Virginia Beach Liposuction

Frequently Asked Questions

Our society admires youth and strength, and cosmetic surgery provides an important additional tool to restore or maintain a more attractive, youthful, vibrant appearance. Talk of liposuction surgery is increasingly commonplace on television and radio, as well as in magazines and newspapers regarding peels, skin treatments and body contouring. The number of younger woman, men and even teens having cosmetic surgery is growing as it becomes more accepted and safer than ever before.

Common Liposuction questions include:

• What is laser assisted liposuction (SmartLipo)?
• How long does the procedure take?
• What should I expect after a liposuction procedure?
• Is there pain or discomfort after laser liposuction surgery?
• Which body areas can be treated by SmartLipo?
• Am I a good candidate for laser liposuction surgery?
• How many treatments are needed?
• How long is the laser liposuction surgery post-op and recovery time?
• Is it normal to be anxious before having SmartLipo surgery?
• How does the abdominal laser liposuction differ from a "tummy tuck"?
• When can I expect to see results?
• Comparison of traditional vs laser liposuction

What is Laser Liposuction?
Laser Liposuction is a variation of liposuction where two important distinctions from traditional liposuction occur. The first is the use of local (tumescent) anesthesia. This method of anesthesia provides the safest course and greatly minimizes potential risk. The second distinction from traditional liposuction is the use of a laser to liquefy the fat and help tighten the skin. This cutting edge technology has helped improve results, improve comfort level, and minimize post-operative discomfort.

How long does the procedure take?
On average, the procedure takes 2-3 hours per session.
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What should I expect after a Liposuction procedure?
Following the procedure, you may experience some drainage of fluid from the incisions that typically resolves within 24 hours. A compression garment will be placed immediately following the procedure and must be worn at all times for two weeks (and then at night for another two weeks.) Most patients return to work two days after the procedure.
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Is there Pain or Discomfort after Laser Liposuction Surgery?
During the two days immediately after liposuction, the amount of pain experienced depends on the type of anesthesia used for liposuction. Soreness is usually the most intense 2 to 4 days after liposuction and then decreases steadily. The tenderness and soreness typically is quite bothersome for up to 4 weeks, but gradually subsides over the following next 4 to 8 weeks.
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Which Body Areas can be treated by Laser Liposuction?
The most frequently treated areas for women are the abdomen, flanks ("love-handles"), hips, outer thighs, anterior thighs, inner thighs, arms, and neck. In men, who comprise about 20% of liposuction patients, the most commonly treated areas include the chin and neck area, abdomen, flanks ("love-handles"), and chest.
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Am I A Good Candidate for Laser Liposuction Surgery?
A good candidate for liposuction is defined as any person who has realistic expectations, is in good health and is likely to be happy with the results of liposuction. The best candidates for liposuction are patients with good skin tone (elasticity) who have areas of excess fat in localized regions.
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How many treatments are needed?
Only one treatment is required for most patients.
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How long is the Laser Liposuction Surgery Post-Op and Recovery time?
When liposuction is done totally by local anesthesia, patients can usually depart from the surgical facility within 30 minutes of the completion of surgery. Most patients can return to a desk-type job with two days after tumescent liposuction. Because of the significant decrease in swelling, inflammation and pain after tumescent liposuction, patients are able to return to normal physical activities very soon after tumescent liposuction.
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Is it Normal to be Anxious before having Laser Liposuction Surgery?
Yes. Almost everyone has some degree of anxiety before having a surgical procedure, including liposuction. Don't worry; we have seen hundreds of similarly concerned patients and we will walk you thru the whole process and make sure that you are comfortable every step of the way.
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How does Abdominal Laser Liposuction differ from a "Tummy Tuck"?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a major surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia, and involves liposuction and excision to remove fat, plus a large excision of skin. Patients typically are hospitalized and have a long recovery period. Because liposuction is safer and causes much less scarring compared to tummy tucks, abdominal liposuction is now far more common than are tummy tucks.
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When can I expect to see results?
Results are visible within a few days with continuing improvement up to six months.
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Can you compare traditional liposuction with laser liposuction?