Cosmetic Surgery Seattle | Dermatology Seattle Cosmetic Surgery Seattle | Dermatology Seattle Jennifer Reichel, MD Laurie Jacobson, MD Kelly Stevens, PA-C Maps & Directions Andrea English, PA-C

Posts Tagged ‘liposculpture’

Liposuction in Seattle for thighs

Friday, February 3rd, 2012

Dear Dr. Reichel

Hello, With liposuction, on the thighs, (I have issues from knees up, front and back) I’d like to know a realistic time frame to be to where you could wear a swim suit and swim (exposure to sun) without anything being noticeable. Is it 3-4 months? Also would I need to stay in Seattle for a day or two before driving back over?  I do not live in the Seattle area, so I am looking at several hours in the car. I realize you can’t give me much till we do an exam and consult but wanted to get a realistic framework. Lost 35 pounds this year (yay me) and it’s time for the next step:) Thanks in advance.

First off- thank you for the email, and also congratulations on losing 35lbs!   

On the liposuction: Yes, ideally you will need the 3 to 4 months to look good for swimwear. You don’t have to worry so much about sun exposure after liposuction. It is more the timeframe to have the bruising and swelling improve. At 3-4 months you should definitely be presentable :) .

I would like you to stay in Seattle for the night after the procedure – but you could head back to your home the following day.  As far as location – we would need to look at your legs. It isn’t appropriate to do liposuction on the front of the leg (above the knee) – it always looks bad and can cause the skin above the knee to sag over the knee. There are tightening devices (like the Thermage) that can be used in this area. Liposuction is great for the “Knee” – which is the lower middle part just above your knee. It is great for inner and outer thighs as well.  I offer free liposuction consultations and very much look forward to meeting you in person.  Please call my office at your earliest convenience to schedule your liposuction consultation, 206.859.5777, my front desk will get you scheduled as quickly as possible.

Kind regards,

Dr. Jennifer Reichel

 

How Is Tumescent Liposuction Different?

Thursday, March 17th, 2011

Q:  I will be having the liposuction procedure sometime in the next 5-6 months. Please tell me what “tumescent” liposuction is? Has liposuction evolved into a procedure where it can be done without complete anesthesia? If not, why can’t the doctor use the same drugs that they use when you are having a colonoscopy? I am concerned about the fact that I am not allowed to have any water after midnight. I take medications that cause severe thirst. At night I have to keep a water bottle next to the bed. I heard that when you have liposuction you can’t have water the night before.
 
A:   Yes liposuction has evolved into a procedure that can be done without complete (general) anesthesia. In the mid 1980s, a dermatologist named Jeffrey Kline developed the procedure that we refer to as “tumescent” liposuction. It means using a large volume of very dilute anesthesia to numb the areas that are going to be treated. It is very safe and allows the patients to be awake during the procedure. In reality – even if the physician is going to put you under general anesthesia, they should still use tumescent liposuction as it drastically improves the outcome and the safety of the procedure.
 
I do not put my patients to sleep for liposuction. I use moderate sedation – so that you are breathing on your own and are able to communicate with me during your procedure.  Because of this, you can eat and drink normally before the procedure. We recommend that you DO drink water the evening before and the morning of your procedure. In addition, we recommend a light breakfast. We want our patients to be hydrated. Since we are not intubating you, there is no worry about food or liquid aspiration.
 
However, if you have liposuction done under “complete” anesthesia, you would need to be intubated and would have to refrain from drinking any water starting the night before.
 
As far as the medications that are used for a colonoscopy – we use similar ones, but not the exact same ones. The reason is that they usually use versed – which doesn’t last long enough to keep you sedated for the whole procedure. I use a combination of demerol and valium for most patients. It works great and patients tolerate the procedure very well.
 
My liposuction consultations are free, I would be happy to see you and answer any additional questions you have.  Please call 206-859-5777.
 
Thanks again.
 
Dr Jennifer Reichel

 

Liposuction For Stubborn Areas

Friday, December 17th, 2010

Dr. Reichel,

I was given your name by my dermatologist here in Seattle.  I just wanted to check what the ball park (can be big ball park) is for liposuction of tummy area, and how fat on my arms (chicken wings) gets dealt with.  Thanks, CL.

Dear CL,

Thank you for the question.  With liposuction procedures, I treat “by the area”.  So, the abdomen (tummy) would be one area.  The cost for one area is usually between $3500 and $4500 depending on size and level of difficulty.  For additional areas, there is an “add-on” cost which is usually between $1000 and $2000.  The first step is to come in for a free liposuction consultation.  I am always there for the consultation (very important to meet the physician that is doing your procedure).  We do an examination and discuss liposuction and determine if you are a good candidate.

Tummies are the number one area treated by liposuction and patients do very well and get great results.  Although you will have results immediately, it takes anywhere from 2-6 months for all of the swelling and healing to be complete.

The most common treatment for fat on the upper arms is also liposuction, although for some patients, a skin tightening laser such as Thermage may be a consideration.  I love the results of liposuction for the upper arm.  Not only does it remove the unwanted fatty deposit, most patients also get a tightening effect from the liposuction.  For some patients, we may recommend a combined liposuction and Thermage to really treat the “chicken-wings”.

Thank you for the great Question,

Dr. Jennifer Reichel,  Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center

 

What is liposculpture?

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Liposculpture is liposuction. They are really synonymous. However, some experts use the term “liposculpture” when they are treating smaller areas of fat such as on the neck, or the knees. Or they use “liposculpture” when talking about “sculpting” areas on individuals that have only minimal fatty deposits, such as a young athletic female that has a small excess of tummy fat. In my practice, they are the same procedure. Suction assisted lipoplasty is the medical term that encompasses “liposuction”, “liposculpture” and “tumescent liposuction”.