Liposuction
High-Definition Liposuction vs. Traditional Liposuction:
A Comprehensive Overview
Liposuction is a transformative, generally safe procedure designed to remove stubborn fat pockets from various body parts. However, as medical techniques have advanced, a new method known as high-definition (hi-def) liposuction has emerged, promising more pronounced visual effects and muscle definition compared to traditional liposuction.
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Understanding the Differences
Traditional Liposuction
Traditional liposuction focuses on reducing the volume of fat in specific areas of the body. The primary goal is to remove fat cells, resulting in a slimmer appearance. This method involves making small incisions through which a cannula is inserted to suction out the fat. While effective in fat reduction, traditional liposuction does not emphasize sculpting or enhancing muscle definition.
High-Definition Liposuction
High-definition liposuction, as described by Dr. Boonipat, is a more specialized and sculpting-intensive technique. This method not only removes fat but also accentuates the natural contours of the underlying muscles, giving the appearance of increased tone and definition. This technique is particularly effective in individuals who are already fit and have localized fat that hasn't responded to diet and exercise.
The Procedure
In hi-def liposuction, surgeons often use a machine called Vaser, which employs ultrasonic energy to gently break down fat cells. This method allows for more precise fat removal and better muscle definition. Dr. Boonipat explains that Vaser liquefies the fat, making it easier to extract and allowing surgeons to be more aggressive in sculpting areas to achieve the desired definition.
Ideal Candidates
Hi-def liposuction is best suited for healthy adults who are within 10 pounds of their goal weight or have a BMI of 28 or below. Dr. Boonipat emphasizes that the ideal candidate should have a stable body weight and good skin elasticity, as the skin needs to shrink-wrap around the newly sculpted areas to avoid loose, excess skin.
Traditional liposuction, on the other hand, can be a suitable option for those looking to remove larger volumes of fat and are not necessarily focused on muscle definition.
Common Treatment Areas and Risks
Both forms of liposuction target areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. Popular treatment areas include the abdomen, flanks, back, chest, upper arms, and inner thighs. Hi-def liposuction is particularly sought after for achieving hyper-chiseled abs and precisely cut deltoids.
However, liposuction is not without risks. These include bleeding, infection, numbness, contour irregularities, and potential complications from anesthesia. Dr. Boonipat advises that the risk of complications increases with larger body surface areas treated and multiple procedures performed simultaneously.
Preparing for the Procedure
Before undergoing liposuction, patients should discuss their expectations with the surgeon and disclose their medical history. Certain medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be stopped before the procedure. Depending on the volume of fat being removed and the complexity of the surgery, the procedure may be performed in a clinic, medical office, or hospital.
Recovery and Results
Post-surgery, patients can expect some pain, swelling, and bruising. Surgeons may use compression garments to minimize swelling and help the skin adapt to the new contours. Most patients can return to work within a few days and resume normal activities, including exercise, within a few weeks. Final results may take several months to fully manifest as the swelling subsides and the body adjusts to its new shape.
Overall, both traditional and hi-def liposuction offer effective solutions for fat removal and body contouring. The choice between the two depends on the patient’s goals, with hi-def liposuction providing enhanced muscle definition for those who meet the specific criteria.
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Awake Liposuction: A Comprehensive Guide
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What is Awake Liposuction?
Awake liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure performed while the patient remains conscious. For those apprehensive about general anesthesia, this option provides a solution, allowing them to undergo liposuction without being put to sleep. The absence of general anesthesia also contributes to a faster recovery period.
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How Does Awake Liposuction Work?
The procedure of awake liposuction mirrors that of traditional liposuction, with the key difference being the patient's conscious state. To ensure comfort, sedatives and local anesthesia are administered. During the procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions and inserts a cannula. A tumescent solution, which includes a local anesthetic to minimize pain and bleeding, is used to numb the area further. The surgeon then strategically removes the unwanted fat, shaping and contouring the body to achieve the desired results.
Benefits of Awake Liposuction
One of the primary advantages of awake liposuction is the interactive aspect. Since the patient is awake, the surgeon can communicate with them, asking them to flex muscles or change positions. This interaction can lead to more precise body sculpting.
Additionally, local anesthesia carries fewer risks compared to general anesthesia, making the procedure safer. Patients avoid the grogginess associated with general anesthesia, which can linger for up to 24 hours post-surgery. Awake liposuction also employs tumescent fluid, which not only numbs the area but also causes the fat to swell, facilitating easier removal. This results in less post-procedure swelling and bruising, leading to a quicker recovery.
Areas Treatable with Awake Liposuction
Awake liposuction is versatile and can be performed on various parts of the body, including:
Abdomen
Arms
Armpits
Ankles
Axillary/Bra Bulge
Upper Back
Mid Back
Lower Back
Chest
Chin
Hips
Love Handles
Knees
Neck
Pubic Area
Thighs
Candidate Eligibility for Awake Liposuction
Ideal candidates for awake liposuction are nonsmokers who are generally healthy and close to their ideal body weight. However, the criteria for awake liposuction are more flexible compared to traditional liposuction. Patients with a BMI between 36 and 42, who might not be suitable for general anesthesia, can opt for awake liposuction. These patients may require multiple sessions to achieve the best results, but this option opens the door for many who would otherwise be ineligible for liposuction surgery.
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Fat Transfer
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Your liposuctioned fat can be use for fat grafting to other parts of your body. This is called fat grafting, where the fat is transferred to augment volume in other areas such as the breast, buttock (BBL, Brazilian Butt Lift), pectoris muscle/deltoid (male body contouring).
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Pros and Cons of Autologous Breast Augmentation
Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the U.S. annually. However, not all women are keen on breast implants. For those who prefer a more natural approach, autologous breast augmentation offers an alternative by using fat transfer to enhance breast size. This method involves harvesting fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or hips, purifying it, and then injecting it into the breasts to achieve a natural look.
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Is Fat Transfer Better Than Implants?
Using your body's fat to augment your breasts has its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding both options can help you decide whether fat transfer or implants are better suited to your needs.
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When to Choose Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation
If you desire a mild to moderate increase in breast size and prefer to avoid implants, fat transfer breast augmentation is an excellent choice. However, for a significant size increase, implants are more reliable. Additionally, if you have sagging breasts, a breast lift with or without implants will provide better results than fat transfer alone.
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Pros and Cons of Autologous Breast Augmentation
Pros:
Natural Look and Feel: The procedure uses your body’s tissues, resulting in breasts that feel and look natural.
No Implants: Eliminates risks associated with implants such as rupture, capsular contracture, and implant displacement.
Minimal Scarring: Only small incisions are made for fat harvesting and injection.
Body Reshaping: Fat removal from areas like the tummy or thighs can enhance your overall body contour.
Cons:
Limited Size Increase: Typically results in an increase of up to one cup size, whereas implants can achieve a larger size increase.
Fat Reabsorption: There is a significant possibility that some of the transferred fat will be reabsorbed by the body, potentially altering the results.
Does Not Lift Breasts: This method does not address sagging breasts caused by aging, pregnancy, weight loss, or genetics.
Higher Cost: The dual benefit of breast enhancement and body reshaping makes this procedure more expensive than implants.
Considerations for Those with Less Body Fat
A common misconception is that slim women cannot undergo autologous breast augmentation. Skilled plastic surgeons can often harvest sufficient fat from slender women for the procedure. In some cases, very thin women might be advised to gain a few pounds before the procedure to ensure enough fat is available.
Why You Might Choose Breast Implants
Given the pros and cons of autologous breast augmentation, it’s essential to also consider the advantages of breast implants:
Advantages of Implants:
Enhanced Cleavage: Implants can provide more prominent cleavage.
Larger and Firmer Breasts: Implants can achieve a greater increase in size and firmness.
Consistent Results: There is no risk of fat reabsorption, leading to more predictable outcomes.
Lower Cost: Implants are generally less expensive than fat transfer procedures.
It’s noteworthy that implants are the choice for more than 95% of breast augmentation surgeries in the U.S., while fat transfer accounts for less than 5%. This statistic underscores the reliability and popularity of implants for those seeking significant breast enhancement.
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Does a fat transfer breast augmentation affect breast cancer risk or mammograms?
This procedure does not increase breast cancer risk, and mammograms are still effective. However, it can cause microcalcifications, which are usually benign but might require further tests to rule out cancer.
A fat transfer breast augmentation enlarges your breasts and slims the areas where fat was harvested. It carries fewer risks than implants but results in only a slight increase in breast size. For firmer breasts, consider a breast lift or implants.​​​​
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What is the difference between oral/maxillofacial surgeon and plastic surgeon?Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons have a dental background. They went to dental school prior to obtaining their training in maxillofacial surgery. The training involved dental implants, third molar removal, facial fractures, orthognathic surgery, and in some programs free flaps reconstruction for the head and neck. Plastic Surgeons goes to medical school prior to residency. In plastic surgery residency, the training does not involve dental implants, or third molar removal. It does involve facial fractures, orthognathic surgery, free flap reconstruction in the head and neck and the rest of the body. Plastic surgeons also have extensive training in facial aesthetics. Dr. Boonipat further his plastic surgery training with a concentrated fellowship in aesthetic jaw surgery in Taiwan. He is well qualified to address both your functional concerns by working with your orthodontist (braces/teeth doctor), and your aesthetic concerns because of his plastic surgery and fellowship training. In many cases, jaw surgery can be performed with other aesthetic procedures to improve your aesthetic outcome, all under one anesthesia. (See page on combined jaw surgery with rhinoplasty or combined jaw surgery with other facial cosmetic procedures.