Liposuction
in Miami, FL
At PH-1 Miami, Dr. Zach offers advanced liposuction procedures to help patients sculpt their figures and eliminate stubborn fat. He uses innovative VASER technology for precise body contouring with less bruising, trauma, and recovery time than traditional techniques. Patients can see impressive transformations in problem areas that are unresponsive to diet and exercise. With customized treatment plans and compassionate care, we aim to help each person achieve their aesthetic goals and feel comfortable in their body.
At PH-1 Miami, Dr. Zach offers advanced liposuction procedures to help patients sculpt their figures and eliminate stubborn fat. He uses innovative VASER technology for precise body contouring with less bruising, trauma, and recovery time than traditional techniques. Patients can see impressive transformations in problem areas that are unresponsive to diet and exercise. With customized treatment plans and compassionate care, we aim to help each person achieve their aesthetic goals and feel comfortable in their body.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat from specific body areas. It is the most popular plastic surgery that helps patients contour their figures and eliminate stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. During liposuction, a thin tube called a cannula is inserted through small incisions in the skin. The cannula is attached to a vacuum device that suctions out unwanted tissue. On average, a liposuction procedure takes 1-2 hours to complete.
Areas That Can Be Treated With Liposuction
Our VASER Techniques
Tumescent Liposuction
This technique involves injecting a large volume of tumescent solution into the treated area before the liposuction begins. The solution contains lidocaine to numb the target zone and epinephrine to constrict blood vessels. The tumescent fluid causes the fat to become swollen and firm, which makes it easier to remove. This technique helps reduce bleeding and bruising during liposuction procedures.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (VASER)
VASER is a type of suction-assisted liposuction that uses ultrasonic energy to liquefy fat before extracting it. A thin probe is inserted through tiny incisions in the skin into the fat layer underneath. The VASER device emits ultrasonic waves that selectively target fat cells, breaking them up while leaving surrounding tissues unharmed.
The disrupted cells mix with tumescent fluid (injected before the procedure) to become an emulsion, which is then suctioned out using a cannula. VASER allows plastic surgeons to sculpt problem zones more precisely and safely than traditional liposuction methods. It leads to smoother results and milder symptoms in the treated areas.
Preparation for Liposuction
Before undergoing body contouring, patients meet with Dr. Zach for a liposuction consultation. During this appointment, the doctor evaluates the patient’s health, discusses their goals for surgery, and determines if they are a good candidate for the procedure. The surgeon also examines the areas of concern and develops a treatment plan. He explains the surgical procedure, what to expect during recovery, and what liposuction risks may be involved.
Other key aspects of preparation include having lab tests done to ensure overall health and fitness for the operation. Patients are instructed to stop taking certain medications and supplements that can increase bleeding risks. Arrangements should also be made for transportation from our surgical facility and help for at least the first night after the procedure.
Liposuction Procedure
Markings
Dr. Zach first marks the areas where liposuction will be performed. These markings guide the surgeon and ensure that body contouring procedures are done symmetrically and evenly.
Anesthesia
VASER liposuction can be performed under general or local anesthesia with sedation:
- With general anesthesia, the patient is fully asleep and unconscious during the procedure. This is often preferred for large-volume operations.
With local anesthesia and sedation, the patient is awake but relaxed and comfortable. A numbing solution is injected into the target areas to block pain. Sedation medication is also given intravenously to help the patient relax. This approach involves less risk and leads to easier recovery.
Tumescent Solution
Dr. Zach injects a large volume of tumescent solution into the target areas. It swells the unwanted fat, constricts blood vessels, and provides additional anesthesia. As a result, the surgeon can remove excess tissue more easily and with less risk.
Incisions
Small incisions (around 2-4 mm) are made in inconspicuous areas, depending on the patient’s needs. The extent of cuts depends on the complexity of the treatment. The VASER probe is inserted through these incisions.
Disruption and Extraction of Fat Cells
The VASER device emits ultrasound energy that selectively breaks apart fat cells while preserving other tissues, such as blood vessels, nerves, and skin. The emulsified fat is then suctioned through the probe using gentle vacuum pressure. Dr. Zach moves the device through the treatment areas to ensure even removal.
Closing Incisions
Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures or surgical tape. Compression garments or bandages are also applied to support healing.
Liposuction Recovery
First 24 Hours
After the procedure, patients remain for a few hours in the recovery room while we monitor their vital signs and immediate effects. Then, they are allowed to return home to heal comfortably. Patients often experience bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort at the treatment sites. They are advised to rest and limit physical activity. A compression garment should be worn to help reduce symptoms. Patients can also use pain medication to manage discomfort.
First Week
Bruising and swelling continue to improve during the first week of recovery. Patients can usually return to light activities, like walking around the house, after 2-3 days. Strenuous exercise should be avoided in any form because it may strain incisions and cause complications. Some numbness and tingling around the surgery sites are expected as the nerves heal. Patients may shower after a few days but should avoid submerging the treated areas in water.
2-6 Weeks
Over the several weeks after liposuction, swelling gradually decreases, and the results become more visible. Any non-dissolvable stitches are removed within 14 days. Discomfort is usually minimal, so patients can resume normal activities. Most people return to work after 7-10 days of recovery.
2-3 Months
Most swelling resolves within 2-3 months, and patients see the final results. Scars from the small incisions continue maturing and fading. Patients can resume exercise and all normal activities. Some minor swelling may persist for up to 6 months.
Candidates for Liposuction Surgery
- BMI Between 20 and 30: Liposuction is a body sculpting procedure, not a weight loss solution. Patients should have small amounts of localized fat deposits that are resistant to exercise and diet. People with a BMI over 30 may need to lose weight before surgery. We can also offer a high-BMI liposuction for some patients who meet the criteria.
- Good Skin Elasticity: The best candidates have sufficient skin elasticity, which allows tissues to contract after fat removal. This characteristic worsens as people age because they lose collagen. Patients with poor skin elasticity may be left with sagging skin after liposuction. Nevertheless, we can offer additional procedures to address this issue and achieve impressive body contouring results.
- Realistic Expectations: Ideal candidates have realistic expectations about liposuction. They understand that it is not designed for weight loss. Candidates should also be internally motivated and plan to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regime.
- Overall Healthy: Liposuction is a surgical procedure, so candidates should be healthy enough to undergo it. They must also be nonsmokers with no major illnesses, chronic conditions, or healing problems. Our thorough medical assessment helps determine candidacy.
Benefits of Liposuction
Less Invasive and Traumatic
Unlike traditional liposuction methods that use larger cannulas and aggressive suction, VASER generates ultrasound energy to break up and liquefy fat before gentle extraction. This allows the procedure to be performed with less force, minimizing trauma to the tissue. Patients experience less bruising and swelling.
Better Results
VASER technology allows surgeons to target specific areas of fat while preserving other tissues. This leads to better body contouring and helps achieve more impressive results. VASER’s high precision is its distinguishing feature, which makes the liposuction procedure more efficient and effective.
Safer Than Other Liposuction Methods
Compared to other techniques, like laser-assisted liposuction, VASER has a strong safety record with minimal complications when performed by a skilled surgeon like Dr. Zach. It is also more reliable than power-assisted liposuction because it targets fat more precisely. There is less risk of burns, tissue damage, and other side effects. The gentler nature of ultrasonic technology makes it one of the safest options available.
Minimal Downtime
After VASER liposuction, patients experience less discomfort and faster recovery. Most people can return to normal activities within 7-10 days. There is often no need for drains or compression garments. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia with oral or IV sedation, avoiding the risks of general anesthesia.
Cost of Liposuction in Miami
The cost of liposuction in Miami ranges from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the areas being treated and the technique used. Patients should expect to pay more for larger zones, such as the abdomen and flanks, than smaller ones, like the chin. The type of anesthesia used also impacts cost, with general anesthesia being more expensive than local numbing. Other factors affecting price include facility expenses, the complexity of the procedure, and the doctor’s experience (a board-certified plastic surgeon will charge higher fees).
PH-1 Miami provides each patient with a detailed cost estimate during a personal consultation. Dr. Zach performs a thorough physical examination to determine the appropriate treatment plan and pricing.
What Makes Our Liposuction Different From Others?
Our renowned plastic surgeon, Dr. Zachary Okhah, specializes in liposuction and Brazilian butt lifts. He takes a personalized approach and provides top-level care for each patient. With extensive experience and a commitment to safety, Dr. Zach tailors every procedure to individual needs and goals. His expertise in precision liposuction and fat transfer techniques ensures natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing results.
