Liposuction

Yes, Dr. Gray offers liposuction fat transfer to several areas. Patients choose a Brazilian butt lift to transfer fat to the butt. Some may also choose to transfer fat to the breast. You can read more about fat transfer and Brazilian butt lift options by following the link.

Yes, Dr. Gray sees about a 10% natural skin tightening with his patients after a liposuction procedure. Patients often want even more tightening from a liposuction procedure. BodyTite and FaceTite are bi-polar radiofrequency skin tightening devices that can effectively tighten up multiple areas of skin after liposuction. Dr. Gray offers both of these industry-leading methods.

Liposuction cost depends on your procedure’s extent, how many areas you are addressing, and other factors. Dr. Gray will provide you with a detailed estimate after you have been evaluated in a consultation. We also offer financing options through Carecredit and Alphaeon. 

Yes, Dr. Gray regularly performs liposuction procedures for both men and women.

We perform liposuction of the entire trunk from the pubic area to the chest and all the way around the back. Our liposuction 360 is also scarless. Be sure to ask Dr. Gray if he thinks 360 liposuction is right for you. 

In addition to his surgical specialties of the breast and face, Dr. Gray is also an expert in body contouring procedures, including tummy tuck, mommy makeover, non-surgical skin tightening, and more. Dr. Gray will help you decide which options would be best for you when you meet with him in a consultation. 

Tumescent liposuction is a widely used technique in cosmetic surgery to remove excess fat deposits from various areas of the body. The term “tumescent” refers to the swollen and firm state that the targeted area achieves after the injection of an anesthetic solution. 

During the tumescent liposuction procedure, a solution containing a local anesthetic (lidocaine) and a vasoconstrictor (epinephrine) is injected directly into the fatty tissue. The local anesthetic helps numb the area, providing pain relief both during and after the surgery. The vasoconstrictor, usually epinephrine, serves a dual purpose. It constricts the blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the area, thus minimizing bleeding during the surgery. This not only enhances my ability to visualize and remove fat but also reduces the risk of postoperative bruising and swelling.

The solution injected into the fatty tissue causes the targeted area to become swollen and firm, which makes it easier for the surgeon to perform the liposuction procedure. The fat cells are then suctioned out through small incisions using a thin tube called a cannula. The tumescent technique has several advantages, including reduced blood loss, decreased postoperative pain, and a potentially shorter recovery time compared to traditional liposuction methods.

High-definition liposuction is an advanced liposuction technique aimed at sculpting and defining specific areas of the body to create a more toned and athletic appearance. It involves removing fat deposits from precise areas to enhance muscle definition and contour.

In high-definition liposuction cases, I work to achieve a more sculpted look by precisely targeting and removing fat from strategic areas. The goal is to accentuate the underlying musculature, such as the appearance of “six-pack” abs, sculpted obliques, or a defined waistline. The technique requires a high level of skill and understanding of human anatomy to achieve natural and proportionate results.

I follow a meticulous approach by thinning tissue levels to specific measurements. This involves removing fat layers to create a more defined look in certain regions, such as the anterior abdomen and waist. The limited number of incisions helps minimize scarring and discomfort for the patient. General anesthesia is used to ensure patient comfort during the procedure.

My preference is not to use the VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) device. VASER is an ultrasound-assisted liposuction technique that uses ultrasonic waves to break down fat cells before they are suctioned out. While it can be effective in certain cases, there are concerns about its complication rate, increased incisions, increased seromas, and the potential need for drains.

Power-Assisted Liposuction Device: The power-assisted liposuction device is a specialized tool that utilizes mechanical motion to aid in the removal of fat. Unlike traditional manual liposuction, where your Bay Area board-certified plastic surgeon uses manual force to break up and suction out fat, a power-assisted device incorporates automated movements to achieve fat removal. This can provide several advantages:

• Consistency: The device’s consistent and controlled movements can lead to more uniform fat removal, reducing the risk of uneven contours or irregularities.
• Efficiency: The automated motion of the device can make the procedure more efficient, potentially shortening the overall duration of the surgery.
• Precision: The device’s controlled motions allow for precise targeting of specific areas, which is crucial for achieving the detailed sculpting required in high-definition liposuction.

Tissue Thinning and Contouring: High-definition liposuction focuses on creating well-defined contours by removing excess fat and sculpting the underlying musculature. The ability of the power-assisted device to thin tissues to a very precise level is essential for achieving the desired athletic and toned appearance. This level of detail requires not only skill but also the right tools to achieve consistent and reproducible results.

Complication Rates and Safety: This device has the lowest rates of post-operative complications, such as seromas (accumulation of fluid under the skin), dents, and irregularities. The use of advanced tools that reduce complications can lead to better patient satisfaction, minimize the need for corrective procedures, and highlight the importance of patient safety and outcomes.

Limiting Incisions and Curving: The flexibility of the power-assisted device to curve around body contours and navigate tight spaces allows for more targeted fat removal without requiring excessive incisions. This can result in smaller scars, reduced healing time, and a more aesthetically pleasing outcome.

Power-Assisted Liposuction and Drains:

With the power-assisted liposuction device, its precise, atraumatic, and controlled fat removal capabilities contribute to reduced tissue disruption and a lower likelihood of seroma formation. I have found drains unnecessary when using this technique.

VASER and Seroma Formation:

The VASER device is associated with a higher seroma rate. VASER liposuction uses ultrasound energy to break down fat cells before they are suctioned out. While effective in certain cases, the mechanical disruption caused by the ultrasound energy can potentially lead to more tissue trauma, increasing the risk of fluid accumulation and seroma formation.

Duration of Garment Wear:

After liposuction surgery, wearing compression garments is a common practice to aid in the healing process and promote proper contouring. Typically, I have my patients wear their garments for about 2 months. Wearing these garments helps control swelling, support the newly contoured tissues, and improve the overall results of the procedure.

Two-Phase Garment Approach:

The two-phase approach involves wearing two different types of garments for optimal recovery:

• First Garment (with Zippers): The initial garment, equipped with zippers, is worn for approximately three weeks. This phase is crucial for the early stages of healing when there is more swelling and fluid accumulation.
• Second Garment (without Zippers): After the first phase, patients switch to a non-zippered garment for the remaining five weeks. As healing progresses and swelling reduces, this garment provides support while allowing more flexibility and comfort.

Avoiding Sitting with Garment:

When you sit for extended periods while wearing a compression garment, it can create pressure on specific areas and potentially cause dents or irregularities in the newly contoured tissues. By removing the garment when sitting, patients can avoid putting excess pressure on these areas and help maintain the desired contours.

Benefits of Compression Garments:

Compression garments serve several purposes during the recovery period:

• Minimize Swelling: Compression helps reduce swelling by preventing fluid buildup in the treated areas, promoting faster healing.
• Support Tissues: The pressure exerted by the garment supports the newly sculpted tissues and helps them adhere to their new shape.
• Improve Blood Circulation: Compression can enhance blood circulation, which aids in the healing process.

Reduce Discomfort: Garments provide a sense of support and stability, helping to reduce discomfort and pain during the recovery period.

Swelling Resolution Timeline:

Swelling is a natural part of the body’s healing process after any surgical procedure, including liposuction. The timeline for swelling resolution is generally accurate and aligns with the typical progression of healing:

• First Month: During the first month after liposuction, approximately half of the initial swelling tends to subside. This reduction in swelling is often noticeable, and patients may start to see some early improvements in their contours.
• Second Month: By the end of the second month, around 75% of the swelling has typically resolved. Patients can expect further improvements in their appearance, with contours becoming more defined and refined.
• Four Months: Around the four-month mark, the majority of swelling has typically resolved. At this point, patients should see the final results of their liposuction procedure, as the remaining swelling dissipates.

Factors Influencing Swelling:

It’s important to note that the timeline for swelling resolution can vary based on individual factors, including:

• Extent of Liposuction: The amount of fat removed and the number of areas treated can impact the duration of swelling.
• Patient’s Healing Response: Each person’s body responds differently to surgery, so some individuals may experience faster or slower swelling reduction.
• Overall Health: Factors such as overall health, nutrition, and hydration can influence the body’s healing process.
• Compliance with Aftercare: Following post-operative instructions, including wearing compression garments and avoiding strenuous activities, can affect swelling and healing.

Long-Term Results:

While the majority of swelling typically resolves within the first four months, it’s important to note that the final, long-term results of liposuction may continue to evolve over the course of several months. The body’s tissues need time to settle and adjust, and patients may continue to notice subtle changes and improvements in their contours for up to a year after the procedure.

A. Dents and Irregularities:

Dents refer to areas where the skin appears to have depressions or unevenness, which can be caused by irregular fat removal or inadequate contouring. “Irregularities” encompass variations in surface texture and contour that are not consistent with the desired outcome. Both issues can result in an unnatural appearance and detract from the aesthetic goals of liposuction.

1. Precise Fat Removal:

The key to avoiding dents and irregularities lies in precise fat removal. By removing fat uniformly and evenly across the treatment area, I can help ensure a smoother and more natural-looking result.

2. Balanced Fat Removal:

Balanced fat removal is essential for achieving even contours. I take the time to assess the surrounding areas to ensure that the treated area blends seamlessly with the adjacent tissues. Removing too much fat in one area while leaving another area untouched can result in visible irregularities.

3. Real-Time Assessment:

I frequently assess the area during the procedure to identify any emerging irregularities or dents. Making adjustments as needed in real-time can prevent these issues from becoming more pronounced.

5. Proper Technique and Tools:

Using advanced liposuction tools, like power-assisted devices, can contribute to more precise fat removal and contouring. These tools can help minimize the risk of uneven fat removal and improve overall aesthetic outcomes.

6. Post-Operative Care:

Proper post-operative care, including wearing compression garments as directed, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and following the post-operative instructions, can support the healing process and contribute to smoother, more even results.

B. Visible Scars:

Minimizing visible scars involves careful incision placement and technique. Power-assisted liposuction devices can be advantageous because they allow for bending around corners and limiting the number of incisions needed. I choose my incision locations strategically, placing them in inconspicuous areas or within natural body creases. This approach helps minimize the visibility of scars as they heal over time.

1. Comfort and Relaxation:

Post-operative massage can offer patients a sense of comfort and relaxation during the recovery period. Gently massaging the treated areas may help alleviate muscle tension, reduce discomfort, and promote a sense of well-being. Patients often find the gentle touch of massage to be soothing, which can contribute to their overall recovery experience.

2. Softening Indurated Areas:

After liposuction or BBL surgery, some patients may experience areas of firmness or induration in the treated regions. These firm areas can result from the body’s natural healing process and the response to trauma from surgery. In certain cases, post-operative massage using a therapeutic ultrasound device may help soften these areas by promoting improved blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. However, it’s important to note that these firm areas often resolve on their own with time, regardless of massage.

3. Enhancing Lymphatic Drainage:

Gentle massage can stimulate lymphatic circulation, which may help reduce swelling and promote the elimination of fluids. Improved lymphatic drainage can potentially accelerate the body’s healing process and contribute to a more comfortable recovery.

4. Patient Preferences:

The decision to incorporate post-operative massage into the recovery process is often based on individual patient preferences. Some patients enjoy the physical and emotional benefits of massage and choose to include it as part of their recovery routine.