Liposuction Procedures
Liposuction is a procedure offered by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Morwood for patients in Monterey. Liposuction can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to traditional weight-loss methods.
Good Candidates for Liposuction
You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin. If noticeable loose excess skin is an issue, more comprehensive procedures like an arm lift or abdominoplasty may be recommended.
Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to traditional weight-loss methods.
What Happens During a Liposuction Consultation?
A consultation will be required before a date can be set for your procedure. During your liposuction consultation, Dr. Morwood will assess your overall health status to ensure that the procedure is safe for you. A physical examination will be conducted, and photographs may be taken to aid in planning your procedure and gauging your lipo results.
Dr. Morwood will also review your complete medical history. You will need to discuss your current prescription medications and/or supplements, any medical conditions, any allergies, and any previous surgeries. You should also discuss any alcohol and tobacco use.
You will need to tell Dr. Morwood about your aesthetic goals. Your liposuction procedure will be discussed in great detail, including instructions for post-surgical healing. At this time, you can ask any questions you may have.
If you are a good candidate for liposuction, Dr. Morwood will create a surgical plan, and then a date will be set for your liposuction surgery.
View Before & After Photos
View Liposuction Gallery
How Liposuction is Performed
Liposuction improves body shape by removing exercise-resistant fat deposits with a tube and vacuum device. Can be performed using the tumescent technique, in which targeted fat cells are infused with saline containing solution with a local anesthetic before liposuction to reduce post-operative bruising and swelling.
Common locations for liposuction include the:
- Chin
- Cheeks
- Neck
- Upper arms
- Above breasts
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Thighs
- Knees
- Calves
- Ankles
For larger volumes of fat or for fibrous body areas, ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) may be used. UAL is a new technique in which a ultrasound probe is inserted beneath the skin to “liquify” the fat before it is suctioned
Length: 1 to 2 hours or more. UAL: 20-40 percent longer than traditional liposuction.
Anesthesia: Local, epidural, or general. Dr. Morwood will recommend the best choice for you. Anesthesia is administered to eliminate any pain or discomfort that would otherwise be felt during the procedure.
In/Outpatient: Usually outpatient. Extensive procedures may require short inpatient stay.
Read More Testimonials
What to Expect During Your Liposuction Recovery
Side Effects: Temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, burning sensation. Tumescent: Temporary fluid drainage from incision sites. UAL: Larger incisions for cannula.
Risks: Asymmetry. Rippling or bagginess of skin. Pigmentation changes. Skin injury. Fluid retention. Excessive fluid loss leading to shock. Infection. UAL: thermal burn injury caused by the heat from the ultrasound device.
Recovery: Back to work: 1 to 2 weeks. More strenuous activity: 2 to 4 weeks. Full recovery from swelling and bruising: 1 to 6 months or more. Use of tumescent technique or UAL may decrease post-operative bruising and swelling.
Duration of Results: Permanent, with sensible diet and exercise.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
The total price of liposuction surgery is determined based on the size and number of areas being reduced in volume, as well as the specific lipo approach used. Aside from the surgeon’s fee and anesthesia, the cost of liposuction is also influenced by any laboratory fees, medications, and compression garments required.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION WITH DR. MORWOOD
Dr. Morwood is a board-certified plastic surgeon who will provide a custom-designed approach to help you achieve your aesthetic vision.
If you are struggling to get rid of pockets of stubborn fat around your body, please call (831) 646-8661 to set up a consultation for your liposuction or sign up for a consultation online.