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Body Surgery
Vaser Liposuction in Seattle

VASER Liposuction in Seattle

Am I a good candidate for VASER liposuction?

In most cases, patients are not perfect candidates for liposuction but technological advances have made the procedure safer and more successful for more people. Ideal candidate are:

  1. Adults who are within 30% of their ideal weight and have firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone.
  2. Healthy individuals who have no life-threatening illness or medical condition that can impair healing.
  3. Non- smokers
  4. People with realistic expectations and specific goals for body contouring

Schedule a complimentary consultation with Dr. Mangubat to find out if you are a good candidate.

What areas can liposuction treat?

In general, almost any area with excess fat can be treated with liposuction. Men can have liposuction of the torso to remove love handles and spare tires or even uncover the hidden 6-pack under that belly fat that won’t go away. It can also remove fat in the face and neck and even reduce male breast tissue (gynecomastia). Women can have liposuction on the abdomen, waist, hips, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin and neck. And there is an option to transfer the removed fat to other parts of the body. The most common treatment is commonly known as the Brazilian butt lift; not really a butt lift but actually removing fat from the abdomen, waist, and flanks and transferring it to the buttocks.

Transgender women (MTF) seeking to achieve a narrow, feminized waist can have trunk liposuction that targets fat around the waist and hips. Transgender men (FTM) may elect liposuction to reduce the feminine curvature of the waist, hips, flanks and buttocks.

What is tumescent liposuction?

The traditional liposuction technique uses a technique called tumescent infusion. A large volume of saline solution combined with dilute epinephrine and lidocaine is injected into the areas to be treated. Epinephrine constricts blood vessels to minimize bleeding and lidocaine is a local anesthetic that lasts long after the procedure is over giving you a smoother recovery. Minimizing risks of excessive bleeding allows for larger amounts of fat to be removed with fewer complications while reducing bruising and swelling. The incisions are small and often do not require stitches. This technique reduces bleeding during liposuction, limits immediate postoperative pain and promotes faster recovery. It is safe and effective.

What’s the difference between laser and ultrasound liposuction?

At La Belle Vie we offer both ultrasound and laser liposuction as well as traditional liposuction surgery to provide customized treatments for each patient. Ultrasound liposuction called VASER, melts fatty deposits without damaging surrounding blood vessels and nerves. This technique provides less discomfort and bruising. Laser assisted liposuction is less commonly used by Dr. Mangubat because he finds the VASER results to be superior and faster. Both the VASER and laser may also stimulate collagen production during healing and can help tighten the skin.

Vaser Liposuction Recovery

Liposuction Recovery today is somewhat unique because of the use of tumescent infusion. Tumescent fluid is made up of IV saline with dilute epinephrine (causes blood vessels to contract and decreases bleeding) and lidocaine (gives hours of pain relief during and after the procedure). Recovery after surgery depends on the number of areas treated, your skin elasticity and your ability to heal.

Dr. Mangubat uses Tight-Lipo Body Contouring with VASER® that disrupt the fatty deposits with either minimally invasive ultrasound. It is gentle and effective. The advantages of this approach include faster recovery, reduced risk of harm to surrounding tissues, and reduced bleeding, bruising, irritation and discomfort when compared to traditional techniques.

After VASER Liposuction

Immediately after surgery, when you awake, you will be wearing a compression garment that is used to control bleeding and swelling, reduce discomfort, and importantly, to compress the skin to your new contours. Compression garments should be worn continuously for the first 2 weeks with only an hour a day out of it to wash it. If you have High Definition Liposuction, you may have small drains placed in the existing incisions to improve drainage of the edema (swelling) caused by the surgery. These will be removed within a week after surgery. Patients are able to be up and walking on the day of surgery.

Dr. Mangubat will provide you more detailed instructions at your important pre-operative visit where he will review important details of your operation and post-operative care. He will also give you prescriptions for antibiotics, pain medication, and something to prevent nausea after the surgery. He will instruct you on how to look for specific concerns that may develop at the surgical site.

2-3 Days After Surgery

The next 2-3 days you will be swollen and sore. Bruising is usually minimal but in some individuals, it can be quite noticeable. You may notice a change in skin sensation at the treated areas. People heal at different rates and depending on the number of areas treated. You will be able to remove the compression garment 2 days after surgery to shower.

Going back to work. Our rule-of-thumb is if you have to take pain medications, you should not be driving your car. That average patient takes a week off from work before transitioning to Tylenol for pain. Many patients may feel great and go to back to a desk job within 2-3 days.

7-10 Days After Surgery

As soon as we take the dressing off, you’ll get a preview of your results before significant swelling develops. Bruising and swelling usually diminish significantly at about 7-10 days, however, you will shrink for about 6 months! Your results will continue to improve daily. Skin contraction and shrinkage is enhanced by the VASER® and will improve for up to a year. You may be numb for up to 6 months and the healing process often causes some lumpiness that will resolve. Lumpiness can be reduced with massage which facilitates healing and helps smooth the areas.

4 Weeks After Surgery

You may resume walking immediately after surgery but refrain from any intense workouts of 4 weeks. Excess activity can cause a separation of the tissues and increase the amount of swelling and lengthen the time before you see your final results.

3-6 Months After Surgery

If you follow your doctor’s instructions, you will find your new figure will reveal itself within 3-6 months.

VASER Liposuction in Seattle: Costs

Our fees are all-inclusive. He charges depending on the number of areas treated. These charges include his fee, operating room facilities fees, anesthesia, compression garments and all pre and post op visits. The only non-covered expense will be lab tests and prescription medications.

Dr. Mangubat’s practice philosophy

  1. Comprehensive patient care – he will never leave you hanging. Once you become a patient and even after a procedure and healing are complete, you are considered a patient of Dr. Mangubat for life. You will always be invited back to discuss any of your concerns.
  2. Educated patients with realistic expectations – communication and trust are the hallmarks of a solid doctor-patient relationship. That is why you will find Dr. Mangubat and his staff focused on you, your needs and concerns, your goals and understanding of the procedures, risks and benefits, costs and results. He likes educated patients who make informed decisions.
  3. Easily accessible human interaction – when you call his office you will get a person.
  4. Financial questions – his team will assist you in finding solutions to your questions. If you haven’t saved enough, he can help you find financing options that are right for you.

Remember that the surgeon’s skills and experience, and your comfort with him is just as important as the final liposuction costs of surgery. If you are considering liposuction in the Seattle area, feel free to call us for a complimentary consultation.

Liposuction FAQs

1. Will the fat removed with liposuction come back?

No. The fat cells that are removed will not return. However, if you should gain weight, fat around the treated area will increase. That’s why the best approach is to maintain a stable weight for the best results.

2. Are there any limits on liposuction?

Safety is the most important consideration. Liposuction is usually limited to 5 liters or about 10-12 lbs. Removal of larger volumes are discouraged due to increased risks. Safety standards require limits on the amount of fat removed and the number of areas treated at one time due to a risk of excessive surgical trauma and prolonged exposure to general anesthesia. Liposuction is not designed to be a weight loss procedure. Rather the goal is body contouring. Each patient is evaluated based on their anatomy, fat distribution, goals and expectation. The best approach is to have a complimentary consultation with Dr. Mangubat to get his best estimate.

3. Can liposuction be combined with other cosmetic procedures?

Yes. It is often combined with a tummy tuck, breast reduction or facelift.

Contact our surgeons for more information

VASER Liposuction In Seattle: Recovery Testimonials

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      Request an Appointment

      Virtual Consultations Available!