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Liposuction

Areas of stubborn fat can be especially frustrating for men and women who are striving for smoother, leaner body contours. For these individuals, liposuction can break down and suction pockets of superficial fat from nearly anywhere on the body, providing an effective method for reshaping the figure. Our board-certified plastic surgeon has undergone extensive training in various liposuction approaches and has more than 20 years of experience utilizing both tumescent and ultrasound-assisted liposuction systems to create optimal cosmetic outcomes for his patients. As with all surgical procedures, Dr. Sarbak emphasizes natural-looking results achieved through ethical practices designed to protect patient safety.

If you are considering liposuction to target areas of excess fat, we encourage you to review the helpful information provided on this page and contact our office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sarbak.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a procedure designed to remove excess fatty tissue (from between the skin and the underlying muscle layer) and resculpt contours through tiny incisions in the skin. Dr. Sarbak’s approach to liposuction is focused around the idea that the final result is not really determined by what’s removed, but what’s left behind. His expert skill and artistry in liposuction allows him to recontour problem areas for optimal aesthetics. Some of the most common areas our plastic surgeon treats with liposuction can include:

Liposuction can also be combined with other procedures, such as a tummy tuck or mommy makeover, to efficiently remove fat and refine the contours for a natural-looking result.

Who is a Candidate for Liposuction?

Ideal candidates for liposuction are often individuals close to their target weight but struggling with stubborn fat deposits that don’t respond to diet and exercise. This procedure is generally suitable for those with good skin elasticity and muscle tone, as it is not a weight-loss solution but a contouring method. Candidates should be non-smokers, in good overall health, and have realistic expectations about the procedure’s outcomes.

To determine if you are a candidate for liposuction, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sarbak.

Tumescent vs. Ultrasonic Liposuction

At our practice, Dr. Sarbak utilizes both conventional tumescent and internal ultrasound-assisted approaches to liposuction. VASERlipo® is our internal ultrasound device of choice, and Dr. Sarbak has been performing liposuction with internal ultrasound since 1999. Ultrasonic liposuction was designed to make the process of fatty tissue removal more efficient. The vibrations created from an internal ultrasound device actually cause the fat cells to rupture, allowing for easier fat removal than with standard vacuuming techniques. This method is inherently less traumatic on the soft tissue and can often lead to decreased recovery times. It is well suited for treating more fibrous regions such as the lower back and areas with scar tissue from previous surgeries. Ultrasonic energy also provides more of a stimulus for the overlying skin to shrink back into place than with conventional techniques. Additionally, Dr. Sarbak offers a non-surgical alternative to liposuction called CoolSculpting® for patients who want to reduce areas of excess fat without the need for incisions or downtime.

You can locate more information from Dr. Sarbak about Liposuction Technology by scrolling to a section found farther down the page.

What Does the Liposuction Procedure Entail?

Liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia for small areas. In general, larger areas are treated under anesthesia (delivered by a board-certified anesthesiologist) providing a more comfortable and controlled setting. Up to four liters of fatty tissue can be removed in one operation in an office-based operating suite per State of Florida Law. If liposuction is combined with any other procedure, the limit is one liter of fat removal. We can and do remove more than four liters in one operation; however, these procedures are scheduled at Indian River Medical Center and usually entail at least one night stay in the hospital.

During the liposuction procedure, small incisions are made around the treatment area to accommodate the width of the liposuction cannula. Your plastic surgeon moves the cannula back and forth throughout the area, breaking up fat and suctioning it away. He or she is always mindful of creating smooth, even, symmetrical results that enhance the patient’s natural figure. Once the appropriate volume of fat has been removed, the small incisions are carefully closed with small sutures and the treated area is dressed with a compression bandage.

Liposuction Before & After Photos

Explore liposuction before-and-after photos of Dr. Sarbak’s patients to learn more about the results that are possible with this effective method of body contouring.

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*Individual Results May Vary

What Can I Expect in My Liposuction Recovery?

The length of the recovery period after liposuction can vary based on the area treated, the type of liposuction used, and the volume of fat that was removed. Swelling, bruising, and soreness are common within the first phase of healing and typically fade quickly with time. Most of our patients are able to participate in regular activities between a few days and two weeks after liposuction. Patients are typically instructed to wear compression garments to aid in the healing process. Prior to your procedure, your plastic surgeon will educate you about what to expect during your recovery and provide thorough post-operative instructions.

What Will My Liposuction Scars Look Like?

Surgery usually produces some level of scarring because incisions are a part of the procedural process. Most of the time, liposuction incisions are relatively small, regardless of how much fat is being removed. At first, scars may look red and be slightly raised, but over time as the body heals, the incision lines should fade and flatten. Dr. Sarbak, as an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, takes great care to minimize visible scarring by strategically placing the needed incisions in areas that are easy to cover.

What Is the Best Type of Liposuction?

Many different machines have recently been developed to assist in effective fat removal. These include internal ultrasound (VASER®, LySonix®), external ultrasound, mechanical devices (water-assisted liposuction, power-assisted liposuction), internal lasers (Smartlipo Triplex™, SlimLipo™), and external lasers (Zerona®). The choices can be confusing, but all of these devices can be utilized to bring about improvements. However, the single most important determining factor of the overall quality of a patient’s liposuction result is the experience and training of the surgeon performing the procedure, regardless of the device.

No device can compensate for an inadequately trained or inexperienced physician. In fact, when used improperly, many of these advanced devices have potential risks that can exceed those associated with conventional liposuction. As a side-note, many of the above devices are very expensive. In order to be profitable, they have to be utilized on large volumes of patients, which are usually accompanied by large advertising campaigns. Over the past five years or so companies worried more about their bottom lines than patient safety have been selling their machines to any medical doctor willing to pay for them. It doesn’t matter to these companies whether that doctor is a dermatologist, eye doctor, ear nose and throat doctor, family practitioner, cardiologist, or plastic surgeon. Many times these companies will push their devices onto non-plastic surgery physicians, because plastic surgeons as a group through our societies (American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) are still evaluating the safety and efficacy of those devices. Some of them may indeed prove beneficial, but we as plastic surgeons want to make sure that they are safe and effective before offering them to our patients.

Are There Alternatives to Liposuction?

One of the most popular alternatives to liposuction is CoolSculpting®. This non-surgical procedure utilizes advanced cooling technology to freeze fat cells, causing them to break down and eventually be naturally expelled from the body. CoolSculpting® can be used to target specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, and arms, for a more contoured appearance. In most cases, this less invasive approach offers minimal downtime and satisfactory results.

For those struggling with excess skin along with fat deposits, tummy tuck surgery may be a better approach. A tummy tuck, also known as abdominoplasty, can improve a patient’s midsection by removing excess skin and fat, as well as tightening abdominal muscles. It is best to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Sarbak about which procedure best fits your needs.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost?

The cost of liposuction typically varies from patient to patient, as treatment plans are customized to the specific needs and goals of each individual. Contributing factors may include:

Once your personalized treatment plan has been developed, you will be provided with a more specific cost. At Premier Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics, we also offer financing through CareCredit® and Alphaeon™ Credit. These options can make procedures like liposuction more accessible for patients.

Additional Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions

Is liposuction safe?

Liposuction is generally safe when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon such as Dr. Sarbak and in an accredited facility similar to Premier Plastic Surgery & Aesthetics. Ensuring procedural candidacy and adherence to post-operative instructions can help minimize potential complications.

Can liposuction improve cellulite?

Liposuction primarily targets deeper fat layers and may not significantly improve cellulite, which occurs closer to the skin’s surface. While it can reduce fat deposits that contribute to cellulite appearance, it does not directly address the skin dimpling itself.

Will I experience side effects after liposuction?

After liposuction, common side effects include swelling, bruising, and discomfort, which typically resolve within a few weeks. Discomfort can often be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. Some patients may experience numbness or changes in skin sensation, though those effects usually subside gradually. Following post-operative guidelines and attending follow-up appointments are important to monitor healing and manage any adverse effects effectively.

For more information about liposuction, contact our office today to schedule a consultation.