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Liposuction is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that slims and contours the targeted areas of the face or body by removing stubborn excess fat with a suction cannula. The value of liposuction is that it is a guaranteed method to remove fat, compared with other fat reduction treatments or topical products, as it physically removes the fat cells out from the body.
The human body holds subcutaneous fat in both deep and superficial layers. During this painless procedure, Dr. Boudreault makes a small incision (3-5mm) to insert a cannula into the deep fat layer. He then uses a technique referred to as S.A.F.E. liposuction, which stands for Separation, Aspiration and Fat Equalization. The first step is Separating the fat, which is done while injecting the tumescent fluid. This is referred to as a “SITS” technique, or Simultaneous Infusion of Tumescent and Separation. This fluid settles, helping minimize the bleeding, then Aspiration is carefully performed with 3-4mm cannulas to produce the desired outcome. Once satisfied with the amount of reduction, Fat Equalization is performed to blend the treated areas with the untreated areas, to help minimize irregularities and transition effects.
Dr. Boudreault performs liposuction in our AAAASF surgical facility under general anesthesia. During the procedure, small incisions are made in inconspicuous areas near or along natural creases of the body. Then, a fluid that contains local anesthetic and epinephrine is injected into the incisions to completely numb the area and minimize bleeding during the surgery.
Next, a small device called a cannula is inserted and a forward and backward motion is used to create small tunnels within the fat. This is then suctioned out of the body. This is done as described above as S.A.F.E liposuction. Over the course of several weeks, the underlying space will collapse and the overlying skin will tighten, resulting in a more contoured appearance of the treated area.
Recovery is generally mild, but can usually be described as tenderness, soreness, swelling, and bruising. You’ll start to feel yourself again and can return to work after 1-2 weeks. Generally, you can resume the physical activity of a heart rate below 90 bpm at 2 weeks, the activity of a heart rate below 90-120 bpm at 3 weeks, and normal or strenuous activity after 4 weeks as you feel comfortable. We also recommend lymphatic massage to help speed up recovery and minimize swelling and tenderness.
Liposuction removes unwanted fat to improve the shape and contours of the body or face. The best candidates for liposuction are men and women who have persistent bulges of fat in unwanted areas that do not respond favorably to diet and exercise. Lipo, as it’s commonly called, can be done on almost any area of the body: abdomen, back, thighs, hips, buttocks, lower legs, chest, upper arms, neck, jawline and cheeks. The result is a slimmer, shapelier and more contoured version of you.
For more significant fat removal, changes will be noticed immediately post-procedure. Swelling will be present after surgery and can obscure the results initially. Patients are required to wear a compression garment for two weeks after surgery before transitioning to a lightly compressive garment, like Spanx®, to minimize swelling and maintain your newly contoured shape. Swelling after surgery is the most common reason for any delay in seeing your final results, but most swelling will resolve after the first 1-2 months. Most before/after photos we take are at 3-6 months post-procedure.
The average cost of liposuction can vary between $5,000–$15,500, depending upon the number of treatment areas. This estimated cost also includes anesthesia and facility fees. If you’d like to enjoy your newly lipo sculpted body sooner, but would like to space out the payments in smaller monthly increments over time, our patients can apply for financing through CareCredit or Alphaeon. Many patients have also applied for credit cards with longer terms at 0% interest.
Join our many Silicon Valley patients who’ve had their Liposuction procedure to achieve slimmer, contoured features they now love.
“I had my Brazilian Butt Lift in 2017 with Dr. Boudreault and I couldn’t be any happier with my results. My butt and hips look SO natural – my only regret was not doing it sooner!”*
Brazilian Butt Lift Patient
“I fully trust Dr. B and will go to him for all my procedures. He really cares about his clients and their results.”*
Med Spa Patient
“The day after my surgery when the garment came off, I almost cried. Dr. B exceeded my expectations and gave me an even BETTER body than I had imagined.”*
Brazilian Butt Lift Patient
