Liposuction in Philadelphia
Remove those last bits of fat keeping you from your ideal body with liposuction.
At Subbio Plastic Surgery in Philadelphia liposuction is performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christian Subbio. Dr. Subbio uses advanced techniques to minimize recovery times and improve your liposuction results.
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Liposuction is a procedure where stubborn pockets of fat are sucked out of the body through a tube and vacuum device. Liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the world, and it has evolved over the years to take advantage of advances in technology.
Dr. Christian Subbio is well-trained in these techniques. At Subbio Plastic Surgery in Philadelphia liposuction is an effective, minimally-invasive, and fast way to change the appearance of your body by eliminating difficult body fat. Dr. Subbio is well versed in the latest liposuction techniques, and how to use them effectively to get you to your ideal body shape.
When most people think of liposuction, they think of removing fat from around the abdomen, or maybe in the flanks (the “love handles”). But liposuction can be used to remove fat in a number of other areas of the body, including:
Basically, if there is an area on the body where you would like to see more muscle definition and less fat, there is a way to use liposuction to help you get the results you want.
Another common misconception about liposuction is that it is a weight loss tool. In fact, the ideal candidates for liposuction are not obese. Liposuction is a tool for fat reduction, which is different from weight loss surgery and thus has different prerequisites.
Ideal candidates for liposuction in Philadelphia should actually be fairly near their ideal weight, or at least be able to stable weight. Fluctuating weight can undo the effects of liposuction. Ideal candidates should have active lifestyles and be in general good health. This ensures that the fat they have removed via liposuction will stay off following the procedure.
Dr. Subbio will assess your situation and help you determine if liposuction is right for you. If not, you may wind up requiring a different procedure.
Dr. Subbio understands the frustration that comes with wanting a weight loss procedure, only to find out that liposuction is not for you. There are weight loss procedures such as gastric banding and gastric bypass that are specifically designed to target weight loss. Liposuction is not one of those procedures.
Dr. Subbio can help you determine if you are ready for liposuction, or if potentially another treatment for weight loss may be something to consider before attempting liposuction.
Another common misconception is that liposuction alone will offer the same benefits as a tummy tuck. In reality, these are very different procedures, each with their own benefits and results. They are also not mutually exclusive; many mommy makeovers combine liposuction and tummy tucks for transformative results.
In this video, Dr. Subbio explains the differences between tummy tucks and liposuctions, and the ideal candidates for each procedure.
Liposuction is hardly a new procedure in the plastic surgery world. Over the years, there have been multiple innovations to the standard model of liposuction.
Dr. Subbio often uses tumescent liposuction, where a fluid with anesthesia is used to break down fat for easier and less painful removal.
For larger volumes of fat or for fibrous body areas, Vaser liposuction may be used. Vaser is a technique in which an ultrasound probe is inserted beneath the skin to “liquify” the fat before it is suctioned.
There is also RF-assisted liposuction, where RF energy is used to break down fat instead of lasers. These techniques have the added benefit of increasing collagen production in the treatment area, which can increase skin tightening following the procedure. In some cases, this can eliminate the need for subsequent skin tightening surgeries.
During your consultation for liposuction Philadelphia Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Subbio will help you understand the options available to you. He will answer all of your questions, so you can make informed choices about which type of procedure might be right for you.
Liposuction is generally regarded as a low risk procedure, especially when it is performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Subbio. However, as an invasive procedure, liposuction does have potential risks and side effects.
The most common side effect of liposuction is bruising around the treatment area. Dr. Subbio takes special care to minimize this risk by using tumescent liposuction; a technique where a fluid mixed with a topical anesthetic is used to break apart fat below the skin. This allows it to be more easily and painlessly removed, and reduces the risk of side effects.
Other potential side effects include discoloration and sagging of the skin, scarring, worsening of cellulite, swelling, infection, and changes to skin sensation. In rare cases, deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary complications have been noticed following liposuction.
Dr. Subbio takes special care to use proven techniques to minimize these risks. That’s why it is so important to find a proven plastic surgeon like Dr. Subbio to perform your liposuction in Philadelphia.
The costs of liposuction are determined by how many areas of the body you would like to have treated, as well as the specific type of liposuction performed on those areas. As part of your consultation, Dr. Subbio will be able to provide you with a detailed estimate of the costs of your procedure, as well as options for alternative treatment options based on cost.
At Subbio Plastic Surgery we also have financing options available for patients who qualify. We don’t want financial obstacles to come between you and your ideal body. Our friendly staff can help you find a financing option that works for your situation so you can get the care you deserve.
Small incisions of about 1/4-inch each are made in the areas to be treated. Dr. Subbio will make every effort to place the incisions in discrete locations where the scars can be easily covered with clothing. These might include natural body creases, the area low on the abdomen above the groin, the belly button, or under the chin, for example.
A tube called a cannula is inserted into the incisions and attached to a suction device that removes the fat. Dr. Subbio uses the tumescent technique, which is the preferred Liposuction method in which tumescent fluid is used to numb the area, reduce bleeding, and loosen the fatty tissue. He then moves the cannula in and out of the incision to break down the excess fat as it is suctioned out. The incisions are either closed with sutures or bandaged for natural healing.
You will be able to walk the next day, but please do take it easy. Our Philadelphia liposuction patients can expect some swelling, bruising, and a feeling of tightness for about two weeks. Sutures will either dissolve on their own, or we’ll remove them about a week after your surgery.
If you have extensive Liposuction, drains may be placed in some of the incisions to catch fluids. We will remove these within a week after your surgery. Depending on the area and extent of your Liposuction, you may need to wear a compression garment for 2-4 weeks to keep swelling to a minimum.
| Back to work: | 1 to 2 weeks |
| More strenuous activity: | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Full recovery from swelling and bruising: | 1 to 6 months or more |
| Compression garment | Must be worn daily for 6-8 weeks |
Liposuction scars are very uncommon with a trained plastic surgeon like Dr. Subbio. This is because liposuction incisions are small (usually less than an inch long), Following your surgery, you will likely have a wound that scabs over, leaving a small scar which will fade over time.
Dr. Subbio knows how to place his liposuction incisions in areas where scarring is less likely, and less visible if you wind up having scars that take longer to heal. Dr. Subbio also provides his patients with detailed aftercare instructions to minimize recovery times (and the appearance of scars).
Liposuction results may not be visible immediately after the procedure, due to swelling or bruising that lasts for the first few days. As the healing process reduces these aftereffects, your new body will begin to take shape. Your swelling will go down over the next 1-3 months, revealing a slimmer looking you.
You may also see some skin looseness following your procedure. Depending on the style of liposuction you had and other factors (age, skin laxity) your skin will tighten some following your procedure. If your skin does not snap back the way you envisioned, you may be a candidate for further skin tightening procedures following your liposuction. Dr. Subbio will help you determine if skin tightening may be necessary as part of your procedure during your consultation.
Absolutely! During your consultation for liposuction Philadelphia plastic surgeon, Dr. Subbio will ask you what specific spots you would like to see changed. Then, he’ll tell you exactly which procedure will give you the results you’re after, and he’ll explain what you can expect.
No. Liposuction does not affect the appearance of stretch marks. However, Dr. Subbio can help you address stretch marks during your consultation, so be sure to discuss that with him when you come in for more information about your procedure.
No. Liposuction is an outpatient procedure, so after a short period of recovery time, you can go home the same day, provided you have someone available to drive you home.
SmartLipo is a particular liposuction technique that is also sometimes called laser liposuction or laser lipolysis. A laser is used to liquefy the fat before it is removed with the cannula and suction device. This method isn’t as invasive as traditional Liposuction because it causes less trauma to the nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissue.
SmartLipo also has the ability to tighten the skin slightly and promote natural collagen production, which may further tighten the skin over the months following the procedure and improve the appearance of cellulite.
You’ll be anesthetized during your surgery, so you’ll feel no pain. All surgeries involve some discomfort after the anesthesia wears off, though. Most of our Philadelphia liposuction patients find that the discomfort after is less than they expected, and we’ll give you pain medication to help you get through your recovery as easy as possible. Plus, you can text or call Dr. Subbio at any time with your questions!
Definitely! Dr. Subbio is dedicated to making sure you recover as easily as possible with excellent results. You will be given a detailed recovery plan with follow-up appointments as part of your Philadelphia liposuction treatment plan.
You can expect some bruising after Liposuction, but it usually goes away quickly.
There are sometimes scars, but Dr. Subbio will make the incisions in discrete areas whenever possible that can usually be covered by clothes. Over time, whatever scars are present will flatten, fade, and become less noticeable. In many cases, the scars fade away almost completely.
It may take 6 or more months for 100% of the swelling to fully resolve. Only then will you be able to see the final results of your surgery. You will begin to see initial results in a few weeks after your surgery as the body heals and swelling and fluid retention begins to subside.
Yes. While this is not a weight loss surgery or a substitute for weight loss, you will lose inches and look slimmer after liposuction. Candidates for this surgery should be near their ideal weight and have good skin elasticity. If you have loose skin in any of the areas where you’d like to have liposuction, you may need a different procedure (such as a Tummy Tuck or Arm Lift) in order to reduce both excess fat and skin.
Sometimes, it can improve the appearance of cellulite if the cellulite is in the area to be treated. SmartLipo is a technique that can tighten the skin and improve cellulite. It is important to include cellulite in your planning process for liposuction, and Dr. Subbio will be mindful of that during your consultation.
In most cases, Liposuction can be done using local anesthesia and sedation. Dr. Subbio may suggest a general anesthesia for some patients, however.
The surgery usually takes 1-2 hours.
If the amount of Liposuction you receive is minimal, you may be able to return to work within 3 days. If you have had more extensive Liposuction, you might require 7-14 days off from work. Dr. Subbio will give you a more accurate timeline as part of your treatment plan during your consultation.
We ask that you refrain from strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 3-6 weeks depending upon the extent of your Liposuction.
You should be able to sleep lying down, but you may need to alter your usual position depending on where you received Liposuction. For example, if you receive it on your buttocks, you may not be able to sleep on your back for the first week or so.
Liposuction results are permanent, but new fat deposits can develop. If you maintain a steady weight and exercise regularly, you will be less likely to need Liposuction again.
3734 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073
In our office, you will be treated like a part of our family. It’s a relaxing, pressure-free haven where you can feel comfortable to ask all of your questions. We think you’ll sense immediately that we care as much about your safety and your beautiful results as you do. Contact us today for a consultation, and find out why Dr. Subbio has earned a reputation as one of the most trusted and skilled plastic surgeons in Philadelphia.
