Liposuction

Sandpoint, Hayden, Coeur d'Alene and North Idaho

Ultrasonic Liposuction

Liposuction (suction lipectomy) is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures performed today.

Liposuction is a safe and reliable way to remove stubborn areas of fat. While not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle, it can remove fat deposits which are unresponsive to diet and exercise. Liposuction is very useful as a body contouring procedure. It cannot be used, however, as a replacement for weight loss, and patients are required to have a stable body mass index (BMI) prior to surgery. Only the fat immediately beneath the skin, called subcutaneous fat, can be removed with liposuction. Internal fat, such as the abdominal fat that lies around internal organs and contributes to a “pot belly”, can only be decreased with a healthy diet and exercise.

Liposuction is used to remove unwanted fat from many areas of the body including:

How it works

A thin, tube-like instrument, called a cannula, is inserted through small, precisely placed incisions and used to suction out the unwanted fat cells. Once the fat cells are removed, they do not grow back in that area, although remaining cells can still enlarge with weight gain.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction, sometimes referred to as a form of “wet” liposuction, involves injecting fluid into the area where liposuction is to be performed. This fluid is a combination of saline, local anesthetic, and epinephrine. The fluid expands the layer of fat and helps keep the cannula cool. The local anesthetic and epinephrine help reduce pain, bruising and bleeding.

Ultrasonic liposuction

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses sound waves to liquefy the fat before it is removed. The sound waves are set to a frequency which targets the fat cells and not the surrounding tissue. The fat is liquefied to minimize the pressure needed from the cannula to extract the fat, allowing for a more precise procedure and causing less trauma to surrounding tissues. This theoretically results in less bruising and swelling. Ultrasound makes it possible to more easily remove fat from areas which contain a high concentration of connective tissue.

Power-assisted liposuction

In power-assisted liposuction, a vibrating cannula is used. This loosens the fat cells before they are removed and, like ultrasound, allows for a more gentle procedure. A power-assisted cannula can be used with tumescent liposuction.

Dr. Michelle Spring provides surgical expertise and exceptional patient care in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery in Sandpoint, Ponderay, and all of Northern Idaho. With extensive training in breast surgery, body contouring, and facial surgery, she offers cosmetic procedures with an emphasis on natural results, safety and personal attention to your individual goals. If you are considering cosmetic surgery, learn more by viewing our Plastic Surgery Photo Gallery or FAQ's page, and contact Dr. Spring today to schedule your liposuction consultation.

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