Liposuction
Many Seattle men and women find that they still struggle with stubborn areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction is the gold-standard for fat removal, as it has been one of the most popular, effective, and versatile plastic surgery procedures for decades.
Successful liposuction depends on your surgeon having plenty of experience with the procedure, an excellent sense of aesthetics, the right tools, and a safe facility. Bellevue cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alexander Sobel typically performs 8 to 14 liposuction operations per week. He uses the newest, safest liposuction techniques to provide safe surgery and desirable results.
Para ver la pagina en Español haga click aquí.
“I recently had submental liposuction done by Dr. Sobel. I couldn’t be any happier already and the swelling isn’t even anywhere near gone. Very professional staff from front office and beyond. Very happy with my decision to choose Dr. Sobel to do my cosmetic procedure. Also, beautiful office. Highly recommend!
What is liposuction?
Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, was developed to remove fat deposits that fail to respond to diet and exercise. However, liposuction is not a method for general weight loss; it serves as a body contouring technique only. Frequently targeted areas include the hips, thighs, abdomen, buttocks, knees or love handles. Submental liposuction involves removal of fat from under the chin and neck. When you come in for a free consultation with Dr. Sobel, he can help you decide what areas of liposuction would help balance your figure and create curves you love.
- Triple board-certified in general cosmetic surgery, facial cosmetic surgery, and otolaryngology
- 15+ years of experience specializing in cosmetic surgery
- Operates in an on-site accredited surgical suite for patient safety and privacy
- National leader in cosmetic surgery, including as Past President of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, and as an expert speaker at medical conferences
- Former Seattle Met Top Doctor with hundreds of 5-star patient reviews
The ideal candidate for a liposuction procedure is a non-smoking person who is in generally good health. Each patient receives an extensive consultation to plan the most effective procedure for their specific needs. During your consultation, Dr. Sobel will meet with you one-on-one, discuss your goals, perform a medical evaluation, and assess your unique anatomy to determine if you are a good candidate for liposuction.
Dr. Sobel is highly skilled with the most advanced and up-to-date liposuction techniques. These include tumescent liposuction (liposculpture) and the use of thin cannulas for fat removal.
Dr. Sobel also performs liposuction for men! Read about male lipo here.
What is “Hi-Def Lipo”?
Dr. Sobel discusses how High Definition Liposuction is changing body contouring in this new video:
- Key Benefits
- Glossary
- Targeted Fat Reduction: Liposuction effectively removes stubborn fat deposits from targeted areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, neck, and chin.
- Improved Body Contours: By removing unwanted fat, liposuction can significantly enhance body contours and create a more balanced and proportionate figure.
- Permanent Removal of Fat Cells: The fat cells removed during liposuction are permanently eliminated, which means these specific areas are less likely to accumulate fat in the future.
- Minimal Scarring: Liposuction involves small incisions, leading to minimal scarring compared to more invasive surgical procedures.
- Quick Recovery Time: Recovery from liposuction is generally faster than with more invasive surgical body contouring procedures.
- Versatile Treatment Areas: Liposuction can be performed on various parts of the body, making it a versatile option for body contouring.
- Adipose Tissue: The body’s fat tissue, which is targeted and removed during liposuction.
- Anesthesia: Medication used to prevent pain during surgery. In liposuction, this can be local (numbing only the area being treated) or general (patient is fully asleep).
- Aspiration: The process of removing fat during liposuction using a suction device.
- Awake Liposuction: A liposuction technique performed while the patient is awake, using local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia. This approach allows the patient to remain conscious and minimally sedated, reducing some risks associated with general anesthesia.
- Body Contouring: A cosmetic surgical procedure aimed at reshaping and refining the body’s appearance. While liposuction primarily focuses on fat removal, body contouring can involve a variety of procedures, including liposuction, to enhance the overall shape and contours of the body.
- Cannula: A thin, hollow tube used to break up and suction fat out of the body during liposuction.
- Compression Garment: A special garment worn after liposuction to help reduce swelling, provide support, and help with the contouring of the body.
- Contour Irregularities: Changes in the skin surface that may occur after liposuction, including lumpiness, dimpling, or wavy appearance.
- Fat Embolism: A rare but serious complication where loosened fat enters the bloodstream and blocks blood flow.
- Fat Removal: The process of removing excess fat from specific areas of the body. In liposuction, fat removal is achieved through the use of a cannula and suction device, targeting areas where fat tends to accumulate, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, and arms.
- Infiltration Fluid: A saline solution, often with added medications such as anesthetics and epinephrine, injected into the fat before liposuction to minimize blood loss and pain.
- Laser Liposuction: A technique that uses laser energy to liquefy fat before it is removed. Also known as laser lipolysis.
- Lidocaine: A local anesthetic commonly used in the infiltration fluid during liposuction to reduce pain.
- Lipo: A colloquial term for liposuction.
- Lipolysis: The breakdown of fats and other lipids by hydrolysis to release fatty acids, a process that liposuction mechanically aids.
- Microcannula: A very small cannula used in liposuction to target smaller areas or for more detailed contouring.
- PAL (Power-Assisted Liposuction): Liposuction technique using a cannula that moves in a rapid back-and-forth motion, allowing for more efficient fat removal.
- Recovery Period: The time required for healing after liposuction, involving rest, avoiding strenuous activities, and following post-operative care instructions.
- SAL (Suction-Assisted Liposuction): The most traditional form of liposuction where fat is suctioned out through a cannula.
- Seroma: A pocket of clear fluid that sometimes develops in the body after surgery, including liposuction.
- Tumescent Technique: A liposuction method involving the injection of a large volume of diluted local anesthetic and other medications into the fat, making it swollen and firm, and reducing blood loss.
- UAL (Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction): A liposuction technique that uses ultrasonic vibrations to liquefy fat cells before removal.
- Vaser Liposuction: A specific type of ultrasound-assisted liposuction known for its ability to target fat while preserving other tissues.
- Wet Technique: A liposuction method where a small amount of fluid is injected into the area to loosen fat and reduce blood loss.
What Happens During Liposuction Surgery
During liposuction surgery, small incisions are made near the area where the fat is to be removed. A thin, hollow tube, called a cannula, is attached to a machine that creates a vacuum. Dr. Sobel carefully removes the unwanted fat as gently as possible to minimize bruising. Depending on the extent of the patient’s liposuction, local anesthesia may be used in combination with IV sedation. Liposuction is typically performed in Dr. Sobel’s WA DOH accredited surgical suite in Bellevue, Washington. You can rest assured knowing that the operating suite has modern hospital-level safety measures in place.
Watch a patient get prepped for their procedure
Dr. Sobel will draw a “map” on your body to use as a guide when sculpting your new contours. (These are not marks for incisions!) This short video helps illustrate the art and science of liposuction.
Liposuction Recovery & Results
Patients are back home resting the same day as their liposuction procedure and can enjoy a relatively painless recovery, with the help of a tight fitting garment that is worn to reduce swelling. The results of liposuction are apparent within two to three weeks, but the full benefits may not be visible for several months or more. Individual results may vary, but with realistic expectations, most Seattle liposuction patients experience improved self-esteem and positive body image.
Learn when you can expect to get back to work, when you can start working out, and more, in this new video from Dr. Sobel.
View results in our gallery
Dr. Sobel has performed thousands of cosmetic surgeries on happy patients in the Seattle area. To view real patient transformations and see what kind of results you can expect from breast, body, or facial rejuvenation surgery, please visit our before and after gallery.
Dr. Alexander Sobel uses refined techniques and tailors every aspect of your procedure for natural, personalized results.
From recovery and beyond, we are here for you every step of the way
Recovery following cosmetic surgery can be an incredibly emotional process. Just as you should prepare yourself for your physical recovery, you should likewise have an idea about what to expect emotionally and mentally as your body heals and your final results take shape.
Throughout the healing process, you will have easy access to Dr. Sobel so that any concerns can be addressed. We’d be glad to discuss the best timeline for your surgery if you need to be ready for summer, winter holidays, or any important event or occasion.
Ensuring your safety during your procedure
Choosing to have cosmetic surgery is a very personal decision—and it’s important that you feel safe, comfortable, and confident with the surgeon and practice you choose. At Anderson Sobel Cosmetic Surgery, we are fully committed to your safety and comfort.
Because liposuction is a nuanced surgical procedure, it’s critical that patients choose a doctor who operates in a surgery center with hospital-level safety measures in place. You and your family can rest assured knowing that our private operating suite is accredited by the Washington State Department of Health. Our surgery suite is well-appointed with your safety and comfort in mind.
In addition, Dr. Sobel is Cosmetic Surgery Patient Safety® certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery.
Why choose Dr. Sobel for your cosmetic surgery
As an award-winning Bellevue body contouring surgeon, triple-board certified surgeon in general cosmetic surgery, cosmetic facial surgery, and otolaryngology, Dr. Alexander Sobel has extensive experience performing liposuction surgeries, in addition to breast augmentation with implants, breast lift, fat transfer, mommy makeovers, facelift, Brazilian butt lift, tummy tuck, and more. Dr. Sobel is also former president of the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery, a leading U.S. medical board that certifies surgeons in the specialty of cosmetic surgery.
Find out why Dr. Sobel’s Bellevue and Seattle patients love his safe, consistent results—schedule your liposuction consultation online or by calling (425) 738-3560. He will be happy to discuss the best procedures to fit your goals and what you can expect from surgery.
“It’s been 2 months since I had liposuction and I’m very happy with the results, so if you plan to do something, don’t think about it anymore and go to Dr. Sobel”
Liposuction FAQ
Will I have to wear a compression garment afterwards?
Normally, the garment must be consistently worn for two weeks, then reduced to 12 hours per day for the remaining 4 weeks of the healing process. This can vary from person to person.
When can I resume working out or doing strenuous activity after liposuction?
You may start light exercises within 5 days, and gradually build up to your normal exercise routine over the next two weeks.
Does liposuction leave scars?
Dr. Sobel’s liposuction incisions are so small they do not even require a suture, and leave nothing more than a tiny mark. The marks usually fade away with time.
Will there be excess skin left behind after liposuction?
This depends on the elasticity of each individual’s skin and how much fat is removed from a given area. Dr. Sobel will discuss any concerns and recommend the correct procedures during your consultation. Often, a tummy tuck is the best option for patients with lax or sagging skin in the abdomen.
I had a C-Section and cannot get rid of my belly pooch. Can lipo correct this?
Liposuction is at times successful in treating the pooch that can gather from a C-Section, at least to lessen the effects. However, liposuction can do nothing to tighten skin or improve c-section scars. If desired, Dr. Sobel can suggest other solutions for these issues during your consultation.
Is liposuction OK for diabetics that have an overhanging tummy?
Yes, we can and we have performed the procedure with good results.
Can I get multiple areas (arms, hips, thighs, buttocks, etc) done all at once?
Yes, you can have liposuction done on multiple areas of the body in a single procedure. The number of treatments areas you can have at one time will depend on your body and health. This can be discussed ahead of time during your consultation with Dr. Sobel.
I had liposculpture in a number of areas years ago and want to have it again. Is this possible?
Yes, liposuction can be done more than once if enough fat was not removed the first time, or if there are irregularities.
Can liposuction treat cellulite?
No, liposuction is not effective at treating cellulite.
Reviews for Anderson Sobel Cosmetic
"Excellent service and wonderful outcome with every procedure I have had performe... read more"
"The nicest staff I've ever met ! Very professional.. very pleased with my result... read more"
"I’ve been going to Dr. Sobel for years. He always listens to my needs and is a... read more"
Cosmetic surgeon Dr. Alex Sobel has performed thousands of successful Seattle liposuction surgeries. If you have been considering liposuction and live in the Seattle area, Dr. Sobel is the first specialist with whom you should consult. Call our cosmetic surgery center today or contact us online to ask questions or schedule your free consultation.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Alexander Sobel — Updated on Sep 26, 2024