Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical method for reducing body fat in areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. While it cannot help you achieve weight loss, it can help you slim down areas that do not change despite your efforts.

Who can benefit from liposuction?

If you have persistent, localized fat deposits and your efforts to correct them with diet and exercise have been unsuccessful, you may be a good candidate for liposuction.

There are many areas of the body that can be treated with liposuction. The following areas are commonly addressed at our Bellevue plastic surgery practice:

Abdomen
Thighs
Buttocks
Flanks
Hips
Back
Chin or neck
Knees
Arms
Chest

What type of liposuction is the best?

You have probably heard about many of the latest liposuction methods – water assisted liposuction, laser liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction, and more – and many of these platforms are very useful, but the most important factor is your plastic surgeon.

Tumescent Liposuction

Most plastic surgeons are performing tumescent liposuction. This method uses a special solution that saturates the targeted area of fat before removal. Within the tumescent solution, anesthetic helps control discomfort as the fat swells up, making it easier to remove. Dr. Rand uses a small suction tube called a cannula to remove the fat through incisions in the skin.

What to Expect After Liposuction

After liposuction, you may experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. In some cases, a tiny drainage tube may be placed beneath the skin for a few days to prevent fluid build-up. To control swelling and promote skin contraction, you may be given an elastic compression garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks. Dr. Rand may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection and pain medications to manage discomfort.

Returning to Normal

You may not look or feel great immediately after surgery. Even though newer techniques may be able to reduce post-operative discomfort, you may still experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding and temporary numbness. It is normal to feel a bit anxious or depressed in the days or weeks following liposuction, but if you maintain a positive attitude and try to relax, you should feel better in a short time.

How to Proceed

If you’re interested in liposuction and located in the Bellevue or Seattle area, contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Rand. If liposuction is a good treatment option for you, the doctor can instruct you on how to prepare for surgery and discuss the procedure in depth. We look forward to answering your questions about liposuction.