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Vaser Liposuction Can get You Ready for Summer
It is easy to assume that liposuction is liposuction is liposuction, but that isn’t the case. Liposuction is the general term that we use to describe surgical fat reduction on various parts of the body. Initial liposuction procedures involved small incisions and the insertion of a narrow cannula, or tube. At the opposite end of the cannula was a machine with a reservoir and gentle vacuum, which would disrupt fat cells from their cozy little home and extract them from the body for good. Since those early days, some innovative techniques have been developed to improve the process. Vaser liposuction is one of them.
We are pleased to offer Vaser liposuction in our Seattle and Renton offices as a way for men and women from these areas to obtain the physical shape that suits them. If you don’t want to face another summer trying to hide a muffin top, saddlebags, or other stubborn fat, we can help you. Vaser liposuction is an expansion of the fat-reducing method that has helped millions of people feel better about their body.
The Vaser Difference
The Vaser technique also referred to as liposelection, is a procedure that emulsifies fat cells before their extraction. This may seem similar to laser liposuction, but the Vaser technique employs safe, effective ultrasound rather than laser light to melt lipids within fat cells for easier extraction and better sculpting ability. Compared to laser liposuction, the use of ultrasound is less disruptive to surrounding tissue and nerve endings because this energy is fat-specific. Vaser is also thought to be more predictable than tumescent liposuction, which injects fluid into fat accumulations to break them apart before they are removed.
Because Vaser liposuction does not affect surrounding tissue such as blood vessels, there is a lower risk of complications or lingering side effects. The gentleness with which ultrasound disbands fatty deposits also makes this technique suitable for areas in which tissue is more fibrous, such as the back. Because blood vessels remain intact, circulation through the treatment area can increase as needed during recovery, aiding in faster tissue healing.
You deserve to feel great this summer, and the next, and the next. Schedule a visit to our Renton or Seattle office to see how Vaser liposuction can make that happen.
Liposuction’s Long List of Treatment Areas
Liposuction has one of the longest runs in the history of cosmetic surgery. This procedure has been performed and refined since the mid-70s and continues to be one of the leading cosmetic procedures today. The manual extraction of unwanted fat is appealing to men and women who want to enjoy better contouring in one or more areas of the body.
Some of those areas include:
- The midsection, or waist. We may lovingly call excess fat in this area “love handles,” but we don’t love these bulges at all. The waist is a difficult area to tone and is also an area of the body that typically has excellent skin elasticity, a plus for liposuction patients. When liposuction is performed in this area, a patient may expect to drop a pant-size – or more.
- The flanks fall in line right behind the love handles, spanning around the waist to the low back area. The flanks are often incorporated into the midsection liposuction procedure to create symmetry.
- Women tend to be particularly interested in liposuction for curvy hips. When excess fat is removed from this area, the curvature of the buttocks may appear more rounded and feminine.
- This could be mistaken for the waist, but it’s slightly higher and may extend above the belly button. Before abdominal liposuction, a thorough examination of skin and superficial muscle tissue is conducted to ensure laxity does not appear obvious as a result of the fat reduction.
- When liposuction is performed on the buttocks, it is generally in the context of a Brazilian Butt Lift. To remove fat and not reinsert it higher up on the buttocks could lead to a flat appearance.
- Neck liposuction is something that we perform to help patients in the Seattle area feel more satisfied with their appearance. This procedure is advantageous because it smooths the neck, which sharpens the jawline, and fat does not come back.
Liposuction procedures are performed in our accredited surgical center, generally with twilight anesthesia and a local anesthetic to numb tissue and nerve endings. Our experienced team supports patients in their liposuction journey to improve outcome and their overall experience.
Would you like to know more about liposuction? Call us in Renton or Seattle for a personal consultation.
October 2016 Events and Specials
October 2016 Specials and Events are here. Save the Date for our Evening of Beauty on Thursday, November 3rd in Northgate and Thursday, Dec 1st in Renton. Get Botox at $10/unit, plus 15% OFF all retail products. From head to toe, get holiday ready! Read about our top 10 treatments. Learn more by reading through our specials, contact us, or RSVP for our August Events at 206-859-5777.
September 2016 Specials and Events
September 2016 Specials and Events are here. Back to School Back to Skin in September: Ultherapy events & savings, acne treatments for all ages, 15% off clarisonics all month, schedule your September skin check, free liposuction and cellfina consults, and more! Learn more by reading through our specials, contact us, or RSVP for our September Events at 206-859-5777.
Liposuction 101
Liposuction can help you slim down, eliminate extra fat, and look your best. Find out more about this popular procedure so that you can decide whether or not it is right for you.
What happens during liposuction?
Liposuction is used to eliminate stubborn fat on many different areas of the body. During the procedure, a saline solution that contains lidocaine and adrenaline is injected into the target area. This solution can minimize bruising and bleeding and make it easier to remove fatty tissue.
After the target area has been prepared, the doctor will either use one of two techniques to remove the fat. These techniques are suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL) and ultrasonic-assisted lipectomy (UAL).
During suction-assisted lipectomy a small tube is inserted through a very tiny incision. This tube is moved back and forth underneath the skin to break it up and suction it out.
During ultrasonic-assisted lipectomy ultrasonic energy liquefies the fat before a small tube is used to suction it out.
Both procedures only involve very small incisions. The doctor can help you decide which technique will be best for you. The procedure can take anywhere from 1-5 hours, depending on the area of the body being treated.
What are the limitations of liposuction?
Liposuction can help you look and feel slimmer, but it does have limitations. Liposuction cannot be used as a weight loss tool. If you are still working toward reaching your weight loss goals liposuction will have to wait. Work with your doctor to reach a healthy and stable weight and then consider liposuction after you’ve met that goal.
What are the benefits of liposuction?
While liposuction isn’t a weight loss tool, it can be used to eliminate extra fat. Many people work hard to reach their goals through diet and exercise, but can’t quite eliminate stubborn pockets of fat.
Liposuction can help you get the body you deserve by removing that stubborn fat from the thighs, buttocks, abdomen, chin, neck, upper arms, and other areas of the body.
If you’re at a healthy and stable weight and you’d like to look a little slimmer and sleeker, liposuction may be able to help you reach your goals. Schedule a consultation at the Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center today.
Liposuction for resistant fat
Hello, I am a 31 year old woman from a family of larger women. I have lost 40lbs over the course of the last year but have some resistant areas (tummy, hips and thighs) that are quite maddening to deal with. I am a non-smoker, infrequent drinker, fairly healthy eater, and fairly active through exercise and work. I don't seek to become a size 2 or anything; I doubt I would even be able to get into the single digit sizes. I would just like to feel and look like the leaner and have a more flattering appearance that matches how I feel internally. Would abdominoplasty be required before liposuction for a protruding stomach? Thank you for your time
L
Hi L,
It sounds like you are doing a great job with weight loss, diet and exercise. Congratulations. If you have some localized (tummy, hips, thighs) areas of resistant fat, you may be a really good candidate for straight liposuction without needing an abdominoplasty. This depends on how much excess skin you have. If you have a lot of excess, hanging, skin on your tummy, you may be a better candidate for a tummy tuck. However, if you only have a little excess skin, and mostly extra fatty tissue, liposuction alone is the better route to go. Most patients do get some skin tightening with liposuction. In addition, liposuction is much easier to undergo and has significantly less down-time. You also do not have to undergo general anesthesia with liposuction alone.
I would love to see you in consultation. I would be able to guide you to the right procedure for you. Please call 206-859-5777 to schedule an appointment.
Thank you.
Dr Reichel
Jennifer Reichel MD
Director, Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center
11011 Meridian Ave N Ste 102
Seattle WA, 98133
206-859-5777
pacificderm.wpengine.com
Can you help me with a "buffalo hump"?
Dear Dr. Reichel:
I'm interested in a liposuction procedure that is not common(or is it?) I have developed a "buffalo hump" at the base of my neck,and would like it removed. I'm not sure why I have it, but conventional weight loss does not help. Can this be removed? And what would be an estimated cost? Thank you for any information you may have.
I definitely can help you with the "Buffalo Hump" at the base of your neck. It is a deposit of excess fatty tissue, and is treatable by liposuction.
Having a "hump" at the base of the neck can happen as we get older. Although it can be associated with conditions, like diabetes, often it is just a genetic change. The hump is caused by excess fatty tissue, and may not go away with weight loss.
The liposuction procedure is fairly straight forward, and does not require general anesthesia. You would be in the surgery center for 2-3 hours. The procedure itself, will take about one hour. You should have a fast recovery. There will probably be some bruising, swelling, and tenderness for a few days.
As far as cost, it isn't usually covered by insurance. The entire cost will be around $3000. Please come in for a consultation, my office number is 206.859.5777.
Thank you for your question and I look forward to meeting you.
Dr R
Why Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center? Tumsecent liposuction
Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center has a comprehensive approach to inspire beauty from head to toe. Compassion, efficiency, safety and professional patient care are the cornerstone of our clinic. Here, all cosmetic procedures are performed by a qualified physician or under the direct supervision of a qualified physician unlike many medi-spas and laser centers. We believe that cosmetic treatments are an extension of medicine and surgery. Dermatologists are the only doctors who specialize specifically in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions. Furthermore, Dr. Reichel will personally attend to you at your cosmetic consultation. She performs all of the cosmetic surgeries, major laser procedures, as well as Botox and fillers. Laser hair removal, photofacial rejuvenation and Ultherapy are performed by her highly trained physician assistant, registered nurses or medical assistants. “By seeing all of my patients through to completion of treatment, I am better able to ensure safety and great results.”
Dr. Reichel also pointed out a few other reasons why patients might want to consider a cosmetic surgical dermatologist at Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center over a plastic surgeon. “The number one difference is that my patients are under conscious sedation or “twilight sedation” rather than general anesthesia. They are very comfortable, able to talk to me, and they can stand and walk right after the procedure - so it is much safer,” explains Dr. Reichel. “Then there’s the matter of the liposuction tube or cannula. By utilizing specialized, smaller cannulas, we can focus more on liposculpture, better avoiding the irregularities commonly associated with larger cannulas.” Furthermore, Dr. Reichel makes sure she stays up-to-date with the latest advances in liposuction as well as all cosmetic procedures in her suite of treatment modalities.
Dr. Jennifer Reichel is seeing a growing patient demand for tumescent liposuction. She offers what many are calling the gold standard in battling stubborn, exercise-resistant fat. “When it comes to body fat, diet and exercise may be enough for some. Others, however, need a little boost,” explains Dr. Reichel. “And, although not a weight loss solution, tumescent liposuction can be that boost a person may need.
It is one of the most effective ways to achieve a slimmer, trimmer figure.”
Liposuction Seattle
Dear Dr. Reichel:
I am a student in college who is going into music performance. Because of this, I have to maintain a very fit body. In the past year, I have lost 15 pounds, putting me at 114 lbs at 5'4". However, I cannot seem to lose the fat around my inner thighs and knees, where I genetically put on weight. Even when I was a competitive swimmer and in the best shape of my life, I still had this extra weight around my knees and thighs. I'm exploring other options to use a couple years down the road if I cannot successfully shape my legs with exercise. I'm curious: what is the typical cost of liposuction or liposculpture in those areas if it is pretty minor?
Thank you for your question. As far as the liposuction/liposculpture - you sound like you are very fit, with some genetic, exercise resistant, fatty deposits in the inner thigh and knee area. These are actually some of the most common locations to have this. It also makes you the ideal candidate for liposuction. For the inner thighs - this is an area where the skin tends to have a bit less elastic quality than other areas, so I am always careful to not "over-do" this area with liposuction. Having said that, I have had many patients who have come in with inner thighs that actually rub together, and we have been able to sculpt them to where they are no longer touching. I love doing liposuction on the knee area - it looks fabulous. You have to be careful, however, because liposuction of the area just above the knee cap on the thigh is not a good place for liposuction. I would be happy to see you for consultation. Our consultations are all individually tailored, one-on-one with me (and my great cosmetic nurses). For liposuction, the consultation is done at no-charge.
For cost, the cost for one area is $3750 - this is usually regardless of how large the area is. The second area can range from an additional $500 (if really small - like your knees), up to $2200. There is a facility fee of $650 which is for the procedure room, anesthesia, equipment, etc - that covers the costs of our surgery center. It is important to be sure that your surgeon does liposuction in an accredited surgical center for patient safety.
Again, thanks for your inquiry and I look forward to meeting you.
Dr. Jennifer Reichel of Pacific Dermatology & Cosmetic Center in Seattle
Liposuction in Seattle for thighs
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
It is easy to assume that liposuction is liposuction is liposuction, but that isn’t the case. Liposuction is the general term that we use to describe surgical fat reduction on various parts of the body. Initial liposuction procedures involved small incisions and the insertion of a narrow cannula, or tube. At the opposite end of the cannula was a machine with a reservoir and gentle vacuum, which would disrupt fat cells from their cozy little home and extract them from the body for good. Since those early days, some innovative techniques have been developed to improve the process. Vaser liposuction is one of them.
