Remove Stubborn Fat Fast

Aging, pregnancy, stress, or other hormonal changes can cause the body to store fat in specific areas. This type of fat is known for being difficult to reduce through diet and exercise.

This can cause feelings of frustration and self-consciousness. Liposuction and liposculpting can effectively remove excess fat which has accumulated in problem areas and leaves you with a beautifully contoured, more youthful-looking body.

Liposuction Before & After

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Liposuction at Tri Valley Plastic Surgery

Dr. Steven Williams is board-certified plastic surgeon serving Oakland and are well known for producing beautiful body contouring results. Using liposuction alone or in combination with other procedures such as tummy tucks, facelifts, or breast reductions, Dr. Williams can skillfully sculpt and contour all parts of the body which are resistant to diet and exercise.

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What is Liposuction?

Liposuction and liposculpture are procedures that can drastically reduce unwanted fat in stubborn areas. Liposuction can also be coupled with fat grafting to add curves in desired areas while reducing bulge in others.

Liposuction and liposculpting involve the removal of fat cells with the use of a hollow suction tool called a cannula. Liposuction is used to remove fat from specific areas of the body to create a smoother, more desirable body contour.

What kind of fat does it target?

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that treats subcutaneous fat, which is fat that lies just beneath the skin. It does not treat visceral fat around the organs. You should be within 30 percent of your ideal weight before having your Oakland liposuction procedure. Since it is not a weight-loss procedure, patients at or close to their goal weight tend to have the best outcome.

What areas of the body does liposuction treat?

Liposuction is used to treat areas such as the belly, upper arms, thighs, buttocks, back, chest, hips, love handles, inside of the knees, or under the chin.

Types of Liposuction

There are many liposuction technologies available at Tri Valley Plastic Surgery. After examining you, Dr. Williams can determine the best type of liposuction for your specific needs.

Lipo 360: A Comprehensive, Full Body Approach

Liposuction is generally used to target specific pockets or bulges of fat on the body, but there is a more comprehensive body sculpting approach available. Lipo 360 refers to the sculpting of the entire midsection including the abdomen (upper and lower), love handles, obliques, and back. Dr. Steven Williams will remove fat from the treatment area and perform liposculpting to achieve results which appear smooth and natural in multiple areas of your body, should you so choose. You can work with Dr. Williams to tailor your procedure to your specific needs. In that sense, every liposuction he performs is a Lipo360, because as long as it is medically safe, you get lipo where you want it.

Tumescent Liposuction

While there are several methods of liposuction Oakland plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Williams prefers to use tumescent power assisted liposuction over laser liposuction whenever possible as it offers more predictable results and fewer side effects. This method of liposuction involves the injection of a solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine, which serves as an anesthetic, prevents fluid loss, and aids in the removal of fat tissue.

Vaser Liposuction

In certain cases, when we need an energy based solution, Dr. Williams may also choose to use Vaser ultrasonic-assisted liposuction. Rather than breaking down the fat cells manually with a cannula, Vaser liquefies the fat cells in a gentle manner using ultrasound technology. Some key advantages of Vaser is that it may result in less bruising and bleeding since extracting liquid fat requires less suction power than traditional liposuction.

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Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck Do you have loose skin, excess fat, or both?

After pregnancy or weight loss, many people develop saggy skin on the abdomen. A tummy tuck surgically removes the lax skin and can repair separated abdominal muscles for a flat, toned tummy. Liposuction often accompanies a tummy tuck, allowing Dr. Williams to remove more fat and define the abdominal contours. That said, liposuction alone does not tighten lax skin. In some cases, removing a large amount of fat can cause loose skin in patients with poor skin elasticity. If you have good skin quality and want to treat isolated bulges of fat that fail to respond to diet and exercise, liposuction is preferred instead of a tummy tuck.

Benefits of Liposuction

Liposuction can resolve areas of fat that are otherwise difficult to eliminate and relieve patients of the frustration they may feel from trying to address such problem areas without success. It can subtly improve body contours, improve self-confidence, and promote feelings of youthfulness and sexiness. While liposuction is most commonly used to address cosmetic issues, it can also prove beneficial as a treatment for certain medical conditions. Symptoms of lymphedema, gynecomastia, and lipomas can all be effectively treated with liposuction.

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Reasons to Consider Liposuction

After liposuction in Oakland, many of Dr. Williams’ patients report:

  • Feeling more attractive
  • A slimmer, nicely toned physique
  • Ability to wear more styles of clothing
  • Boosted confidence and improved self-image
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Am I a candidate for Liposuction?

The minimum age for liposuction is 18. Liposuction delivers the best results in patients with healthy skin elasticity. Patients whose skin is lacking elasticity may experience sagging when the volume is removed. Liposuction works best on patients within ten to 30 pounds of their ideal weight. While it is an effective treatment for bulges or pockets of fat in certain areas of the body, liposuction is not a treatment for weight loss and cannot replace healthy eating and exercise. However, if you plan on losing weight it is recommended to do so before receiving liposuction. Liposuction should be considered only after diet and exercise have failed to achieve desired results.

Who should not have Liposuction?

Patients with the following conditions or lifestyle factors may not be eligible for liposuction:

  • Active smoker
  • Poor skin quality
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Immune system disorders
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • A history of blood clots or restricted blood flow

What are some things Liposuction cannot do?

Liposuction only targets subcutaneous fat. It is not an approved cure or treatment for:

  • Obesity
  • Cellulite
  • Excess Skin
  • Buccal Fat Removal
  • Future Weight Gain Prevention
  • Depression or Body Dysmorphia
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Consultation and Preparation

During your consultation, Dr. Williams will examine your areas of concern to determine if liposuction is appropriate. He will devise a customized surgical plan and let you know what type of liposuction is best for your needs. He will also disclose the possible risks and what to expect during and after your procedure. Afterward, you will meet his office coordinator to review the costs and choose a surgery date if you wish to move forward.

Before your liposuction surgery, he will provide a list of pre-operative instructions. Items may include quitting smoking, temporarily discontinuing certain medications and supplements, and diet modifications the day before if you plan to receive general anesthesia. If you have any questions, he and his staff are available to assist you.

Your Liposuction Procedure

Depending on the area being treated, liposuction may be performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation. Once these medications have taken effect, very small incisions will be made around the treatment area for the insertion of the cannula (or suction tool). The cannula will be inserted at the incision sites and used to suction the fat out of the treatment area. Once fat removal and sculpting have been completed, the cannula will be removed and the incisions will be closed with dissolvable sutures.

What to Expect from Tri Valley Plastic Surgery

Length of Surgery: 1-2 Hours Per Area

Inpatient / Outpatient: Outpatient

Anesthesia: Local, Sedation, or General

Duration of Results: Long lasting. Weight loss/gain, pregnancy, and age may reduce surgical results over time

Recovery

Dr. Williams will closely monitor your recovery to ensure that you are healing properly. You can expect to experience soreness and swelling in treated areas following your liposuction procedure.

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What happens in the days and weeks after liposuction?

  • Days 1 to 3: Expect the treated area to be swollen and tender. Bruising may be present.
  • Weeks 1 to 2: As your body absorbs the tumescent fluid, the swelling begins to go down. Any bruising should resolve in the first two weeks or so.
  • Weeks 3 to 5: Swelling and discomfort continue to diminish. The incision has healed.
  • Weeks 6+: Early results are visible as the swelling resolves. Some inflammation may persist during the first three to six months. Full results are apparent at around six months.

Tips for a Successful Liposuction Recovery

Get Prepared

Ahead of time, arrange for pet and child care assistance, grocery shop, prepare meals in advance, and have loose, comfortable clothes on hand. These steps will make the early phase of your recovery as comfortable and least stressful as possible.

Time off Work

You can generally expect to return to work 3 to 10 days after liposuction and resume all normal activities within 2 to 5 weeks. The time it takes to recover will vary depending on the area or areas treated and the speed at which you heal.

Physical Activity

Walking is encouraged as soon as you feel well enough. Light physical activity may resume in weeks one and two. However, do not overexert yourself. Limit interaction with pets, chores, lifting children, strenuous exercise, and carrying heavy loads until cleared to do so.

Scar Care

The liposuction incisions are tiny, usually three to four millimeters. After surgery, the scars will scab and heal naturally. Do not pick at the incisions. For the best-looking scars, limit sun exposure and apply broad-spectrum SPF daily.

Mental Health Impacts

Some patients experience a brief time of post-operative depression. They may be dealing with physical discomfort, frustration that they cannot participate in all their daily activities right away, and anxiousness to see the final results after liposuction. These feelings tend to be short-lived. To minimize the risk of post-op depression, pamper yourself, eat nutritious foods, get plenty of rest, meditate, journal, and remind yourself that your final results will be worth it.

Post-recovery Life

Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and do not take NSAIDs, blood thinners, and supplements such as Vitamin E unless directed otherwise by your surgeon. Remember to eat healthy, stay hydrated, take medications as prescribed, and don’t skip meals.

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Liposuction Results While some improvement will be noticeable immediately after surgery, full results will appear over the next 3 to 6 months.

A healthy lifestyle will be pivotal in maintaining liposuction results. While liposuction can permanently remove a large amount of fat from the body, the body's remaining fat cells will still grow with weight gain and shrink with weight loss. This is also the reason why liposuction should be performed after the patient has met and maintained their target weight.

After Liposuction Oakland plastic surgeon Dr. Steven Williams will provide you with detailed post-op instructions, monitor recovery, and advise on what lifestyle changes you may need to maintain liposuction results. A healthy diet, regular exercise, weight stability, and an overall healthy lifestyle can help to maintain the slim and beautiful shapes created with liposuction for years to come.

Maintaining Your Liposuction Results

  • Exercise regularly
  • Reduce caloric intake, but do not skip meals
  • Eat a healthy diet focused on protein and healthy carbs
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and reduce inflammation
  • Instead of big meals, eat several small meals throughout the day

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Why choose Tri Valley Plastic Surgery?

When it comes to your results, the Oakland liposuction surgeon you choose matters. It is arguably the most important decision you can make. When you see an Ivy League-trained surgeon with more than a decade of experience, you are giving yourself the best chance of a beautiful cosmetic outcome.

Dr. Steven Williams and his team at Tri Valley Plastic Surgery are leaders in body sculpting procedures.

 Dr. Williams is the incumbent President and current President-Elect of The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a testament to his vast knowledge and achievements as a board-certified Oakland plastic surgeon. As a key opinion leader in the field of plastic surgery, Dr. Williams is familiar with the latest research on liposuction and can help you make sense of all the options available to you.

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Schedule your Oakland Liposuction Consultation at Tri Valley Plastic Surgery today

Liposuction is a safe, effective, and customizable treatment for stubborn fat which has not responded to traditional fat-burning methods such as diet and exercise. Liposuction may be performed on multiple areas of the body and used to sculpt beautiful contours. If you would like to learn more about Oakland liposuction with Dr. Williams, please contact Tri Valley Plastic Surgery or call (925) 701-9302 to schedule your consultation.

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FAQ

How many inches and pounds can be lost through liposuction?

Am I a candidate for body sculpting liposuction surgery?

What is a body sculpting liposuction surgery?

Will I lose weight with Liposuction?

What body parts can Liposuction treat?

Can I combine Liposuction with another body contouring procedure?

What are the body sculpting liposuction surgery procedure steps?

What are the body sculpting liposuction recovery and healing steps?

How soon will I see my Liposuction results?

What are the body sculpting liposuction side effects?

Is Liposuction painful?

Will I need to have someone drive me home following the procedure?

Can I have Liposuction without anesthesia or sedation?

What is a good age to get Liposuction?

Is Liposuction permanent? Will my fat come back?

Will I need to wear compression garments following Liposuction?

How much does Liposuction cost?

How many inches and pounds can be lost through liposuction?

While results vary between each individual and the specific area or areas treated, patients can lose as much as 20 to 30 pounds as a result of liposuction, and between 2 and 4 inches around the waist.

Am I a candidate for body sculpting liposuction surgery?

If you are considering surgical 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. The success of liposuction surgery, as with all cosmetic procedures, depends on a number of individual factors, such as age, skin elasticity, skin excess, weight, and overall health.

The ideal liposuction candidate is someone with localized areas of fat, good skin elasticity and close to their ideal body weight (think 10 - 30 pounds). Liposuction can be used to treat multiple areas. There are questions that you should ask yourself before you decide to undergo body sculpting liposuction:

  1. Are you in generally good health?
  2. Is your excess fat in specific areas?
  3. Does your skin tone have reasonably good elasticity?

Liposuction is not suitable for people with:

  1. A weakened immune system
  2. Heart problems
  3. A history of blood clots or restricted blood flow

Liposuction surgery cannot be used to treat obesity alone. It will also not necessarily eliminate cellulite. The procedure helps to improve a patient's body contour, and will not make you lose weight.

What is a body sculpting liposuction surgery?

Body sculpting liposuction (also referred to as lipoplasty or contouring liposuction) is the removal of fatty tissue from localized problem areas of the body. It is a very popular method of localized fat reduction that uses a suction technique to remove pockets of fat from troublesome areas such as the thighs, hips, abdomen, and upper arms. Body sculpting liposuction helps both men and women to improve the contours of their bodies through a relatively simple and safe surgical procedure.

The liposuction process involves the insertion of a cannula (a slender, hollow metal tube) through a small incision concealed in a skin fold near the site to be reduced, and scars are virtually undetectable. Through repeated movements of the cannula under the skin, fat globules are separated and removed by vacuum suction through the cannula. Usually only one small incision will be needed for each area being treated with body sculpting liposuction.

The area concerned is injected with tumescent solution prior to insertion of the cannula, in order to reduce bleeding, control pain and to assist the breakdown and loosening of the fat deposits.

Will I lose weight with Liposuction?

Liposuction will sculpt or re-contour the body, but does not necessarily result in significant weight loss. The aim of body sculpting surgery is to lose inches rather than weight, and to alter the patient's shape. It is very effective in removing of unwanted bumps and bulges and in improving the body's silhouette.

What body parts can Liposuction treat?

Areas of the body that benefit the most from body sculpting liposuction are:

  • Cheeks, jowls, and neck
  • Upper arms
  • Breast or chest areas
  • Back
  • Abdomen and waistline (love handles in men)
  • Hips and buttocks
  • Inner and outer thighs
  • Knees, calves and ankles

Can I combine Liposuction with another body contouring procedure?

Liposuction surgery can be combined with other cosmetic surgery techniques and may be carried out in a number of areas at the same time.

The amount of fat removed varies but more than five liters of fat removal typically will require a hospital stay. Fat cells removed by liposuction are permanently removed. You will still gain weight if you overeat, though the fat will show in other areas.

What are the body sculpting liposuction surgery procedure steps?

  1. ANESTHESIA: The body sculpting liposuction procedure is performed under a general or twilight anesthesia (where you are sedated but not unconscious) or local anesthetic, depending on the type and number of liposuction procedures you undergo. The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis unless large volumes of fat are being removed.
  2. THE INCISIONS: After administering the anesthesia, the next step in liposuction surgery is to create tiny incisions in the area of the body where the tumescent fluid will be injected and fat deposits will be removed. These incisions are usually quite small, a third of an inch at the most. These incisions are then used to insert the cannula, a thin vacuum tube, which will extract the fat.
  3. FAT REMOVAL: Dr. Williams will insert the cannula, through the incision (or incisions), into the deep fat layer beneath your skin. Using back and forth movements, the cannula removes the unwanted fat deposits beneath the skin.
  4. CLOSING THE INCISIONS: The incisions are then closed with a single dissolving stitch.

What are the body sculpting liposuction recovery and healing steps?

When you wake up from your liposuction procedure you will be able to notice small improvements. As your body absorbs the fluid added over the next several weeks these results get more and more dramatic. There is often some bruising and swelling to the areas treated, however this should subside after a few weeks. The areas affected by the surgery will be swollen, sore and tender to the touch for three to six months after surgery. You will be required to wear a support garment for up to six weeks after your liposuction operation. The appearance of the treated areas will continue to improve once swelling subsides, and your unwanted fat will be gone, resulting in a slimmer, smoother body contour. Liposuction recovery times vary from procedure to procedure depending on the area treated and individual differences. Try to take things as easy as possible, as your liposuction recovery will be much speedier if you do.

How soon will I see my Liposuction results?

You can expect to really see your new body shape about three to six months after your liposuction surgery, and it is important that you continue to eat healthy and exercise to maintain your new figure.

What are the body sculpting liposuction side effects?

As with all major surgery, liposuction carries risks, such as bleeding, infection and an allergic reaction to the anesthesia. Complications vary depending on how large the procedure, though bruising and swelling are normal. Liposuction side effects vary from patient to patient, and these are the most common:

  • Bruising
  • Swelling
  • Discomfort
  • Infection
  • Numbness – usually temporary

    Extended healing time

    With today's modern techniques, potential liposuction side effects have been greatly reduced. Bruising usually disappears within a few weeks of having a liposuction procedure, and swelling will improve gradually over a few months. This is a powerful technique that has provided our patients amazing results.

Is Liposuction painful?

Due to the anesthetic, there is no pain during liposuction. Most patients experience modest discomfort or soreness in early recovery. However, these effects are generally short-lived. Most patients feel comfortable enough to resume their daily activities within a few days to weeks, depending on the extent of fat removed and whether they combined liposuction and another procedure.

Will I need to have someone drive me home following the procedure?

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure. You can return home the same day. If you underwent general anesthesia or oral sedation, someone must drive you. If you received local anesthetic only, you can drive home as long as you feel well enough.

Can I have Liposuction without anesthesia or sedation?

Some patients elect to have liposuction with local anesthetic when treating a small area such as a double chin.

What is a good age to get Liposuction?

Liposuction is for patients aged 18 and older. There is no upper age limit so long as you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure.

Is Liposuction permanent? Will my fat come back?

The treated fat will not return. However, liposuction cannot prevent weight gain in the future. You will need to maintain a stable weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Should you gain weight and have a stubborn fat bulge return, you can always have a second liposuction procedure.

Will I need to wear compression garments following Liposuction?

Dr. Williams may advise you to wear a compression garment during the first few weeks of your recovery. Medical literature suggests that compression helps the skin retract around the new body contours and reduces swelling.

How much does Liposuction cost?

The cost of liposuction in San Francisco depends on the surgeon's skill, the type of liposuction, and the size and number of areas treated. Tri Valley Plastic Surgery strives for fair and accurate pricing that reflects Dr. Williams’ level of expertise. Insurance does not cover liposuction as it is a cosmetic procedure, although financing plans such as CareCredit® may be available.

We are leaders in breast enhancement, body sculpting, and facial cosmetic surgery, serving the entire San Francisco Bay area. Whether you live in the Bay Area or are coming in from out of town, we’re happy to answer any questions you may have on your path to your new self. Schedule an intro call with us today to take the first step towards realizing the look you’ve always wanted for yourself.

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