Liposuction
Liposuction was the number one plastic surgery in 2021 and 2022, and this fat-removal procedure has been one of the most popular for decades. Lipoplasty, or liposuction, surgically removes excess fat from one or more body areas and is most often used in the abdomen, thighs, and other stubborn regions where diet and exercise fail to achieve the desired results. Liposuction with Dr. Georgina Nichols in Sacramento can deliver a slimmer, more proportionate body shape.
Your Liposuction with Dr. Nichols
Dr. Nichols offers liposuction for most body parts, from the cheeks and chin to the ankles. During your consultation, she will discuss your cosmetic concerns and examine your problem areas and skin quality. You can combine liposuction with a lift procedure, such as tummy tuck or arm lift, to address loose, sagging skin. Liposuction is often combined with breast augmentation or breast lift for a mommy makeover. Dr. Nichols will recommend the procedure(s) to reach your body goals and ensure you understand the entire process.
The traditional liposuction procedure starts with IV sedation or general anesthesia. Dr. Nichols makes small incisions in the treated area and injects a diluted local anesthetic to reduce tissue trauma and bleeding. A cannula (thin, hollow tube) is inserted under the skin and moved back and forth to dislodge fat cells. The fat deposits are suctioned out of the body through the cannula using a surgical vacuum or syringe.
There are several liposuction techniques and technologies, and Dr. Nichols will determine the method that will work best for your goals. You will notice a slimmer body shape right after liposuction, with continued improvement as the swelling and fluid retention go away. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells, but the remaining fat cells can expand. Future weight gain will be more proportionate, though it’s best to maintain a stable weight for optimal results.
Is Liposuction with Dr. Nichols Right for You?
Healthy men and women with stubborn fat deposits anywhere on their bodies may qualify for liposuction. If you’ve tried diet and exercise with little to no results, liposuction can give you the smooth body contour you’ve been working toward with a balanced lifestyle. However, liposuction is not a weight loss solution nor an obesity treatment. You should be within 30% of your goal weight and have good skin elasticity and muscle tone. Patients should be nonsmokers without life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions that affect healing, such as diabetes. Having a positive outlook and realistic expectations of your results is best.
Some patients may need to combine liposuction with another plastic surgery or non-surgical skin tightening due to poor skin quality. Skin that’s thin from natural aging, stretch marks, or weight fluctuations won’t bounce back to conform to the slimmer body shape after liposuction, leaving some patients with loose skin tissue in the treated area. People with firm, taut skin will have the best liposuction results.
Liposuction Options with Dr. Nichols
Some liposuction techniques include tumescent liposuction, SmartLipo, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, and other methods. Dr. Nichols will discuss your liposuction options and recommend the surgical approach that fits your unique needs.
Tumescent liposuction is a technique that injects a solution containing local anesthetic and epinephrine into the targeted areas. The tumescent fluid fills the fatty layer of the skin, causing fat deposits to become firm and swollen. The solution shrinks blood vessels, reducing blood loss, bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Power-assisted liposuction uses a vibrating cannula to break apart stubborn fat into smaller pieces that are easier to remove through the cannula. Water-assisted liposuction is a less common method that uses a pressurized stream of saline (saltwater) to loosen fat cells.
Schedule Your Liposuction Consultation with Dr. Nichols
If you struggle with stubborn fat, schedule a consultation with Dr. Nichols to discuss liposuction. Contact The Plastic Surgery Center in Sacramento, California, by calling (916) 471-4682.
