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 ‘liposuction’

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

 

Happy New Year!

Wednesday, January 4th, 2012

 

We at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center want to extend a wish for health and happiness to you and your family. 

This is a time of year when we often had the opportunity to connect with family and friends and reflect on the previous year.  Many of us can begin to think a little more about ourselves now that the holiday season is behind us.  What a wonderful time to consider one of our laser treatments and liposuction. 

Liposuction News

Dr. Reichel is a leading proponent of tumescent liposuction.  Her techniques are uncompromising and place a strong emphasis on body contouring.  She looks at every procedure as a unique artistic challenge as evidenced by her fabulous results.  She would love to have you come in for a Free Liposuction Consultation and discuss your goals!

Laser News

We offer a full range of laser treatments that are best done in these winter moths when it is quite easy to avoid the sun as recommended post laser treatment.  We have experienced excellent results from our new LightSheer Duet laser, for the removal of unwanted hair.  Many of our patients have been surprised by the comfort of their treatments and the quick results.  The same can be said of our Fraxel and CO2 laser treatments that have offered amazing results for the treatment of sun damage, wrinkling and scarring.  It’s quite exciting to soon be offering our new V-beam Perfecta laser that will address the treatment of facial veins and redness, scars, vascular birthmarks, stretch marks and sun damage.  Please call for an appointment right here in our Seattle clinic at 206-859-5777 to schedule a consultation with one of our providers who can specifically evaluate your concerns and offer the most appropriate treatment for you. 

Skin Health Care News

At this time of year it is common to make a new commitment to your continued health and wellbeing.  As a clinic that also specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer we are reminded on a daily basis about the importance of early detection of skin cancer.  Recently one of our patients reminded us of this as she was being evaluated for her first skin check.  She scheduled the appointment because her mother was undergoing treatment for metastatic melanoma.  She was reassured after her visit that her skin exam was normal and she felt grateful to have all her questions answered.  All skin cancers are easily treated when detected early so please do not hesitate to call for a skin check especially if you have a concerning lesion.

What’s New With Our Providers?

The year of 2012 should be exciting and full of learning and continued growth at our clinic.  We are so happy to be welcoming Kelly Stevens, PA-C back from maternity leave on January 4th.  She’s looking forward to seeing all of her patients again.  Drs. Reichel and Jacobson are studying and preparing for their upcoming Dermatology Boards recertification exam this spring.  All of the providers have a busy conference schedule ahead that allows for important learning in their specialty.

What’s New With Our Staff?

We are thrilled to have Cheryl Chouinard, LPN and Sue Hickox, M.A. performing our LightSheer DUET for laser hair removal!  They are very skilled with this most effective laser and look forward to treating all of you.  Cheryl, who has been working with hair removal lasers for over six years says, “I have worked with about seven different hair removal lasers and the LightSheer DUET is by far the most effective, fast and comfortable laser!”  Furthermore, both of these women give the greatest chemical peels.  And, we are pleased to announce Sue is now a credentialed Esthetician with additional expertise to give you skin care advice.

 

Can you do a virtual consultation?

Friday, March 25th, 2011

Dear Doctor:  I am interested in facial fat grafting and have done plenty of research.  I know that I do not want to have it done in my town;  I was wondering if you did virtual consultations?

A: Thank you for your email.  Facial fat grafting–or fat transfer–is somewhat like a mini liposuction.  I love doing this procedure because I feel it is the most natural and best looking of all filler agents.  When the fat is harvested, it can be stored in a special freezer system for up to two years and can do anywhere from 2 to 6 treatments in that time period.  I have found that most people need at least 3 treatments to maintain the fat long term.  While I haven’t done a virtual consultation yet, it would certainly be easy to do with Skype.  I would be happy to try this out with you as it’s a great idea.  I look forward to hearing from you.

Dr. Jennifer Reichel, Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center in Seattle

 

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

 

What’s News at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center

Friday, March 11th, 2011

Liposuction and Bizymoms.com

Check out the interview that Dr. Reichel did for bizymoms.com on liposuction treatment.  Go to http://www.bizymoms.com/seattle/dermatologist/seattle-liposuction.php

As a busy mom myself, I was honored to do an interview for this fabulous site.  It can be hard to get your shape back after having babies.  As I am busy working and running around after my twin one year old daughters and my three year old son, it reminds me of how important it is to take time for you (and how hard it can be to find that time).

Just last week I did liposuction on a young woman who just couldn’t get her tummy back into shape after giving birth to a 9 lb baby boy last year.  We did the procedure on a Friday morning and she’ll be up and ready to go by Monday (She still needs to be careful lifting andwill be sore for a couple of weeks).  When she came back in on Monday she was so happy with how flat her stomach was – and she was only 3 days out from her liposuction procedure.  I really love being able to give women the wonderful flat tummy or hips they had before pregnancy – or, for that matter, that they never really had.  Liposuction is such a great way to remove unwanted areas of fat – Permanently.

Eye Bag Laser Treatment

Dr. Reichel is excited about a segment on the Dr. Oz show called The Fix: Plastic Surgery (aired February 9, 2011). They talked about revolutionary plastic surgery procedures including under-eye bag treatment. Dr. Reichel performs the exact same surgery for under-eye bags. She performs lower eyelid blepharoplasty and Festoon Laser treatment for these dark, unwanted under-eye bags and circles.

At the end of February, 2011, Dr. Reichel treated a patient, Lori, whom she had seen in consultation earlier in the month. Lori had unwanted under-eye circles, swollen bags, and crepe-like changes to the skin around her eyes. She also had festoons. A Festoon is a swollen mound that forms on your cheek under your lower eye bag, and like Under-Eye bags can make you look tired and unhealthy.

On the Dr. Oz show, they treated an avocado to show what happens during the Eye Bag Laser Treatment. “The laser takes off the top layer of the avocado and the color starts to change and the skin looks a bit smoother. They then went through the middle layer of the avocado’s skin to get to the deeper layer which is a lime green color.  In relation to your under-eye area, this is where your skin will create new elastic collagen fibers.  From this point, a person will grow new skin all over again from the bottom layer up”.

For Lori, Dr. Reichel made an incision to take out the lower level of fat (this is called a trans-conjunctival blepharoplasty). She then used the Total FX fractional CO2 laser to resurface the skin. You can actually see the skin tightening as the laser goes over the area. After just 2 weeks, Lori looked fabulous. Her skin was smooth, and best of all, the festoons were gone.

BOGO Radiesse Special A Huge Success

We would like to thank MerzAesthetics for helping us with the buy one, get one free on Radiesse wrinkle correction filler. It is great to be able to do just the right amount of filler for cheek volume, and other facial lines and wrinkles. Dr. Laurie Jacobson will feature this special again on Tuesday, March 22nd. Call today 206.859.5777 to book your appointment and receive this extra special savings.

Skin Cancer Awareness

The providers at Pacific Dermatology and Cosmetic Center are joining with the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). We will be offering FREE skin cancer screening exams the afternoons of May 3rd and 19th.  Please call our office 206.859.5777 to schedule your appointment.

 

Non-Surgical Methods For Tightening/Removing Excess Skin

Tuesday, January 25th, 2011

Lately, many of my patients have been inquiring about non-surgical methods for removing excess skin and/or belly fat. For extra belly skin, and/or fatty deposits on the abdomen, the options range from liposuction, to surgical tummy tucks,to non-surgical laser devices meant to tighten the skin. 

I have to admit, after having twin baby girls a year ago, I personally decided to try a Thermage treatment for my abdomen.  The Thermage is a radio-frequency device (like a laser) that helps to smooth and tighten skin. On the abdomen, it can also help to decrease excess fat. Last year, Thermage came out with a new “Body Tip” that heats a larger area and works better for the body than the previous Thermage. I was amazed. It worked great for me and I lost about 1 inch of excess fat and skin. I have always questioned how well the non-invasive tightening devices work as I have seen some patients who only get minimal improvement (about 10% of the time). But, I think the new body Thermage is really great. It is best for people who have only mild to moderate loose skin or fat, and it won’t take the place of an abdominoplasty; yet, it is non-invasive, very safe, and doesn’t leave any scarring. It is somewhat painful during the treatment, but we can give you a mild sedative (like valium) before the procedure to make it more comfortable. You will feel like you have a sun-burn and will be a little tender for a few days. For the tummy, you do need to wear a compression garment after the treatment for about a week, and should avoid any heavy exercise during that time.

For some people, the right answer is to do liposuction for excess skin and fat. In fact, liposuction alone can cause some skin tightening and certainly is less invasive than a full tummy tuck. Often times I recommend Thermage post tummy liposuction to give that extra bit of tummy tightening.

Jennifer Reichel MD, Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center

 

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 kind of sedation do you use for liposuction?

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Dr. Reichel replies:

I use minimal or moderate “twilight” sedation. This means that my patients are awake and able to talk to me during their liposuction procedure.
Being a Mohs micrographic surgeon, my post-dermatology training was in surgically removing skin cancers on patients who are awake. Having the training and patience to perform surgical procedures on patients who are awake and alert allows us to care for liposuction patients while they are awake. The majority of my tumescent liposuction patients is very comfortable during the procedure and does not need deep sedation. Using only minimal sedation increases the safety of the procedure. My patients walk out of the office, and we insist that they walk around the house or down the block on the evening after their procedure. This decreases the risk of blood clots, and speeds the healing process.

 

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”.

 

What is tumescent liposuction and do you use it?

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Tumescent liposuction was developed by a dermatologist, Dr. Jeffrey Klein, in the mid-1980s. It means to use a large amount of very dilute anesthetic to tumesce, or swell, the fatty tissues. It allows for removal of fat cells while patients are awake, and it greatly decreases the amount of bleeding and complications. Currently, almost all liposuction is done using tumescent anesthetic whether the patient is awake or under general sedation.

Dr. Reichel does liposuction using the tumescent technique.