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Liposuction

Liposuction in Miami, Florida | Gables Plastic Surgery

The unwelcome and unsightly accumulation of body fat is a source of deep concern for many patients. Not only can excess fat negatively affect your health, but it can also affect your emotional well-being and self-image.

Even with all those frequent visits to the gym and a healthy eating plan, getting rid of that last bulge of fat on the abdomen, lower back, flanks (“love handles,”), thighs, or hips can be frustratingly impossible. Factors such as age, genetics, and gender all play a role in highlighting that the causes for stubborn body fat are outside of your control.

Despite diligently following a healthy lifestyle and getting close to your target weight, if you’re still unable to lose those last remaining pockets of fat, then it might be time to consider liposuction. A body-contouring method also known as lipo or lipoplasty, liposuction is a popular, safe, and effective aesthetic procedure used to eradicate pockets of excess fat cells and improve the shape or contours of the body.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Jorge de la Pedraja is an expert in cosmetic body surgery and highly skilled at performing body contouring procedures over many years in practice. He is committed to ensuring that his patients are safe, have an exceptional experience, and are provided with outstanding results. 

Learn more about getting toned contours and being able to enjoy natural-looking liposuction results by calling (305) 441-9144 or contacting us online today. As one of the best liposuction surgeons in Miami, Dr. de la Pedraja proudly serves Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Miami Beach, Pinecrest, and other South Florida communities. 

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that removes stubborn fat and improves the body’s shape and contours. Since it isn’t a weight-loss treatment and carries risks and possible complications, it’s essential that you talk to your doctor before considering this treatment. 

Patients should have a stable body weight that’s within 20-30% of their ideal body weight and not have excessively loose skin like that found after gastric bypass surgery.

What are the Different Types of Liposuction?

Several liposuction technologies provide plastic surgeons with a selection of tools and techniques to deliver the best results. For all types of liposuction, blunt-tipped surgical instruments known as cannulas are inserted into the treatment area to remove fat via suctioning. 

There are four types of liposuction, each using a different procedure to dislodge and remove fat. During your initial liposuction consultation, Dr. de la Pedraja will discuss your options and your goals with you and help you decide which approach will be best for you. 

In this traditional approach to liposuction, the surgeon uses either general or local anesthesia to maximize comfort. A solution is injected to help constrict the blood vessels and minimize bleeding. A cannula is then used to extract fat from targeted sites. Power-assisted liposuction, as described below, is a newer version of this approach and is used for the removal of larger quantities of fat.

During this procedure, the cannula is rapidly moved around the treatment area to break up the fat and remove it. The procedure is often used on patients who have already had liposuction in the desired treatment area. 

Tumescent liposuction, also known as fluid injection liposuction, is the most common approach used by plastic surgeons today. During this treatment, a fluid mixture of lidocaine (a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort), epinephrine (prolongs the lidocaine’s numbing and motor block effect as well as constricts the blood vessels), and saline are injected into the treatment area. The saline helps the doctor eliminate fat cells easier.

In this ultrasound-assisted liposuction procedure, a device delivers ultrasonic vibrations to break down subcutaneous fat cells and help turn fat cells into an easily removable liquid form. Plastic surgeons often use this approach when removing fat cells from more fibrous parts of the body, such as the upper back or male chest. 

Using concentrated bursts of light energy or lasers, LAL liquefies fat cells. After fat cells have been broken down, they can be drained with a cannula. One of the key benefits of this approach is its precision and the ability to help promote collagen growth, which keeps the skin tight and smooth after the fat removal.  

During your initial liposuction consultation, Dr. de la Pedraja will discuss your options and your goals with you and help you decide which approach will be best for you. The great majority of patients are treated with tumescent liposuction, as this will return the most consistent, safe results.

Where Can Liposuction be Used?

Liposuction is used to remove fat from areas of the body that don’t respond to diet and exercise, including:

  • Abdomen.
  • Upper arms.
  • Buttocks.
  • Ankles and calves.
  • Chest and back.
  • Thighs and hips.
  • Chin, cheek, and neck areas.

Liposuction can sometimes be used in the treatment of gynecomastia or breast reduction.

What Are the Benefits of Liposuction in Coral Gables, Florida?

Body contouring

The most immediate benefit of undergoing liposuction is that the pockets of stubborn fat will be permanently eliminated. As a result, patients can enjoy their better-contoured curves, sleeker appearance, and improved self-image. Dr. de la Pedraja’s extensive expertise with liposuction results in minimal scarring and notably smooth results. 

Regain a healthy lifestyle

A life-changing liposuction procedure encourages patients to maintain and enhance their results by following a healthier lifestyle. The long-term benefits can include lowered blood pressure, improved sleep, and less joint pain. Removing those pockets of fat from a patient’s abdomen can increase their mobility and thus ease pressure and discomfort from their neck, upper and lower back, as well as the knees.

Mental health benefits

The many physical health benefits of receiving liposuction can also lead to significant mental health benefits. Patients report experiencing improved self-confidence and an enhanced self-image. They develop more confidence in choosing new clothing and are more optimistic about their personal and professional opportunities.

Dr. de la Pedraja

Why Choose Dr. de la Pedraja

  • Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
  • Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • Member of Miami Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • Committed to providing the highest quality of care to each and every patient

Am I a Good Candidate for Liposuction in Miami, FL?

If you aren’t happy with the appearance of areas of your body due to excess fat deposits, and it is impacting your quality of life, you may be considering liposuction. Your doctor may confirm that you are a good candidate if you are an adult and:

  • Within 20-30% of your ideal body weight.
  • Have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone.
  • Have a positive outlook, clear body contouring goals, and realistic expectations for the outcome.

What Happens During a Liposuction Procedure?

Since liposuction surgery is performed under some type of anesthesia, Dr. de la Pedraja will use intravenous (IV) sedation, local anesthesia, or general anesthesia depending on the treatment area and procedure chosen. Once safely sedated, you’ll be brought into the operating room for your liposuction procedure. A solution is placed into the tissues beneath the skin and time is allowed to elapse so the medicine takes effect. The liposuction is then performed. with different sized canulas. this is where the problem area is reduced and contoured. Once the procedure has been completed and the incisions treated, you’ll be free to return home.

Look your best, feel your best

Dr. de la Pedraja is committed to providing the highest quality of care to each and every patient. His philosophy is to develop an individualized care plan to meet the needs of each patient with the utmost compassion and concern in a setting of comfort and confidentiality.

What Can I Expect During My Liposuction Recovery?

As liposuction is an outpatient procedure, you’ll be sent home the same day wearing compression bandages or a compression garment. These will help your body recover and increase your comfort during the healing process. Compression also helps your skin contract to its new contours, which is especially important for optimal liposuction results. Be prepared to wear the compression garment for several weeks after surgery.

Dr. de la Pedraja will also prescribe medications to soothe any lingering discomfort. To reduce swelling and fluid retention.

There will be some temporary swelling, tenderness, and fluid retention; however, these will soon subside. Your results will gradually become visible over the next 3-4 weeks as your body heals and a further 6 months for the final results to be apparent. You should be able to resume non-strenuous activities after a few days and should be able to start an exercise routine as soon as you like. There are no post op restrictions with liposuction.

How Much Does Liposuction Cost in Miami, Florida?

Because every liposuction patient has different needs, the cost of liposuction varies greatly. Dr. de la Pedraja will provide a detailed cost breakdown once your surgical plan has been decided.

Planning Your Liposuction and Other Body Contouring Options

If you’re considering liposuction, plastic surgery, or non-surgical body contouring options, please schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Jorge de la Pedraja, or call us today at (305) 441-9144. Gables Plastic Surgery is located in Coral Gables and proudly serves Miami, Coconut Grove, Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, Miami Beach, Pinecrest, and other South Florida areas.

Liposuction FAQs

You can easily combine liposuction with complementary procedures like breast augmentation, breast lift, and tummy tuck. Liposuction can also be part of a mommy makeover, which combines multiple plastic surgeries in a single procedure to help you enhance your figure after pregnancy or significant weight loss. 

If you have good skin elasticity and remove a small amount of fat through liposuction, your skin may retain its firm contours once you have recovered from the procedure. If this is a concern for you, discuss it with Dr. de la Pedraja during your consultation. He will evaluate your skin’s quality and recommend alternative solutions if you lack sufficient skin elasticity.

If your job is not strenuous, you can go back to work a few days after your procedure. While you will likely still have some temporary swelling, tenderness, and fluid retention, there are no post-operative restrictions with liposuction.

You need to wear compression garments for several weeks after liposuction. Besides reducing swelling and bruising, these garments also help your body conform to its new contours, paving the way for ideal surgical outcomes.

You can return to your exercise routine as soon as you like. Removing stubborn fat deposits can improve your mobility, alleviate joint pain, and renew your enthusiasm for working out and maintaining your improved figure.

We use anesthesia during surgery to ensure you don’t feel any pain. During recovery, you can alleviate any post-surgical soreness with over-the-counter and prescription medicines as recommended by Dr. de la Pedraja. Our team also provides you with aftercare instructions to further relieve discomfort after surgery.

Typical side effects of liposuction are swelling, bruising, and pain around the treatment area. These are generally mild and subside on their own. While post-surgical soreness dissipates in a few days, swelling and bruising goes away in a few weeks to a few months. You can increase your comfort by faithfully wearing your compression garments and following all directions Dr. de la Pedraja gives you.

While liposuction permanently removes unwelcome fat from targeted areas, the remaining fat cells can grow larger if you gain weight. That’s why staying within a few pounds of your goal weight is the best way to enjoy your liposuction outcomes for the long-term. Eat a balanced diet rich in fresh produce, lean protein, whole grains, and unprocessed foods. Avoid excess stress and keep up with a fitness routine that includes a mix of cardio, weight training, and stretching.

Look Your Best, Feel Your Best!

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