Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to sculpt the body, removing unwanted collections of fat. Areas where liposuction may be performed include the neck, arms, tummy, love handles, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles. During the past decade liposuction has gone through a revolution so that today it is a much safer procedure and the results are greatly improved with less discomfort, bruising and swelling. More than 450,000 liposuction procedures were performed in 2007, making it the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States.

Liposuction should not be perceived as a method of weight loss. However, it can remove troublesome areas of fat that do not respond to a sensible diet and exercise routine.

Standard liposuction may also be referred to as suction assisted lipoplasty (or SAL). Liposuction may also be performed with the use of ultrasonic energy to assist in breaking down the fat that is to be removed (ultrasonic assisted lipoplasty, UAL, or VASER LipoSelection). In many patients this is advantageous, particularly in treating male breast enlargement (Gynecomastia), areas that have previously undergone liposuction, and in patients with marginal skin elasticity. Please visit our VASER Ultrasonic LipoSelection page to read more about this exciting new technology. You may also hear of power assisted lipoplasty (or PAL) which involves the use of a cannula that rapidly vibrates at the tip. Dr. Revis will discuss each of these with you to determine the best approach for your individual situation.

SmartLipo is yet another type of liposuction commonly in the news today. SmartLipo can achieve the same results as the VASER but uses a different mechanism. SmartLipo uses a laser to accomplish the same thing the VASER accomplishes with ultrasonic energy. VASER use a high frequency ultrasonic soundwave and SmartLipo uses a beam of laser light to liquify the fat prior to its removal. Dr. Revis prefers to use the VASER because it eliminates any safety concerns surrounding the use of lasers in the operating room.  

Liposuction is among the plastic surgery procedures with the highest patient satisfaction ratings. Many patients experience an immediate improvement in their self-esteem and discover a greater self-confidence. In addition, many  find greater access to different clothing styles and fashions and are less self-conscious at the gym, around the pool, or at the beach.

If you think you might be a good candidate for liposuction, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure and the results you can expect. The cornerstone of Dr. Revis' approach is to individualize treatment to your specific circumstances and goals and to ensure that you have an adequate understanding of the issues involved so that you are able to make a fully informed decision. This will help you achieve the appearance you desire with the least invasive procedure available, thus creating a mutually rewarding experience. Dr. Revis invites you to visit his office for a complimentary consultation to discuss the procedure in greater detail. You are also invited to email Dr. Revis with your questions, or we will mail you more detailed information regarding the procedure.

As you consider plastic surgery, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing your surgeon. Our pledge to you is to provide the latest, state of the art cosmetic plastic surgery in a safe and professional environment. Dr. Revis is a recognized specialist in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery and is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has also been named among "America's Top Surgeons" by the Consumers' Research Council of America. 

Our goal is to provide you with "the ultimate patient experience." Our well-trained staff (each fully licensed by the State of Florida) will help you understand your procedure, our financial policies, the scheduling of your surgery, and your post-operative care. We are available to assist you during our regular hours of 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Dr. Revis is also available 24 hours a day for emergencies, and he will give you his cell phone number after surgery so that you will always be able to reach him with any questions you might have.

The Consultation

During your initial consultation, Dr. Revis will inquire about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal preparations, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. Honesty regarding your use of tobacco and alcohol is also very important, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure.

After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Revis will discuss your concerns, priorities and motivations for pursuing plastic surgery, as well as your fears. After examining you, Dr. Revis will be able to offer advice and options to help you achieve the appearance you desire. He will explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different options you have before you.

At the completion of your consultation, our Patient Coordinator will give you a written estimate of the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. The decision to undergo surgery is a very important one, and the final decision should be given very careful consideration. Dr. Revis realizes the importance of this decision, and at no time will you be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.

Where Your Procedure Will Be Performed

Dr. Revis has been granted staff privileges at eight local hospitals and outpatient surgery centers. In the interest of the safety of his patients, he only performs surgery in fully accredited facilities with the proper services and staff. Dr. Revis usually performs liposuction at Broward General Medical Center or Imperial Point Medical Center (fully accredited hospitals) because the staff of these facilities are very experienced in the care of plastic surgery patients in general and specifically in the care of Dr. Revis’ patients.

Type(s) of Anesthesia

Anesthesia is an essential part of any surgical procedure and must be performed safely. General anesthesia is the deepest form of anesthesia. You are asleep, feel no pain, and will not remember the procedure. This form of anesthesia is usually not required for liposuction unless the patient specifically requests general anesthesia.

Intravenous sedation, called "twilight sleep," is a combination of local anesthetic administered at the surgical site by Dr. Revis and intravenous sedation administered by the anesthesiologist. You breathe for yourself, but you are in a deep sleep throughout the procedure. You should feel no pain, and you will not remember the procedure.

An intermediate form of anesthesia, the laryngeal mask airway (LMA), is a relatively new technique. This technique is similar to twilight sleep in that you are breathing on your own, but the method of sedation differs. With an LMA, you actually breathe anesthetic gases administered by the anesthesiologist, rather than receive intravenous sedation via your intravenous line. These anesthetic gases cause you to sleep during the procedure. At the completion of the procedure, the gases are turned off and you wake up from your sleep. You will feel no pain, and you will not remember the procedure. This is the most common type of anesthesia used by Dr. Revis because he feels that the effects of this type of anesthesia leave your body the fastest, allowing you to feel better faster with very little likelihood of post-operative nausea.

The prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting is also a focus of Dr. Revis’ approach to liposuction and body contouring. To improve your overall experience and ensure you feel better faster following your procedure, he has developed a technique that has resulted in a very low incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting. You will be given an intravenous dose of Zofran at the beginning of your operation. Zofran is a new drug which is currently the best medication available to prevent nausea and vomiting. Dr. Revis feels it is a very important component of his overall approach to make sure that your experience is as pleasant as possible.

Dr. Revis will discuss all of these options with you more thoroughly at the time of your consultation, and please ask him about anything you do not understand.

Details of the Procedure

Liposuction usually takes one to three hours to perform, depending on the total area to be treated and whether or not you are having additional procedures performed simultaneously. After you are properly anesthetized, Dr. Revis will make tiny (3 millimeter) incisions in the areas to be suctioned. A dilute solution containing saline (salt water), epinephrine (to decrease bleeding and subsequent bruising), and lidocaine (a local anesthetic to decrease pain post-operatively) is infiltrated in the areas to be treated.

A cannula (a slender, hollow metal tube attached to suction) is then passed repeatedly through the areas and serves to break up and remove the fat deposits. If you are undergoing ultrasound-assisted liposuction, the cannula has an ultrasound probe at the tip. The ultrasonic energy assists in the liquefaction of fat, making it easier to remove.

Afterwards, the incisions are carefully closed to minimize your scar. A sterile dressing is applied to the incisions, and a stretch garment (compression garment) is placed over the areas that have been treated.

Products To Help You Heal

SinEcch Arnica Montana is a natural product from Sweden which has been shown in clinical studies to reduce post-operative bruising and swelling. Begun the evening prior to surgery, this product is continued for four days post-operatively.

Regenerin Surgical Support Specially formulated for the surgical patient, this antioxidant and vitamin preparation will provide your body with the necessary nutrients and antioxidants to assist in healing your surgical wounds. Begun seven days prior to surgery, this product is then continued for one month post-operatively. Many patients find this product so beneficial that they continue on the Regenerin Daily Dietary Supplement Program after their healing is complete.

Unjury This protein powder contains 20 grams of protein per scoop, and is taken twice daily beginning two weeks preoperatively and continued four weeks post-operatively. It is an invaluable source of protein to provide your body with the basic building blocks necessary to form strong healed wounds. This product is also accompanied by a number of recipes for using this product with coffee, tea, milk, Crystal Lite, and Jell-O.

Scarguard MD A combination of hydrocortisone, silicone and Vitamin E, this product is painted on your scars topically like nail polish beginning three weeks after surgery, and it helps your scars fade so that they fade as much as possible.

All of these products are available for purchase in our office. Please ask us about these products and others if you have any further questions about whether or not these would be beneficial for you during your healing period. 

After Your Procedure

Liposuction is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, unless you are having other procedures performed at the same time. However, if you live alone or are from out of town, you may choose to stay in the hospital overnight. If you choose to go home following your procedure, you will recover from surgery in the recovery room for approximately one hour, and then you will be able to go home in the company of a friend or family member. We also have a private duty nurse available to care for you in the comfort and privacy of your own home if you so choose.

The antibiotics that were prescribed during your preoperative visit (usually Augmentin) should be taken twice daily beginning on the evening prior to surgery. Continue this medication for five days post-operatively or until it is gone. The pain medication prescribed by Dr. Revis during your preoperative visit (usually Lortab or Vicodin) should be taken fairly regularly, every four hours or so, during the first 24 hours (when you are not asleep, of course). Most patients find that they are able to transition to Tylenol after three or four days. It is not safe to drive a car within 24 hours of taking pain medication, as your reflexes and alertness may be altered. 

You should plan to take it easy following your surgery. No strenuous activities, heavy lifting (over 20 pounds), aerobic exercises, swimming, contact sports, tennis, or golf should be planned for three weeks. As Dr. Revis monitors your recovery, he will advise you when it is safe to resume specific activities.

You should plan to wear the compression garment for three weeks following surgery, depending on the rate of your recovery.

The Results You Can Expect

Your final result will not be apparent immediately following surgery, but will become apparent over the first several weeks. This is because your body will still be absorbing some of the fluid injected at the beginning of the procedure. In fact, you will probably weight more the evening following surgery than you did the morning of surgery.

A very mild swelling usually takes several weeks to subside. Any bruising that may occur usually disappears within one to two weeks. You should be able to resume your normal daily activities the day after surgery, and you should be able to resume all of your physical activities within three weeks of surgery.

Please call (954) 630-2009 for further information or to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Email: DrRevis@SouthFloridaPlasticSurgery.com
 

Liposuction
Before & After Photos

Liposuction: Photo Set 501

Age: 22 Height: 5’8" Weight: 163 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, hips, flanks, thighs, knees and upper outer chest Volume of Fat Removed: 3,000cc After Photos Taken: 6 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 503

Age: 29 Height: 5’4" Weight: 155 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, back, hips, flanks, thighs and knees Volume of Fat Removed: 7,000cc After Photos Taken: 6 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 506

Age: 30 Height: 5’11" Weight: 180 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Area Treated: Abdomen Volume of Fat Removed: 1,500cc After Photos Taken: 9 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 509
Age: 36 Height: 6’0" Weight: 200 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen and chest Volume of Fat Removed: 2,000cc After Photos Taken: 3 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 510
Age: 31 Height: 5’11" Weight: 204 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Area Treated: Chest Volume of Fat Removed: 1,200cc After Photos Taken: 3 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 514

Age: 33 Height: 5’11" Weight: 180 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen and flanks Volume of Fat Removed: 1,500cc After Photos Taken: 3 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 515

Age: 55 Height: 5’5" Weight: 165 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, hips, flanks, thighs and knees Volume of Fat Removed: 6,000cc After Photos Taken: 4 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 518

Age: 40 Height: 6’1" Weight: 188 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Area Treated: Neck Volume of Fat Removed: 100cc After Photos Taken: 4 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 520

Age: 24 Height: 5’2" Weight: 116 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Area Treated: Thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 2,500cc After Photos Taken: 6 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 522

Age: 30 Height: 5’7" Weight: 150 lbs. (after 115 lb. weight loss) Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Hips and flanks Volume of Fat Removed: 1,500cc After Photos Taken: 3 months post-op Note: Bariatric patient; also underwent full tummy tuck and breast augmentation with lift

Liposuction: Photo Set 523

Age: 38 Height: 5’2" Weight: 140 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Back, hips, flanks and thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 4,000cc After Photos Taken: 24 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent lower body lift and breast augmentation with lift

Liposuction: Photo Set 525

Age: 28 Height: 5’8" Weight: 155 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, hips, flanks, thighs and knees Volume of Fat Removed: 4,000cc After Photos Taken: 6 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent breast augmentation revision with lift

Liposuction: Photo Set 526
Age: 40 Height: 6’1" Weight: 188 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Chest, abdomen and flanks Volume of Fat Removed: 4,400cc After Photos Taken: 4 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 527
Age: 34 Height: 5’11" Weight: 227 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen and flanks Volume of Fat Removed: 7,000cc After Photos Taken: 3 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 530

Age: 30 Height: 5’4" Weight: 125 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Back, hips, flanks and thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 2,500cc After Photos Taken: 12 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent full tummy tuck

Liposuction: Photo Set 531

Age: 34 Height: 5’7" Weight: 132 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen and hips Volume of Fat Removed: 1,500cc After Photos Taken: 4 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent upper and lower blepharoplasty

Liposuction: Photo Set 533

Age: 56 Height: 5’4" Weight: 180 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs and arms Volume of Fat Removed: 4,000cc After Photos Taken: 6 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent facelift and full tummy tuck

Liposuction: Photo Set 534

Age: 45 Height: 5’3" Weight: 136 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, hips and thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 3,500cc After Photos Taken: 6 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent upper blepharoplasty

Liposuction: Photo Set 535

Age: 32 Height: 5’6" Weight: 135 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Hips, thighs and knees Volume of Fat Removed: 1,750cc After Photos Taken: 12 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent full tummy tuck and breast augmentation with lift; prior breast reduction performed elsewhere

Liposuction: Photo Set 536

Age: 48 Height: 5’5" Weight: 165 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Areas Treated: Hips and thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 4,500cc After Photos Taken: 12 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent full tummy tuck

Liposuction: Photo Set 537

Age: 34 Height: 5’3" Weight: 128 lbs. Procedure: Tumescent liposuction Area Treated: Thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 1,800cc After Photos Taken: 5 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 550

Age: 30 Height: 5’7" Weight: 140 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Area Treated: Neck Volume of Fat Removed: 50cc After Photos Taken: 9 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent rhinoplasty

Liposuction: Photo Set 551

Age: 25 Height: 5’3" Weight: 130 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, hips and thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 2,500cc After Photos Taken: 4 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 553
Age: 34 Height: 6’0" Weight: 200 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Area Treated: Chest Volume of Fat Removed: 2,500cc After Photos Taken: 12 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 554

Age: 26 Height: 5’7" Weight: 155 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, back, hips, flanks, thighs, knees and arms Volume of Fat Removed: 5,000cc After Photos Taken: 3 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 555

Age: 24 Height: 5’5" Weight: 135 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Hips and thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 2,000cc After Photos Taken: 4 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 556

Age: 22 Height: 5’3" Weight: 125 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, hips and thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 2,000cc After Photos Taken: 4 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 557

Age: 50 Height: 5’2" Weight: 115 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Area Treated: Abdomen Volume of Fat Removed: 1,000cc After Photos Taken: 6 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 559

Age: 42 Height: 5’2" Weight: 127 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, flanks, hips, thighs and knees Volume of Fat Removed: 4,000cc After Photos Taken: 4 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 560

Age: 35 Height: 5’6" Weight: 135 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, hips, flanks and thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 2,500cc After Photos Taken: 4 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 562

Age: 46 Height: 5’7" Weight: 145 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, back, hips, flanks, thighs and arms Volume of Fat Removed: 6,500cc After Photos Taken: 24 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 563

Age: 42 Height: 5’11" Weight: 185 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, flanks and hips Volume of Fat Removed: 3,000cc After Photos Taken: 6 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 564

Age: 32 Height: 5’4" Weight: 145 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, hips, thighs and knees Volume of Fat Removed: 5,500cc After Photos Taken: 3 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 565

Age: 48 Height: 5’3" Weight: 120 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Hips, flanks and thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 1,500cc After Photos Taken: 12 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent mini tummy tuck, facelift and rhinoplasty

Liposuction: Photo Set 566

Age: 42 Height: 5’0" Weight: 115 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Hips, flanks and thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 1,500cc After Photos Taken: 6 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent full tummy tuck and breast augmentation

Liposuction: Photo Set 568

Age: 45 Height: 5’1" Weight: 122 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Area Treated: Thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 1,000cc After Photos Taken: 24 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent full tummy tuck

Liposuction: Photo Set 569

Age: 38 Height: 5’2" Weight: 123 lbs. (after 100 lb. weight loss) Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, back, hips, flanks and thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 3,000cc After Photos Taken: 9 months post-op Note: Bariatric patient; also underwent lower body lift and breast augmentation revision with lift

Liposuction: Photo Set 570

Age: 41 Height: 5’6" Weight: 145 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Hips, back, thighs and knees Volume of Fat Removed: 2,500cc After Photos Taken: 12 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent full tummy tuck

Liposuction: Photo Set 572
Age: 27 Height: 6’2" Weight: 220 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Area Treated: Chest Volume of Fat Removed: 1,200cc After Photos Taken: 60 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 573

Age: 28 Height: 5’7" Weight: 136 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Hips and thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 2,000cc After Photos Taken: 6 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent mini tummy tuck

Liposuction: Photo Set 574
Age: 27 Height: 5’6" Weight: 165 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction Areas Treated: Abdomen, hips and thighs Volume of Fat Removed: 5,000cc After Photos Taken: 12 months post-op

Liposuction: Photo Set 575

Age: 28 Height: 5’2" Weight: 150 lbs. Procedure: Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction revision Area Treated: Abdomen Volume of Fat Removed: 1,500cc After Photos Taken: 12 months post-op Note: Patient also underwent scar revision on right hip

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