Introduction to Liposuction
At the Nikolov Center for Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills, liposuction is one of our most popular plastic surgery procedures. Oftentimes, when patients have excess fat, diet and exercise can only get them so far, and while it can feel overwhelming to get rid of it, there is an answer! Liposuction is not a weight loss surgery but can be an ideal solution to removing stubborn fat and helping patients achieve the body they’ve always desired.
Dr. Nicholas Nikolov strives to deliver some of the best liposuction results in Beverly Hills & Los Angeles, while always practicing patient saftey. Below, we’ve included our guide to the procedure, but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure that can help sculpt the body by removing unwanted fat from specific areas, including the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks, and neck. During the past decade, liposuction, which is also known as “lipoplasty” or “suction lipectomy,” has benefited from several new refinements. Today, a number of new techniques, including ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique, are helping to provide patients with more precise results and quicker recovery times. Although no type of liposuction is a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that don’t respond to traditional weight-loss methods.
Individuals considering Liposuction often feel a bit overwhelmed by the number of options and techniques being promoted today. Dr. Nikolov can help decide which is the right treatment approach for you, with a focus on effectiveness, safety, cost, and appropriateness for your needs. Dr. Nikolov also uses this judgment to prevent complications, handle unexpected occurrences during liposuction surgery, and treat complications when they occur.
What are the Benefits of Liposuction?
Liposuction is a very popular procedure and comes with a list of benefits for any individual undergoing the process, especially with VASER® Lipo (more detail on this below).
As one of the most sought-after plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills, Dr. Nikolov has helped thousands of patients achieve their ideal bodies. Below, we’ve included some of the advantages of the surgery:
- Safe Removal of Fat
- Permanently Removes Fat Cells
- Improve Your Health
- Improves Your Appearance, And The Way Others Perceive
- Can Boost Your Self-Esteem
- Can Remove Fat That Even Diet and Exercise Can’t
What’s the First Step?
The first step to getting liposuction in Beverly Hills with Dr. Nikolv is to book a consultation. During your consultation, you’ll want to let us know if you smoke, have had previous surgery, or if you take any medications or drugs, including aspirin or any other drugs which might affect the procedure.
Dr. Nikolov will evaluate your health, determine where your fat deposits lie, and assess the condition of your skin. Dr. Nikolov will explain the body-contouring methods that may be most appropriate for you. For example, if you believe you want liposuction in the abdominal area, you may learn that an abdominoplasty or “tummy tuck” may more effectively meet your goals; or that a combination of traditional liposuction and UAL would be the best choice for you.
Be upfront with your expectations with Dr. Nikolov. He and our professional team are here to answer any questions or concerns that you may have or may be harboring so this procedure goes as smoothly as possible.
Dr. Nikolov will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets, and certain medications. If you develop a cold or an infection of any kind, especially a skin infection, your surgery may have to be postponed.
Lastly, while you are making preparations, be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure and, to help you at home for a day or two.
What to Expect on the Day of Liposuction
Your liposuction surgery will be performed at the Nikolov Center for Plastic Surgery in our Beverly Hills surgical suite. Smaller-volume Liposuction procedures may be done on an outpatient basis for reasons of cost and convenience and can be done in-office. The time required to perform Liposuction may vary considerably, depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia, and the technique used. When you get to our office on the day of surgery, our nurses will make sure you’re fully comfortable before beginning the process of anesthesia.
There are various types of anesthesia that can be used for liposuction surgery. Together, you and Dr. Nikolov will select the type of anesthesia that provides the safest and most effective level of comfort for your surgery. Below, we’ve included the three options for anesthesia:
- Local Anesthesia – If only a small amount of fat and a limited number of body sites are involved, Liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia, which numbs only the affected areas.
- Regional anesthesia – this can be a good choice for more extensive procedures. One type of regional anesthesia is the epidural block, the same type of anesthesia commonly used in childbirth.
- General Anesthesia – One of the most common types of anesthesia is general anesthesia, which is particularly used if a large volume of fat is being removed. If this is the case, an anesthesiologist will be called in to make sure you are completely asleep during the procedure.
Following anesthesia, the surgery will begin with Dr. Nikolov creating a tiny incision, followed by a narrow tube or cannula that is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The cannula is pushed and then pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. The suction action is provided by a vacuum pump or a large syringe, depending on Dr. Nikolov’s preference. If many sites are being treated, Dr. Nikolov will then move on to the next area, working to keep the incisions as inconspicuous as possible.
Who are the Best Candidates for Liposuction?
One of the great aspects of liposuction is that the surgery is great for both men and women of most ages. Below, we’ve included some of the best candidates we see on a day-to-day basis for the surgery.
- To be a good candidate for Liposuction in Beverly Hills, you should have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do for you.
- Patients should be close to their ideal weight with firm, elastic skin and have pockets of excess fat in certain areas.
Patients should be physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in their expectations. - Age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as younger patients with tighter skin.
Liposuction Techniques
The basic technique of Liposuction is used on most patients undergoing this procedure. However, as the procedure has been developed and refined, several variations have been introduced.
Fluid Injection — a technique in which a medicated solution is injected into fatty areas before the fat is removed. This method is commonly used by plastic surgeons today. The fluid is a mixture of intravenous salt solution, lidocaine (a local anesthetic), and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels) which results in helping the fat be removed more easily, reduces blood loss, and provides anesthesia during and after surgery. Fluid injection also helps to reduce the amount of bruising after surgery.
The amount of fluid that is injected varies depending on the preference of the surgeon.
Tumescent Liposuction – Sometimes as much as three times the amount of fat to be removed are injected in the tumescent technique. Tumescent Liposuction, typically performed on patients who need only a local anesthetic, usually takes significantly longer than traditional Liposuction (sometimes as long as 4 to 5 hours). However, because the injected fluid contains an adequate amount of anesthetic, additional anesthesia may not be necessary. The name of this technique refers to the swollen and firm or “tumescent” state of the fatty tissues when they are filled with solution.
The super-wet technique – This procedure is similar to the tumescent technique, except that lesser amounts of fluid are used. Usually, the amount of fluid injected is equal to the amount of fat to be removed. This technique often requires IV sedation or general anesthesia and typically takes one to two hours of surgery time.
Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL) – This technique requires the use of a special cannula that produces ultrasonic energy. As it passes through the areas of fat, the energy explodes the walls of the fat cells, liquefying the fat. The fat is then removed with the traditional liposuction technique.
UAL has been shown to improve the ease and effectiveness of Liposuction in fibrous areas of the body, such as the upper back or the enlarged male breast. It is also commonly used in secondary procedures when enhanced precision is needed. In general, UAL takes longer to perform than traditional Liposuction.
VASER® Lipo – At The Nikolov Center for Plastic Surgery, your positive patient experience is our main priority. That is why we are excited to offer a procedure that allows us to gently remove unwanted fat from thighs, hips, abdomens, chests, love handles, knees, backs, arms, chins, and just about any other body part you can imagine. With VASER® Lipo, it is now easier than ever to reduce those stubborn spots that just will not respond to diet and exercise!
VASER® Lipo, also known as LipoSelection®, is an advanced body contouring procedure that uses gentle ultrasonic energy to selectively remove unwanted body fat. An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, VASER® Lipo preserves important tissues like nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue to promote smooth results and fast recovery. We welcome the opportunity to help you determine if the VASER® Lipo procedure is right for you.
Smartlipo™ Laser Body Sculpting – Laser-Assisted Liposuction Is the latest technology In Liposuction. Dr. Nikolov uses a small cannula with a laser inside to remove unwanted fat from many areas of the body. With great skill and precision, he can remove unwanted fat deposits from many areas of the body.
The most commonly treated areas for Smartlipo are the following:
The abdomen – A bulging midsection can affect women and men, young and old alike. But what diet and exercise can’t change, Smartlipo can transform in just one treatment. Smartlipo removes fat located just below the skin to reveal the muscles underneath. And the procedure’s tightening effect through coagulation makes the end result even better than with traditional liposuction.
The Neck – Smartlipo is perfectly suited to treat delicate skin on the neck. With Smartlipo, the fat cells are permanently removed, so the results are long-lasting. The treatment tightens the skin and slims through coagulation. When performed on the neck, this procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to a surgical neck lift. No general anesthetic is required, and minimal downtime.
The Face – The Smartlipo laser is used to apply laser energy underneath the skin, where it’s proven most effective at tightening the tissues on your cheeks, jowls, and neck. The treatment can be performed while you are awake by using very small incisions.
When applied to the face, Laser facial sculpting is more permeant than many injectables and less invasive than a facelift. Less downtime. (2 days versus 5-7 days of recovery time)
Arms & Legs — Unfortunately, it’s only natural fat that accumulates in areas such as the hips, knees, and under the arms, especially for women. These fat deposits, particularly around the arms, are resistant to diet and exercise. Smartlipo trims triceps and downsizes “saddlebags” by removing excess fat permanently. No general anesthetic need, minimal scarring, short downtime, and slims the area.
Liposuction Recovery
After surgery, you will likely experience some fluid drainage from the incisions. Occasionally, a small drainage tube may be inserted beneath the skin for a couple of days to prevent fluid build-up. To control swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours, you may be fitted with a snug elastic garment to wear over the treated area for a few weeks. Your surgeon may also prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
Don’t expect to look or feel great right after surgery. Even though the newer techniques are believed to reduce some post-operative discomforts, you may still experience some pain, burning, swelling, bleeding, and temporary numbness. Pain can be controlled with medications prescribed by Dr. Nikolov, though you may still feel stiff and sore for a few days.
It is normal to feel a bit anxious in the days or weeks following surgery. However, this feeling will subside as you begin to look and feel better.
How Much Does Liposuction Cost in Beverly Hills?
The cost of your Liposuction treatments will depend a lot on which areas you want to be treated. The most suitable way to understand the price of your procedure is to come in for a consultation. Once we have a firm understanding of your aesthetic goals, we’ll be able to provide you with a thorough breakdown of the costs.
*The cost of VASER® Lipo in Beverly Hills will change depending on various factors, such as what kind of work or technique is required to achieve your desired appearance. During your appointment, we’ll be able to answer questions and provide you with our expert suggestions.
Why Choose Dr. Nikolov?
Liposuction is one of the most popular procedures in the world of Plastic Surgery, and Dr. Nikolov is world-renowned for his keen aesthetic sense that emphasizes body harmony and subtle changes to create a fresh appearance. He is dedicated to advancements in technology, which is why our Beverly Hills practice proudly embraces the usage of VASER® Lipo.
As a leader in the field of plastic surgery for more than twenty years, Dr. Nikolov has consulted for television programs and publications and has been featured on CNN, CBS, NBC, and the Discovery Health Channel. He has published and lectured extensively in his field and often hosts other doctors to help them learn about his techniques and procedures.
“My goal is to help all those under my care achieve better harmony, feel youthful, and gain more confidence in their appearance while retaining a natural look.” — Dr. Nikolov
Get in Touch
A consultation can change all perspectives on possibilities. Our modern approach to Liposuction can have a massive effect on a patient’s emotional, mental, and physical well-being. It’s a path to fulfillment for so many people looking for a resolution to body fat. Request a consultation through our website, and one of our team members will quickly get in touch with you. There are many ways this important surgery can positively impact your life. We can’t wait to hear from you!
