Diet and exercise are the dynamic duo of wellness. But regardless of how healthy our lifestyle may be, we are all trying to lose those last 10-20 lbs. No matter what we do, that stubborn fat just won’t seem to go. Atkins, SouthBeach, p90X, CrossFit… sometimes they simply can’t get the job done.
That is where liposuction comes into play. Liposuction can rid you of unwanted fat wherever it may linger. As an outpatient procedure with minimal downtime, liposuction might be the answer you have been looking for.
Dr. Brian Arslanian is a double board-certified plastic surgeon with two convenient locations in Jonesboro and Sandy Springs, Georgia. He proudly serves the greater Atlanta vicinity and beyond, earning him the title Dr. Hotlanta on Instagram. In Dr. Arslanian’s hands, a liposuction device becomes a magic wand, vacuuming away your “problem areas” with precision and artistry. To learn more about the benefits of liposuction, please contact our offices.
Contents
Before and After Photos
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that uses gentle vacuum pressure to remove unwanted fat cells from the body. There are several types of liposuction, and Dr. Arlslanian will determine which one works best for your anatomy and the specific fat deposits you are trying to reduce.
Tumescent Liposuction
In this technique, a tumescent fluid bathes your fat cells, numbing them and loosening them for extraction. The healing fluid helps to constrict blood vessels to minimize blood loss and also creates separation between the skin and fat to allow for safe liposuction.[1] The cannula is a thin tube used to vacuum unwanted cells from the body. Dr. Arslanian will operate the cannula by hand, skillfully contouring the body as he removes fat cells during the tumescent procedure.
Ultrasonic Liposuction
If you have scar tissue or remaining fat from a previous liposuction, then you may benefit from ultrasonic liposuction. The concentrated waves from the specialized cannula can sculpt difficult areas like the upper back and address conditions such as gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts).[2] Tumescent technique is performed, but before liposuction is done. An UltraSound Cannula is used to liquefy and break up the fat so that it is more easily removed with the liposuction cannula. Ultrasonic liposuction allows for delicate reshaping of thin layers of fat. Dr. Arslanian will honor the natural curves of your body by removing difficult fat stores in a subtle, effective way.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
This technique is identical to tumescent liposuction except the cannula is mechanically enhanced. Power-assisted liposuction helps to increase the efficiency of the procedure, especially in high-volume liposuction cases. If you have excess fat deposits that you want addressed skillfully and thoroughly, contact our Georgia support staff.
Laser Assisted Liposuction
Often termed SMART LIPO, this technique involves the use of a laser device to help melt the fat before suctioning it with the cannula. Dr. Arslanian does not perform this procedure since it appears to be associated with more complications. When used improperly, the laser can actually cause damage to the overlying skin which can lead to scarring, dimples and divots, and an overall likelihood of needing revision surgery in the future. If you have experienced any of these issues from liposuction with another surgeon, Dr. Arslanian can help. Please call (678) 894-9200 to discuss your healthcare needs and cosmetic desires.
SAFE Liposuction
Dr. Arslanian believes in and utilizes the technique of SAFE liposuction. SAFE is an acronym that stands for Separation Aspiration Fat Equalization. In this technique, no special lasers or devices are used, only common sense, safe techniques. The first step involves using a “Basket” type cannula to pre-tunnel and SEPARATE the fat and skin layers. A standard liposuction cannula is then used to ASPIRATE the fat. Another “Basket” type cannula is then used, without suction, to EQUALIZE the FAT to prevent dimpling and contour irregularities. This allows the skin to lay back down on the tissue like a smooth blanket, rather than a rocky bed with bumps and crevices. This is how Dr. Arslanian performs all of his liposuction cases. The SAFE method maximizes the likelihood of an excellent outcome for patients.
Benefits
Liposuction empowers individuals to contour their body to reflect their ideal vision. The cannula roots out stubborn fat where it lives, removing excess bulk pleasingly and precisely.
- Minimally-invasive
- Exact and meticulous
- Helps clothes fit more flatteringly
- Reduces girth
- Increases confidence
To experience the benefits of liposuction for yourself, schedule an individualized consultation at either our Jonesboro or Sandy Springs locations.
Eligible Candidates
The ideal candidate for liposuction is someone in good health with reasonable expectations of the procedure’s outcome. Dr. Arslanian will explain the potential risks and complications that may occur, and he will ensure that potential patients understand these conditions. Candidates should be close to their ideal body weight in order to achieve the best possible results.
Patients who are trying to use liposuction as a means to lose weight are not good candidates.
Liposuction should really be called “LipoSculpture” since it is meant to sculpt the body rather than help you lose 20lbs. Patients who are more than 30lbs overweight should consider a diet and exercise program first before considering liposuction. Otherwise, results will likely be less than ideal. Patients who have experienced massive weight loss and are left with excess loose skin are also not ideal candidates, as a surgical procedure to excise the skin is probably the appropriate operation.
To determine if liposuction is the best course of action for you, contact Dr. Arslanian and his knowledgeable, attentive team.
Private Consultation
During your consultation, you will meet with Dr. Arslanian and his staff. You will have the opportunity to discuss your individual situation as well as your concerns and aesthetic goals. Dr. Arslanian will take a thorough history and perform a complete examination, assessing your areas of concern, skin quality, and fat distribution. Photos will be taken to help Dr. Arslanian illustrate his strategy and explain his approach to liposuction. If you are deemed a good candidate, he will discuss the various options for liposuction and make sure you are happy with your decision. He will also show you photos of other patients’ Before & After photos to give you a reasonable idea of expectations. After answering all your questions, you will then sit down with the surgical coordinator to discuss timing, pricing, and any other questions you might have.
We also offer remote consultations for anyone who cannot currently visit us in person. No matter where you log on, Dr. Arslanian wants to connect!
Preparation
Prior to surgery, you will be given details about the day, time and location of your procedure. You will have ample time to fill Dr. Arslanian’s prescriptions and all of your paperwork, including consent forms, will be signed. In some cases, you may need to obtain medical clearance from your physician or specialist. You might also possibly meet with the anesthesiologist and undergo additional lab work, depending on your medical issues and personal situation. Current smokers should quit prior to surgery to minimize the chances of complications and promote optimal healing.
Liposuction Procedure
The procedure will be performed on an outpatient basis in an accredited surgery center with a board-certified anesthesiologist in the safest conditions possible. The surgery will be performed under general anesthesia. Preoperative markings will typically be made the morning of surgery.
After you are sedated, Dr. Arslanian will start by gently making his small incisions to gain access to the areas requiring treatment. A tumescent fluid will then be injected into the planned areas of liposuction. Dr. Arslanian will then utilize the above principles of SAFE liposuction to remove unwanted fat from your target areas. Depending on your situation, ultrasonic or power-assisted liposuction might also be utilized. The incisions will then be skillfully closed and you will be placed into a compression garment. You will be taken to the recovery room after awakening from anesthesia.
Recovery
You will go home the same day of surgery to rest. You will need to wear a compression garment 23 hours a day for the first 4-6 weeks. This will help to minimize the swelling and speed up your recovery. After 6 weeks, you will transition to a slightly less compressive garment, like “spanx”, in order to continue your healing process. Depending on your pain tolerance, some people might be back to work the next day, and others may need a week or so off of work to get back to 100%. Most patients resume full, normal activity by the 4-6 week mark.
Results
Patients can expect most of the swelling to be resolved by 3 months, but 10-15% of the swelling can persist after 6 or even 12 months. The more you adhere to wearing your garment, the faster the recovery period should be. A common complication of liposuction is contour irregularity. This can happen if one area is liposuctioned more than an adjacent area, or if there is intense scarring in a particular location. Sometimes this is unavoidable. The good news is that the majority of the time, these things will improve and settle out on their own over the course of several months. In the rare occurrence that it does not, the patient may require a second procedure to smooth out any irregularities.
Dr. Arslanian minimizes potential complications by planning ahead and communicating his expertise to patients.
As part of our continued effort to stay connected with our Atlanta friends and neighbors, we update our blog regularly. Dr. Arslanian personally curates this content, inspiring readers with his current take on aesthetic trends and healthcare tips. Read through our blog and feel free to contact us with any feedback or questions you may have.
Complementary Procedures
If you struggle with loose, excess skin, then liposuction alone may not address your full suite of issues. Consider a tummy tuck to tighten and contour your midsection or an arm lift to highlight your upper body features. Many of these procedures involve liposuction to vacuum away unwanted fat. So, what is the best way to put this extracted fat to great use? Read on…
Fat Transfer
If autologous fat grafting is a procedure that interests you, please mention this during your consultation process and we can help decide if you are a good candidate for fat transfer.
Fat grafting has gained popularity over recent years. In the fat transfer technique, rather than throwing away the fat aspirated during liposuction, it can be harvested and used in your own body. You may desire more volume in certain areas that need some enhancement. The three most common sites patients choose to place the fat are: the breasts, the buttock, and the hips. These are three areas that many women want to accentuate. By transferring the fat, you accomplish two goals simultaneously. We remove the fat from your “trouble areas” and then enhance other areas, as if we were sculpting a work of art out of clay. This technique has given a huge uptick in popularity to procedures such as the Brazilian Butt Lift, and Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation.
FAQ
How much does liposuction cost in Atlanta?
The cost of a liposuction procedure will depend on the number of locations and the sizes of the locations that are to be contoured. It will also depend on any additional procedures that you may choose to have done at the time. We would be more than happy to give you a detailed, customized quote when you schedule a consultation with Dr. Arslanian.
Is liposuction safe?
Liposuction is a delicate process that must only be performed by a trusted, board-certified surgeon. Dr. Brian Arslanian has earned his spot at the top of Atlanta’s medical scene. To consult with the best, call (678) 894-9200 and ask how liposuction can bring your aesthetic dreams to life!
References
- Pitman GH, Aker JS, Tripp ZD. (1996). Tumescent liposuction. A surgeon’s perspective. Clinics in Plastic Surgery. 23(4):633-41. Retrieved from: https://europepmc.org/article/med/8906394
- Hodgson, E. L. B.; Fruhstorfer, B. H. & Malata, C. M. (2005). Ultrasonic Liposuction in the Treatment of Gynecomastia. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery: 116(2)646-653. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000173441.57812.e8