San Diego Tumescent liposuction

You Deserve the Best San Diego Liposuction Surgeon

By removing fat from areas you choose, liposuction improves body shape toward your ideal.

Liposuction is safe and effective

Liposuction is safe and effective for permanent removal of fat. Common sites of fat removal are the back, waist, hips, thighs, buttocks, flanks, abdomen, and neck to trim contours and accentuate curves. Best results are achieved if your skin retains youthful elasticity. This is evaluated during consultation. Liposuction is performed under local anesthesia for single or small areas, and general anesthesia for several areas or larger amounts of fat removal. Recovery lasts days to weeks, and scars are minimal. Liposuction is not a procedure to lose weight. We recommend the highly effective 10x program for body weight and total body fat reduction.  Because liposuction removes only fat but no skin, liposuction does not shrink or reduce loose sagging skin after weight loss or aging. For both skin AND fat removal, individualized dermolipectomy (removal of both skin and fat) is recommended.  Fat removed by liposuction can be transferred to other areas of the body (often buttocks or breasts) for augmentation if desired.  We incorporate the  advanced Acquicell® power assisted system for a smoother result and Lipo-Loop® closed sterile fat transfer technology for maximal success. 

What is tumescent liposuction?

A variety of liposuction techniques are described, and having tested them all, Dr. Laverson applies standard  tumescent technique. Tumescent means “to swell.” A prescribed formulation of sterile fluid is gently infiltrated into the targeted area for a swollen and firm effect that will promote safe and effective fat removal. The amount of fluid injected is about equal to the volume of fat that will be removed. Benefits of tumescent liposuction include reduced blood loss, low risk of complications, and extended effects of the anesthetic, which can last up to 24 hours after surgery, significantly reducing immediate pain and discomfort.

Dermolipectomy scars are longer than liposuction scars, but plastic surgical wound closure, advanced scar management techniques, and patience to allow healing minimize the visibility of dermolipectomy scars.  Shape and proportion of the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and upper arms can be improved significantly.  If weight control has been a problem for you, Dr. Laverson recommends 10x.diet for lifelong success.  10x.diet  has helped many lose ten to fifty pounds or more, and keep it off.  Sometimes, weight loss avoids the need for liposuction altogether.  If you still have fat bulge(s) after achieving the body composition you like, liposuction often removes them nicely.  Final result depends on the amount and distribution of fat, and your skin quality.  Thermi-RF (radiofrequency skin tightening) works well to shrink small amounts of loose skin.  At consultation, you’ll learn what’s best for you, and what to expect.

Liposuction Financing Available

(Estimated cost $5500-$9000)

Actual patient 3 weeks after liposuction upper inner thighs

How is the liposuction procedure performed by Dr. Laverson?

Liposuction is an outpatient procedure, and Dr. Laverson will ensure your safety and comfort are the highest priorities. The procedure is comprised of three main steps:

Step 1: Marking the treatment area

Before the procedure, Dr. Laverson confirms with you all treatment areas.  So you can see your lipo 360 degrees, you stand in our three way mirror while he marks treatment areas on your skin with surgical ink.

Step 2: Anesthesia

Depending on your health and the extent of the procedure, you might receive general anesthesia, administered by an anesthesiologist. If you are having a small volume of fat removed, you might only need local anesthesia at the surgical site. You will also have the option of receiving a sedative through an I.V. to help you relax during the procedure.

Step 3: The procedure

Once the treatment area is prepared and you’re settled and comfortable, Dr. Laverson will make a small incision within a skin fold.  Then, he will insert a thin instrument into the fat so he can inject a mixture of epinephrine to minimize bleeding and anesthetic to further numb the area. 

Liposuction San DiegoNext, Dr. Laverson will use a small hollow wand with a sharp tip, called a cannula, to suck out the fat with the help of a mechanical pump. With a gentle back and forth motion, the cannula tip breaks through the tough connective tissue within fat so it can be removed. 

# Cannula Types

Cannulas are hollow tubes with openings near the tip.  A variety of lengths, diameters, and tip styles are produced to extract fat in different situations.  

  • Larger cannulas remove larger volumes of fat for debulking.  
  • Smaller cannulas remove smaller volumes of fat, and are best for sculpting precise contours.  
  • Cannulas with sharp, “aggressive” tips are for fat embedded in dense stroma (connective tissue).  Cannulas are directed by Dr. Laverson in an oscillating (back and forth) motion through fat.  Fat is pulled into the cannula by a pump that generates negative one atmosphere of pressure.  

After finishing with all the targeted areas, Dr. Laverson will close the incisions with fine stitches buried beneath the skin, and surgical adhesive and skin tapes will cover the areas until they heal. 

What is the difference between standard liposuction and ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL)?

UAL is a technology that uses ultrasonic energy to gently liquefy fat. As the cannula is passed through fat deposits, ultrasonic energy breaks open the fat cell walls. This allows fat to flow more freely, where it can be suctioned out and removed.

Dr. Laverson answers Liposuction Questions

Liposuction is a procedure in which bulges of fat are reduced and removed in order to refine your figure. It is a safe and effective means of permanent fat removal, and can be performed on any area of the face or body where there is fat.  Liposuction of the cheeks, liposuction of the jowls, and liposuction of the neck are popular office procedures.  Liposuction of the waist, liposuction of the back, liposuction of the bra-line, liposuction of the arms, liposuction of the hips, liposuction of the flanks, liposuction of the abdomen, liposuction of the mons pubis and labia, liposuction of the thighs, liposuction of the buttocks, and liposuction of the legs are also performed as desired for bulges or extra fat in those and other areas.  Fat removed during liposuction may be transferred to the buttocks as needed if enlargement and filling of the buttocks is desired.  Before beginning treatment, we will listen to understand your vision of what you want, and explain the treatment plan that will accomplish your goals.

NO, liposuction is generally painless during the procedure with mild discomfort for several days or longer afterward.  Depending on how much fat is removed, how many areas are treated, the size and location of each area, and whether or not that fat is transferred somewhere else, a variable amount of post-treatment pain may require narcotic or non-narcotic analgesics.  Liposuction is performed under local anaesthesia for small areas like the face and neck, or small bulges elsewhere.  General anaesthesia offers more comfort and safety for liposuction of large areas, large volumes, multiple areas, and for fat transfer.  You will not feel any pain during liposuction (we specialize in painless liposuction technique), but because nerves passing through the treated area are affected, most men and women experience discomfort for days to even weeks after liposuction.  Swelling of treated areas is normal, and dissipates over days, weeks, and even months after liposuction.  Dr. Laverson supplies a custom fitted compression garment to smooth skin after liposuction.  Gentle compression by the garment is recommended for ten days or so after liposuction.  Some like the shape of post-surgical garments and the feeling of stability they offer, and wear them for longer during recovery from liposuction.

Liposuction is popular for both men and women.  Liposuction is indicated for non-obese  patients with localized bulges or fullness in specific body areas from extra fat.  Liposuction is truly a body shaping, body thinning, and body contouring procedure.  Skin quality influences the final result of liposuction.  If large amounts of fat are removed from an area with loose skin, the skin in that area, after it is deflated by fat removal, may sag.  The judgment of whether liposuction (fat removal alone) or dermolipectomy (removal of excess skin AND fat) is better will be part of the pre-surgical discussion.

No, liposuction is not a weight-loss method. It is a  surgical procedure to balance and sculpt the body and best for those who are near their ideal weight, yet have one or more areas that do not respond to diet or exercise.

No. Liposuction removes fat and reduces some of the pressure on your skin, but in general, it is not an effective way to tighten skin. Many overweight people who have liposuction also undergo surgical procedures to remove excess skin. 

This is our most common question, and the answer depends on your situation.  We recommend a POWERFUL EFFECTIVE  medical weight loss program that is guaranteed, provided you are otherwise healthy and follow the program.  The best part:  It’s not that difficult.  Some details explained at 10x.diet.  We’re available 24/7 for support.  You should have the body you want, not only for your best appearance, but for your overall health.  Excess fat is associated with chronic medical problems.  Changes in your routine habits required to lose weight are well worth the effort.  Weight loss is more a mental than a physical battle, and we’re here to help.  Liposuction works best if you’re normal or near normal body weight.  If you remain overweight after liposuction, you may not be happy.  Patients who are overweight request liposuction in multiple areas.  If you lose weight first, liposuction may only be needed in one or two areas instead of five or six, or maybe not at all!

Tumescent liposuction reduces post operative bruising, swelling and pain.  Blood loss is minimized during tumescent liposuction due to the effects of medication in the tumescent solution.  Tumescence indicates that excess fat is suffused with a large amount of sterile salt water containing medications during a preliminary step prior to removal of your fat by suction.  Injected fluid swells fat compartments.  They become  firm, or “tumesced.” Expanded fat compartments allow the liposuction cannula to travel smoothly beneath the skin as fat is extracted.  Benefits of tumescence before liposuction (the “tumescent technique”) include added precision in fat removal and body contouring, facilitation of larger volumes of fat removal, diminished blood loss, and with local anesthetic, extended pain relief after surgery. Dr. Laverson has evaluated several other techniques for liposuction.  He prefers tumescent because of the predictability of results, his ability for both debulking larger volumes and for sculpting finer contours, and the improved safety profile by avoiding unnecessary discharge of ultrasound or laser energy beneath the skin surface near nerves, blood vessels, and organs that can be directly or indirectly affected.

Swelling and often some bruising are expected after liposuction.  Dr. Laverson will measure your body in advance of your procedure, and order a high-quality custom-fitted compression garment to control swelling, stabilize the treated area, and facilitate smooth fat distribution for your best possible body shape.  Wear the garment around the clock (except when showering) for two to three weeks following your liposuction procedure.   Many patients see little difference or are even larger during the first one to three months after liposuction.  Between two and six months afterward, you will progressively see better results, provided you’re not gaining body fat from overeating.  Improvement continues until about one year after liposuction when all of the swelling should be gone.

 If you gain weight after liposuction, the treated fat cells and bulges will still be gone.  Your new shape will remain, but your weight gain will be more evenly distributed.   When you meet with Dr. Laverson, review before and after pictures of patients with similar body types and procedures.  These photos will help you determine whether your expectations are realistic or not.

Liposuction is a body contouring procedure to improve the shape, size, and appearance of your body.  This includes a smooth skin surface.  Your age, skin elasticity, history of weight loss, the amount, area, and location on your body of liposuction all influence the final outcome.  Dr. Laverson incorporates judgment and techniques to avoid “cellulite” and rippling, but as swelling resolves and the treated area deflates after liposuction, rippling, wrinkling, skin sagging, and surface irregularities develop.  Often, this is mild, and not problematic.  The development of loose skin over an area of liposuction can be difficult to predict, and even more so if ultrasound (e.g. VASER®) or laser energy (e.g. SMART-LIPO®) is performed.  No promises can be made in advance regarding cellulite. Liposuction improves the overall shape of the body in addition to making it smaller, but if significant rippling and skin sagging develop, secondary procedures such as dermolipectomy (surgical removal of excess skin and fat) may be indicated.

There is no way to accurately predict your healing speed, but most patients will see 80% of their liposuction results within 1 to 6 months following surgery. Final results vary from patient to patient and depend on age, areas treated, and the amount of fat removed, as well as individual healing speeds. Some patients see immediate results that improve steadily while others have weeks of swelling. Both of these outcomes are normal.

You will have small scars wherever instruments were inserted, which will vary by the patient in their appearance.  The area being treated can also potentially develop scar tissue. A good surgeon will take great care in making small, discrete incisions; however, potential scarring should be discussed with your surgeon prior to the procedure. If you have a large area or many sites being treated, he or  she will have to pay extra attention to incision placement and size. Your skin type and pigmentation may make your scar thicken or more visible. 

Liposuction is a surgical procedure and requires time for recuperation. Your stitches will come out approximately 7 to 10 days after your procedure. While most people can go back to work or school a few days after surgery, strenuous activity must be avoided for four or more weeks.

 

With realistic expectations and proper body maintenance, you can be satisfied with the results of your plastic surgery for many years to come.

There is NO charge for post surgical visits.

Are You a Good Candidate for Liposuction?

Who benefits most:

  • Individuals with firm, elastic skin who have pockets of excess fat. Because aging affects skin elasticity, younger people tend to have better results—but improvement is likely at any age.
  • Individuals  within  a  normal  weight  range— Liposuction works best for those who are within a normal weight-range,  yet have unwanted bulges that can’t be eliminated by diet and exercise alone.   Liposuction reduces fat collections in so- called “problem areas,” but should not be used as a cure for generalized obesity.

Read more about: Is Liposuction Right for Me?

How to Prepare for Your Liposuction Consultation

Finding the right surgeon is the single-most important decision you will make.   It is important to find a surgeon you feel comfortable with and trust. Choosing a surgeon with extensive skills and experience and who communicates well with you is key to helping ensure successful results. Dr. Laverson is a sure bet.  His standards, training, credentials, experience, knowledge, compassion, ethics,  innate aesthetic sense, and commitment to value combined are truly unique, and unsurpassed.

Bring a list of questions to the office that are important to you.   Dr. Laverson will answer them all honestly.  He is not a salesman, but an artist who wants to produce for you the best possible result.  If he can help you, he will let you know how.  If he cannot, he will explain why.

  • Do you have any history of high blood pressure, heart disease, or bleeding disorder?
  • Do you have diabetes?
  • Do you have any breathing problems, including shortness of breath, bronchitis, emphysema, or COPD?
  • Do you have allergies to any medications?
  • What medications do you take (including supplements, vitamins, herbs etc.)?
  • Do you smoke, drink alcohol, or use any other prescription or recreational drugs?

The questions below are only a starting point.  As you consider all aspects of the surgery, additional questions will occur to  you. Remember, there are no silly questions. Be sure to bring a written list so all your questions are answered.

  • What are the risks and complications associated with liposuction?
  • What results can I expect?
  • What type of anesthesia do you recommend for my procedure? Why?
  • How long will it take for me to heal? How long before I can go back to work or resume normal activities?
  • What alternate procedures to surgery are available?
  • What are my options if I’m not satisfied with the results?
  • May I please see your before and after photos?
  • What will the procedure cost?

Making the most of your pre-op visit

Your pre-op appointment is scheduled prior to your surgery date and is when Dr. Laverson gets a clearer picture of your situation, your desired results, and details of the procedure that will be required to safely and reliably achieve a good result. Take this opportunity to explain exactly what you want, and to ask additional questions.

Instructions you’ll want to write down:

  • At your pre-op visit, Dr. Laverson explains your liposuction procedure in more detail including incision placement and anticipated results, as well as the volume of fat removal that is acceptable at the location where your surgery is being performed.
  • You will also read and sign a surgical consent form.
  • You will be told what steps you need to take to prepare for your procedure, and will receive written instructions.
  • Dr. Laverson will order the compression garment you wear home from your surgery.
  • Your instructions will also include what you shouldn’t do before surgery—things like eating or drinking on the day of the procedure or supplements, herbs and/or medications to avoid.

Rememberfollowing Dr. Laverson’s instructions will promote a successful outcome.

Patient reviews

I've been putting this review off for far too long, mostly due to my own apprehension to "put it out there" that I've had work done. But you know what?? I've spent 47 years eating right and working out...and after seven babies, I feel I can say with confidence that I DESERVE to have had this procedure done to correct what nature gave me/took away from me. After spending literally YEARS debating this issue in my head, I finally decided to have my "trouble areas" (which had been with me essentially since birth) addressed with liposuction. I had consultations with several different PS's throughout the county over the course of the past year, but none even came close to making me feel as positive and confident as Dr. Laverson did about this surgery. I knew right away when I met him that I would be scheduling ASAP, which I did by phone the very same day, after discussing it with my husband. Jennifer was so awesome, and was able to get me in just six weeks out. I was so excited! Cut to surgery day (no pun intended), I woke up before the sun in my hotel room, less than five minutes from the office. I had decided a few days prior to book a room, rather than fight commuter traffic from Oceanside down to Sorrento Valley. So glad I did, as it set the tone for a stress-free day, and my hubby would later Uber down and drive me back home in my car. Dr. Laverson and his whole staff made me feel so comfortable and at ease throughout the whole experience! I was not even remotely nervous or concerned, but felt invigorated and empowered by it. I woke up from anesthesia with little pain and no nausea, just very groggy, which is of course typical. A few hours later, I was released and on my way home. By the time I reached the comfort of my sofa, the pain meds had started to wear off and I was feeling a bit uncomfortable. So my better half gave me a dose of Percocet, which Dr. Laverson had prescribed at my pre-op visit. Within minutes, the pain was gone and I was fast asleep. I woke up the next morning feeling stiff, but in no pain. I never took another dose of the Percocet, again. Of course, whenever you have a procedure such as liposuction done, you must wear the dreaded surgical garment. I'm not going to lie, they are very tight and restrictive, but they are there for a reason. Thankfully, I only had to wear mine (which went from just below my breasts to below my knees) for the first three weeks. I was so relived when I went back for my second post-op, and Dr. Laverson said I could forego that Chinese torture device! I am now almost three months out from my surgery, and as SO very happy and satisfied with my results. And for the first time in my life, I feel confident wearing yoga pants and skinny jeans, without the need for Spanx underneath! I definitely believe I chose the right surgeon, without a doubt. And when the time comes and I've saved up enough to have a (much needed) tummy tuck, you can rest assured that it will be Dr. Laverson doing it! So, THANK YOU to everyone at Feel Beautiful Plastic Surgery, you are all just amazing!!
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Liposuction
After my 23rd birthday I started gaining weight but noticed that my face looked unproportionate to my body. I began to suffer from what I later referred to as “lack of facial characteristics” and a majorly disturbing double chin due to what I believe was my genetics. My face seemed just plain fat; I shied away from photos and couldn’t even look at myself in the mirror sometimes. I tried to lose weight and workout but whatever I did I couldn’t lose the face fat/chubby cheeks it looked like I always had a mouth full of air. Towards woman I became the "the shy" and "the quiet guy". I tried to work on my personality but just became "the funny" and "outgoing guy", anything to try to make up for my insecurity but most of the time I just became “the friend”. This went on for four years and destroyed myself esteem. After my surgery I felt no pain and was on pain medication for four days. I noticed immediate difference with the cheek and chin implants. My face was swollen from the lipo to the neck and I wore a neck garment to help with the healing. I had the neck garment on 24 hrs a day for the week I took off work. The second week I returned to work on light duty and wore the garment on and off during the day for three days. I looked like I had my wisdom teeth taken out no big deal and I wore the neck garment on during the night. After the third day the swelling was noticeably going down daily. I was no longer wearing the neck garment after the second week and shortly after Dr. Laverson took the stitches out. By the beginning of the third week I was already going out on the town with a bit of swelling noticeable only to me. I looked a lot better and my attitude reflected it. I still look like myself after my surgery, but better. I am extremely pleased with the results and feel conferrable with taking pictures, look better in sunglasses, and catch myself doing posses in the mirror like a teenage girl. I feel like the paper bag mask has been lifted off my face. I thank Dr. Laverson and his staff for changing my life.
Neck Liposuction, Chin Implant, Cheek Implants
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