Liposuction
in Las Vegas, NV
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Why Should I Choose Dr. Minoli for My Liposuction Treatment?
Dr. John Minoli offers you years of trusted expertise in the variations of liposuction surgery. He is triple board-certified in aesthetic surgery and has treated thousands of patients in Las Vegas and across the United States. Dr. Minoli continues adapting his practice accordingly through extensive surgical education and experience. A consultation with Dr. Minoli may help you further appreciate if liposuction is right for you.
Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?
You may be a candidate for liposuction if you have localized deposits of excess fat in one or several of the following areas:
- Cheeks, jowls, and neck
- Upper arms
- Breasts and chest regions
- Back
- Abdomen, waist, and flanks
- Hips and buttocks
- Inner and outer thighs
- Calves and ankles
Liposuction should not be considered a substitute for weight loss — nor is it an effective treatment for cellulite.
While it is possible to undergo liposuction at almost any age, the best results usually occur when a person has good skin elasticity. When skin is inelastic, as in some older patients, it may not redrape well. Instead, more dramatic skin tightening procedures, including tummy tuck surgery, may be needed.
How Is Liposuction Performed?
Liposuction has been a ground-breaking, safe surgical operation for permanent fat removal since 1979. It is a vacuuming process in which small tubes are carefully placed into the fat (beneath the skin) and guided to precise areas to permanently remove unwanted fat. Ideally, the overlying skin should have enough basic elasticity to firm up in the months that follow the procedure.
Dr. Minoli often performs liposuction at an accredited ambulatory surgery center nearby; however, some patients are candidates for liposuction under local anesthesia in our office. When performed at the surgery center, general anesthesia is administered by a board-certified anesthesiologist. Appropriate prescription medications are provided for pre and postoperative home use, including antibiotics, muscle relaxants, and painkillers.
Liposuction Incisions
Traditional liposuction incisions are small (usually less than 3 millimeters) and typically placed in hidden areas and natural creases. These incisions are mere access points to the underlying fat where the business end of liposuction occurs, and true permanent fat-cell removal and direct inner-body reshaping happens.
Great care is taken to shape and sculpt the body during fat removal. Results hinge not only on removal but upon the fat left behind.
A variety of technologies can aid in the removal of fat. This includes the surgical application of laser and ultrasound devices as well as traditional vacuum suctioning.
Fat is removed through a small hollow tube (a cannula) inserted through one or more tiny incisions. Flexible tubing connects the cannula to the vacuum, and the surgeon’s hand guides the suction apparatus in removing fat and reshaping the region.
Liposuction incisions are either expertly sutured for a meticulous final skin closure or, in some cases, just allowed to heal naturally without a stitch because the incisions are so small in the first place.
Variations of Liposuction
Before performing liposuction, a dilute anesthetic fluid is instilled into the treated area.
Plastic surgeons may use a “dry” technique without using any anesthetic fluid; however, more commonly, dilute anesthetic fluid is instilled in varying quantities to help create different intraoperative effects.
If a moderate amount of dilute anesthetic fluid is used, the technique is called a “wet technique.” And if large, even copious amounts of dilute anesthetic fluids are used, the technique is called a “tumescent technique.”
Dr. Minoli will discuss the recommended methods for treating specific areas of your body with you. These considerations are based in part upon realistic goals that you and he set.
Model
Should I Combine My Liposuction With Any Other Surgeries?
Liposuction is commonly combined with other surgical techniques, including tummy tuck surgery and breast enlargement or restorative breast surgery. Liposuction can also be performed in preparation for a fat transfer/fat grafting procedure.
Ancient arts are the healing arts, and he is a true artist.
How Long Is Liposuction Recovery?
The time it takes to recover from liposuction varies greatly among individuals depending on the extent of your surgery and individual healing capacity.
You will be returning to Dr. Minoli’s office regularly so that your postoperative progress can be properly evaluated.
Liposuction Recovery Week By Week
First few days: You will be encouraged to get out of bed for short walks to promote blood circulation the day after your surgery. Straining, bending and lifting must be avoided since these activities may cause increased swelling or bleeding. You may be instructed to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees.
A full shower or bath is usually permissible on the second or third postoperative day. Your dressings will be removed temporarily in the days following surgery so that Dr. Minoli can examine the treated areas. With time, walking will be easier, and driving privileges will likely resume.
First week: You will gain more independence as the first postoperative week progresses. Any suture removal usually occurs within 10 days; however, dissolvable sutures are often used.
You can often resume most of your normal activities, including mild exercise. You may continue to experience mild periodic discomfort and swelling during this time, but severe pain should be reported.
Depending on the extent of your liposuction surgery — and your general physical condition — you may be able to return to non-strenuous work in a few days. Any vigorous activities and sexual activity should be avoided for at least 1 week.
Week 2: Bruising and swelling begin to subside noticeably.
Weeks 3 to 5: Depending on the liposuction technique used and the extent of the procedure, you may be instructed to wear a supportive garment for several weeks.
Week 6: It takes about 6 weeks to pass social scrutiny and 6 months or longer before residual lumps and bumps dissipate. You can start to see your results within a few weeks; however, liposuction recovery occurs gradually, and you should expect it to take up to 1 year to see your final results.
Incisions will be red or pink initially and may remain this way for many months before they begin to fade. There may also be numbness in the treatment areas, but this should be temporary. Touch-up treatments may be desired to improve results further; however, these are usually performed under local anesthesia in an office setting.
When Will I See My Liposuction Results, and Are They Permanent?
The results of your liposuction surgery may be dramatic or subtle, depending on how you looked before surgery and the specific goals that you and Dr. Minoli established.
Once you fully recover from liposuction, you will see tighter contours and may find it easier to wear certain clothing styles. It may take some time to adjust to your new body image, but you will likely feel a boost in self-confidence.
Various healing factors may prolong the final result. Fluid retention and prolonged swelling are typical in the months following surgery. Nevertheless, the results of your surgery should be long lasting as long as you maintain your postoperative weight. Even if you gain a few extra pounds, you likely will find the weight is more evenly distributed.
Although they fade over time, incisions create permanent scars. Most incisions heal nicely, but some scars are more noticeable. Fortunately, liposuction scars are usually concealed in natural body creases and can be covered by clothing.
Aging, gravity, and weight fluctuations can take their toll. If your body changes after surgery, secondary procedures are available.
Liposuction FAQ
What will my personal liposuction consultation be like?
Your consultation likely will include a discussion about your overall goals. You should come to the consultation prepared to discuss your medical history, including any conditions you may have, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.
Dr. Minoli will want to know about your current medications and previous surgeries or medical treatments. If you plan to become pregnant or change weight in the future, you should discuss this with Dr. Minoli, as complete information is important for proper decision-making.
Your current weight, diet, and exercise regimen will be discussed, and your skin tone, degree of laxity, and amount of fat will be evaluated.
Not everyone will achieve the same results, and Dr. Minoli will take your unique features into consideration.
How should I prepare for my liposuction surgery?
We want your surgical experience to be as easy and comfortable as possible. If you are a smoker, you will be asked to stop smoking well in advance of surgery. Aspirin, certain anti-inflammatory drugs, and an array of supplements (such as fish oil, flaxseed oil, garlic supplements, green tea, and vitamin E) can cause increased bleeding, so you should avoid taking these medications and supplements before surgery. Dr. Minoli and his staff will advise you and provide additional preoperative instructions.
Liposuction is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and some patients are even candidates for liposuction surgery under local anesthesia in our office.
Even though liposuction surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, you will need someone to drive you home after surgery and stay with you that first postoperative night.
What will the day of my liposuction surgery be like?
Your liposuction surgery may be performed in a hospital, free-standing ambulatory facility, or office-based surgical suite. Dr. Minoli (and your anesthesiologist, if such is the case) will determine what type of anesthesia will be used with you. Options include local anesthesia, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia. For your safety, various monitors are used to check your blood pressure, pulse, and circulating oxygen.
When surgery has been completed, you will be taken into a recovery area, where you will continue to be closely monitored. If you experience discomfort, this can be controlled by medication, which you may continue taking in the days following surgery. Surgical dressings and bandages may be placed over the treatment areas.
After a few hours of recovery room monitoring, you likely will be permitted to go home.
Will insurance help cover the cost of my liposuction surgery?
Liposuction surgery is typically a cosmetic procedure and, as such, is not covered by most insurance companies. In rare instances, a fatty deposit may cause a functional problem, and as such, reimbursement may be available. Many factors determine your eligibility for coverage, including the specific terms of your insurance policy. Dr. Minoli and his staff will discuss these matters with you.
What are the risks associated with liposuction surgery?
The subject of risks and potential complications of surgery is best discussed personally between you, Dr. Minoli, and his staff. Fortunately, significant complications from liposuction surgery are uncommon.
Potential risks are often temporary but may include the following:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Bruising
- Prolonged discoloration
- Swelling
- Numbness
- Reactions to anesthesia
- Painful or unattractive scarring
- Contour irregularities
- Fluid collections
- Tissue loss
- Need for further surgery
- Unsatisfactory results
Minor irregularities can sometimes arise. Office-based postoperative treatments are usually available to help minimize these problems if they occur. You can help lessen certain risks by following the professional advice given by Dr. Minoli and his staff.
Contact Dr. Minoli to Start Your Liposuction Process
If you want to reduce unwanted fat deposits, contact Minoli Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, Nevada, to learn more about your options. Call us today at (702) 459-3223 (FACE).
The relationship with our staff does not end when you leave the operating room. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns during your recovery or need additional information at a later time.
Supported by a
Dedicated and Skilled Team
Even with Dr. Minoli’s accomplishments and training, he couldn’t do this without his dedicated team, led by his wife, Anita. Together, they have built a family practice based on compassionate and personalized plastic surgery care.
Contact Dr. Minoli and
His Team in Las Vegas, NV
If you are interested in face, nose, or body surgery with Dr. Minoli, contact our office by calling (702) 459-3223 or filling out our online contact form.
