeks to improve; numbness takes a couple months to normalize
Scars may be red and firm for approximately 6 months before they soften and fade