Contouring: Sculpted Liposuction
A new alternative for body contouring and skin tightening, sculpted liposuction (or body contouring) is a procedure for removing unwanted fat without the risk or downtime associated with traditional liposuction. It is a minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure that is performed utilizing a serial cannula based technique to remove localized pockets of fat, subsequently tightening the surrounding skin.
The Sculpted Liposuction Procedure
The sculpted lipo technique is one of the safest, most effective and comfortable procedures at Vargas Face and Skin and does not require the use of general anesthetic. Done in-office, targeted body fat is removed using a serial cannula technique and the result is a firm, more attractive body contour.
The incision Dr. Vargas uses is so small that no stitches are typically needed for closure at the end of the procedure. Recovery is faster with significantly shorter down time. Patients typically return to work and normal activities within a few days.
Where to Use Sculpted Liposuction
Sculpted lipo is ideal for anyone considering a slimming cosmetic surgery that creates immediately visible results. Popular areas of the body are:
- Chin
- Neck
- Upper arms
- Upper and lower abdomen
- Flanks
- Buttocks
- Upper thighs
- Waist and hips
Your Sculpted Lipo Appointment
Sculpted lipo is a highly individualized procedure. Dr. Vargas employs a conservative touch in her approach to Sculpted liposuction–one that improves the appearance of the areas you want treated without appearing overdone. A prior in-depth consultation in our Kansas City office is required.
Sculpted Liposuction Q&A
Sculpted lipo is intended for individuals who are within their ideal BMI and have certain areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is considered low volume liposuction since the patient has smaller amounts of fat to remove. This procedure is also minimally invasive and done in the office. Only one site can be operated on per session.
Visible results can start as early as three months, but continue to improve up to one year. There is no skin removal in this procedure, so even though we have removed volume it takes time for the skin to tighten up and display its new figure.
We treat most areas of the body. The lower face and/or neck are also a very popular procedure for laser lipo.
We believe in offering services that provide our patients with the desired outcome. We take into account results, downtime, and financials when deciding on the services we offer. At this time, the results sculpted lipo are significantly better than external treatments and is still considered a non-invasive procedure with little downtime. For these reasons we do offer other fat reduction procedures at this time.
Many times, sculpted lipo is paired with fat grafting. Since we are already removing fat, patients like to use some of the fat to resort volume in the face.
A sedative is used in this office-based procedure. Our patients are relaxed and comfortable during the procedure. For patients who cannot tolerate procedures we offer twilight sedation. Very small incisions are made in the predetermined site. After the area is numbed the liposuction begins. The instruments used are very small in diameter compared to previous instruments.
The trauma of liposuction will cause some tightening within the skin and create a collagen producing response. Sutures are generally not placed since the incisions are minimal, but may be placed in areas of tension.
Swelling and bruising is normal post procedure, in many cases this resolves within 10 days, but can last up to two weeks. Since there is a reduction in volume the swelling usually goes unnoticed as the area looks the same as before. Tenderness in the area is normal during healing.
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Cold compresses can be used to help with swelling and bruising. Dressing will be placed on the site post-procedure and can be removed the following day. Pain medication is prescribed and can be used to aid in comfort levels post-procedure, most patients opt for Tylenol. You will need to clean the area and wear the recommended garment until your one week post-op.
Any procedure that addresses cosmetic needs is not usually covered by insurance. Special cases such as trauma may be reimbursable in part or whole. It is the patient’s responsibility for pre-approval of coverage and to process the claim for insurance.
