Liposuction in Long Beach & Los Alamitos, CA

Despite watching what you eat and exercising, you might still be bothered by pockets of fat that prevent you from being completely confident in how you look. Ocean Plastic Surgery Center offers the most advanced methods to effectively eliminate fat from areas of concern on the body. Surgical liposuction is a body-contouring procedure that reduces pockets of fat from the flanks, tummy, buttocks, and thighs to create a trimmer appearance. This fat removal surgery can be used to treat multiple parts of the body.

At Ocean Plastic Surgery Center, we also offer laser fat reduction and skin tightening with SmartLipo™ and laser cellulite reduction with Cellulaze™. When we see you for your consultation, Los Alamitos, CA plastic surgeon William P. Aiello will assess the areas of your body you wish to address. He can determine if you are a candidate for liposuction, SmartLipo™, Cellulaze™, or a combination. We want you to feel and look amazing!

Liposuction: 
Fat removal surgery is a terrific treatment for both women and men who are at an ideal weight but have specific areas of very stubborn fat. Those interested in liposuction should have healthy skin because liposuction is not a treatment for stretched-out skin. It's also important to know that liposuction is not a solution for weight loss. If you plan to lose weight (over 20 lbs) or even gain weight (for example, due to pregnancy), this is not the time to undergo liposuction. Dr. Aiello recommends patients be within 20 lbs of their stable, goal weight to be a candidate for liposuction. At the time of your consultation for surgery, Dr. Aiello will explain your realistic expected results.

SmartLipo™
Individuals who best qualify for the SmartLipo™ procedure are those who are relatively fit with a healthy weight. SmartLipo™ is not designed to replace the natural weight loss methods; it simply helps contour areas where fat accumulates that is resistant to diet and exercise. Some patients who choose SmartLipo™ require some skin tightening in addition to fat removal with liposuction. Some of the most common treatment areas are the neck and chin, arms, back, thighs, buttocks, and abdomen.

Cellulaze™
More than 80% of women have cellulite to some extent. Cellulite occurs when fat cells in the dermis bulge through the surrounding collagen fibers and eventually surface on the epidermis. Cellulaze™ treatment delivers the best results to people who are not significantly overweight but have an ample amount of cellulite in these areas:

• Legs
• Thighs
• Buttocks
• Abdomen

Liposuction is completed in an outpatient setting using general anesthesia. A punch-hole incision is placed through the skin so a cannula can be inserted. A cannula is a special tool that makes it easier to work loose the fatty tissue that is being vacuumed out. After the fat deposits have been eliminated, Dr. Aiello will seal the small incisions.

In some cases, Dr. Aiello may include or use other techniques, including: 

• Tumescent Liposuction – Dr. Aiello commonly uses this technique to infiltrate the soft, fatty tissue with saline (salt water) and medications for numbing and pain control and to control bleeding.
• Power Assisted Liposuction – Dr. Aiello uses a cannula that rapidly vibrates, which facilitates easier movement through certain areas where the tissues may be more fibrous and firm, such as the male breasts and back. 
• Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction – Dr. Aiello uses a cannula that emits ultrasonic waves to soften fat and make it easier to pass the cannula through the body tissues. It is believed that the heat generated also results in some skin tightening; however, this heat may also cause severe burns, contour irregularities, and pigment changes in the skin. Dr. Aiello does not commonly use this technology for these reasons.

Based on the number of areas being treated, your procedure may take several hours. In our dedicated recovery room, your post-op nurse will assist you with managing any discomfort and look after your treated areas until you are discharged.

SmartLipo™ entails the use of a very thin laser probe to melt or liquefy fat. It is inserted through a small incision and delivers thermal energy directly to the target fat cells. The laser fiber destroys the fat cells and allows for gentle suctioning. At the same time, the tissue surrounding the treatment area is tightened, unharmed by the laser, contributing to an overall smoother shape. Depending on the size of the target area and how many areas are treated, SmartLipo™ may be a two-step process, including liposuction as well. 

Cellulaze™ is performed with the patient under local anesthesia and takes about 1 – 2 hours, depending on the number of areas being treated. During the procedure, tiny incisions are made in the target region, and the laser is inserted through a cannula (small tube). The laser divides the fibrous bands and liquefies fat cells to smooth out skin. Then light energy from the laser is emitted to stimulate the production of collagen and tighten the skin.

Liposuction:
You may need to stay at home for recovery for several weeks based on the number of sections treated and the amount of fat removed. It's typical to have bruising and swelling for one or two weeks, and you should have your stitches taken out 7 – 10 days after surgery. The most important thing to do following any surgery is to give your body time to heal and recover. When you decide to go back to your job after your surgery, you should remember to minimize stress and strenuous activity. To increase your strength and stamina, try walking and light workouts as recommended by Dr. Aiello. Remember, you may notice some improvements soon after your surgery, but it will take around 6 – 10 months for your new body contour and shape to be complete.

SmartLipo™ and Cellulaze™:
These are both less invasive procedures than lipo so there is less downtime associated with them. However, if your SmartLipo™ treatment included liposuction, your recovery will more closely resemble that of liposuction patients. Mild pain and light bruising might develop after your treatment, but they will subside in 1 – 2 days. You can then resume your normal routine. One Cellulaze™ treatment is usually sufficient for noticeably smoother and attractive skin in non-severe cases. Clinical results usually last for more than a year. Your results could last longer, depending on factors, such as lifestyle and heredity. 

How much does liposuction cost?
Liposuction cost varies, depending on the technique selected and how many areas are being treated. In your consultation, Dr. Aiello will create your personal treatment plan to meet your needs and goals. He will also consider your budget. When your plan is ready, estimated costs will be discussed. To make your surgery easy to afford, Ocean Plastic Surgery Center takes several payment methods, and we will help you find low-interest financing.

What about nonsurgical liposuction?
There are several nonsurgical procedures to reduce body fat. At Ocean Plastic Surgery Center, we offer SmartLipo™ and Cellulaze™. Although these nonsurgical procedures can help reduce mild to moderate fat pockets, surgical liposuction is best for most people. Liposuction surgery produces more dramatic and consistent results. Ask Dr. Aiello about nonsurgical options in your consultation. He can explain the benefits of all your options and help you choose which is best for you.

What about cellulite and loose skin?
Liposuction surgery only corrects excess fat. For loose skin, Dr. Aiello may recommend combining liposuction with a lift surgery. Lipo is often done along with skin tightening surgery, like a tummy tuck, thighplasty, or arm lift, to give you your best results. During your consultation, talk to Dr. Aiello about your concerns, like cellulite and loose skin, so that your best treatment plan can be created.

Will I have scars?
Since liposuction is an invasive surgery, incisions will be made and sutured. This will cause scars; however, Dr. Aiello does his best to reduce their appearance. This starts with making thin incisions in less visible areas or the natural folds of your body. After your surgery, Dr. Aiello or a member of his team will teach you how to care for your incisions so they heal properly and will fade.

Will my results last?
Before liposuction, it is important to be prepared to maintain your results. Although liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in an area, you can still lose and gain weight. Dr. Aiello suggests that you be at or close to a healthy weight prior to liposuction. Afterward, it's best to remain within 5 – 10 pounds of your post-surgical weight. Getting pregnant after liposuction will also alter your results; however, another surgery, like a mommy makeover, may be done to refresh your body.

Fat removal with liposuction at Ocean Plastic Surgery Center offers patients the chance to have bothersome fat diminished almost instantly. Without the help of liposuction, it can be difficult to attain the slimming outcomes you desire. We can recommend various alternatives for liposuction treatment, depending on your individual concerns. We welcome you to get in touch with our office in Los Alamitos, CA and schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Aiello.