Liposuction in Fort Lauderdale, FL
What Is Liposuction Surgery?
Not all fat cells are the same, and that’s why you are successful at toning parts of your body while other areas do not change. Liposuction at our Coral Springs plastic surgery practice eliminates the more stubborn fat pockets, allowing men and women in Fort Lauderdale and Broward County to have their ideal beach bodies.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction, also called lipoplasty, is a surgical procedure that uses small tubes, called cannulas, to remove excess fat deposits from specific locations in the body. Liposuction can produce excellent results for men or women with unsightly bulges which seem immune to diet and exercise. Reducing these localized fat deposits can create a much more attractive weight distribution and a smoother, more slender body outline. Areas of the body where fat deposits can cause localized bulges include the neck, upper arms, upper and lower abdomen, flank areas (love handles), back, inner thighs, outer thighs and hips (saddlebags), buttocks, knee areas, calves, and ankles. At David J. Levens M.D. Plastic Surgery & Med Spa, we offer two types of liposuction procedures:
Liposuction
The standalone liposuction procedure is the gold standard for fat reduction. This is a versatile treatment that can address stubborn pockets of fat in many areas of the body.
Liposuction with Renuvion
We are proud to offer liposuction in combination with Renuvion, a skin tightening procedure. In some cases, patients who receive liposuction may notice that they’re left with excess, sagging skin in the treatment area. Renuvion can tighten the skin during the liposuction procedure to reduce loose skin and enhance the overall results from liposuction. This may be the preferred treatment method for patients seeking comprehensive body contouring benefits.
How Does Liposuction Work?
Liposuction involves making small incisions in the desired treatment area. Through these incisions, a small tube is inserted into the underlying fat deposits. Then, using vacuum technology, the fat is suctioned out of the body to sculpt the treatment area.
What are the Benefits of Liposuction?
Benefits of liposuction include:
- Slimmer physique
- Reduced body fat
- Improved clothing fit
- Minimal scarring
- Can address many areas of the body
Liposuction Before and After Photos
Procedure: Liposuction Abdomen Age: 42 Height: 5’3 Weight: 128 lbs Months Post-Op: 2
Are You A Candidate For Liposuction?
The best candidates for liposuction are healthy men and women who have localized fat deposits, but are not extremely overweight. Skin elasticity is also an important factor. When fat is removed from beneath the skin, the skin can become somewhat looser. The degree of looseness depends on the elastic qualities of your skin before surgery and the amount of fat removed. If your skin is excessively lax before the procedure, the additional looseness after suctioning may be undesirable. In this situation, you may require excision of some tissue for an optimal result, or may want to combine your liposuction procedure with Renuvion skin tightening.
The best way to determine your candidacy for liposuction is to schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Levens. During your consultation, you can discuss your cosmetic goals as Dr. Levens helps you identify whether liposuction is an appropriate solution. If it is, he’ll develop a personalized treatment plan and explain what you can expect leading up to, during and after your surgery.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost?
Is Liposuction Covered by Insurance?
Liposuction is widely considered to be a cosmetic procedure, which is a category of treatment that is not covered by health insurance. This means you can expect to be responsible for the full cost of your liposuction procedure.
How Much is Liposuction?
If you are interested in finding out how much your liposuction procedure will cost, your first step is to meet with Dr. Levens for a consultation. After the appointment, we will provide you with a total cost and explain your payment options, including cash, personal check, Visa®, MasterCard® and American Express®. If you are interested in financing your ;liposuction procedure, our patient coordinators will explain how to apply for CareCredit®, Alphaeon Credit, or Prosper® Healthcare Lending.
Why Choose Dr. David J. Levens?
Dr. David J. Levens, FACS, is an exceptional plastic, cosmetic, and reconstructive surgeon practicing in Coral Springs since 1989. With a career spanning over three decades, he has established himself as a highly respected and experienced professional in the field. Dr. Levens is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), and he is a member of prestigious organizations such as the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
When it comes to liposuction, Dr. Levens is known for his surgical skill and expertise. He offers a comprehensive range of sophisticated plastic surgery procedures and treatments for the face and body. However, what sets him apart is his patient-centric approach. Dr. Levens takes the time to understand each patient's unique situation and helps them choose the most suitable procedure or treatment to achieve their desired outcome. His expertise, combined with his compassionate and meticulous approach, make him an excellent choice for those looking to undergo liposuction. Learn more about Dr. Levens or read his reviews.
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What is the Liposuction Procedure Like?
What Happens During Liposuction?
Prior to the liposuction procedure, Dr. Levens will draw lines on your body, carefully marking the areas of localized fat to be suctioned. Tiny incisions are then made, and small suction tubes are inserted to the proper depth of the fat deposit. The tube is then passed back and forth until an appropriate amount of fat has been removed. The tube is then moved a small distance, and the process is repeated. When Dr. Levens has finished suctioning on one side of the body, the opposite side is treated in the same way. He will compare the two sides and adjust suctioning to create the best match. Finally, the incisions are carefully closed, and an elastic garment or dressing is placed to put gentle pressure on the skin and prevent excess fluid accumulating in the area suctioned.
What are the Risks of Liposuction?
There are a few important risks to consider before pursuing liposuction.
Not a Weight Loss Procedure
Liposuction does not significantly reduce body weight. Its purpose is to create a smoother profile by reducing the appearance of localized bulges. Additionally, the amount of fat which can be removed depends on the amount present in each deposit. It is necessary to leave a thin layer of normal fat beneath the skin to prevent rippling or dimpling of the skin surface.
Cellulite Risks
The procedure will not eliminate cellulite or a “rippled” appearance of the skin present prior to surgery. In fact, it is possible for liposuction to create small areas of skin rippling, dimpling, or contour irregularity.
Surgical Risks
In a small percentage of cases, risks common to all surgical procedures can occur, such as bleeding, infection, and scar tissue formation. Bleeding or infection may occur in 1% to 3% of cases. Dr. Levens will give you detailed information about these and other rare risks during his discussion with you and in written information about liposuction.
What is Liposuction Recovery Like?
How Painful is Liposuction?
Most patients have mild to moderate discomfort for a few days after the liposuction procedure. Some say the feeling is similar to that of muscle soreness after intense exercise. Dr. Levens will prescribe pain medication if necessary. You will be asked to wear an elastic garment provided by our office for three weeks or more after surgery, depending on the areas and extent of your procedure. This is done to minimize fluid collection and swelling in the treated areas. You may develop bruising in the treated areas, which will gradually fade over 1-2 weeks. You will see an immediate contour change, but it can take three months for maximum improvement to be achieved.
How Long is Liposuction Recovery?
Liposuction is done on an outpatient basis unless many areas are treated at one time, or a large volume of fat is removed. The typical schedule of recovery is:
- Bruising and swelling for 7 to 21 days
- Return to work and social activities within 2 to 3 days
- Aerobic or strenuous activity within 14 days
Dr. Levens will encourage you to return to normal activity as soon as you can, but it’s essential to follow our post-operative guidelines to ensure the healing process progresses as expected.
Post Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
What Not to Do After Liposuction?
After undergoing liposuction, it's crucial to follow Dr. Levens’ post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of complications. Here are some of the do’s and don’ts after your liposuction procedure:
- Do avoid strenuous activities, including heavy lifting and exercise
- Do avoid smoking and alcohol
- Do avoid sun exposure
- Do not neglect hygiene
- Do not remove compression garments prematurely
- Do not stop taking prescribed medications
- Do not skip follow-up appointments
How Long Should I Wear a Compression Garment After Liposuction?
After your liposuction, we’ll provide a compression garment and recommend that you wear it for at least 3 weeks after surgery. It can be removed briefly for bathing in order to maintain proper hygiene. You should continue wearing this compression garment unless told otherwise by Dr. Levens during your follow-up visits. Most patients are able to discontinue the use of the compression garment approximately 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
Is Liposuction Permanent?
The fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently eliminated from the treated areas. However, it is still possible for new fat cells to develop in the body, including in untreated areas. If you maintain a stable weight and a healthy lifestyle after liposuction, the results can be relatively long-lasting. However, if you gain a significant amount of weight following the procedure, the remaining fat cells in your body, including in the treated areas, can expand, potentially reversing the effects of your liposuction procedure.
Dr. Levens has been providing liposuction for patients in Coral Springs, Fort Lauderdale, and throughout Broward County since 1989. To learn more about the liposuction procedure or to schedule your complimentary consultation, contact us today.
