Liposuction

Liposuction body sculpting (or suction-assisted lipectomy) has become one of the most common cosmetic surgery procedures performed today.

Proven safety, minimal scarring and outstanding results have made it the preferred method for removing fat from the hips, thighs, buttocks and midriff, as well as areas of the face, neck and arms. Liposuction is not an alternative to weight reduction, but can be very effective in removing fat from areas that do not respond to diet and exercise programs.

Ultrasonic Liposuction

Ultasonic Liposuction (also referred to as ultrasonic assisted liposuction or UAL) is a new procedure that uses the gentle power of ultrasound to target only the fat you want removed, leaving all other tissue largely undisturbed.

High-pitched sound waves are used to liquefy fat in a targeted area before removal. UAL works especially well on hard-to-treat areas that require more precision such as the chin, neck, cheeks, knees and “love handles”. Areas that have had previous liposuction treatment but require additional contouring also respond well to UAL. Pain and bruising is often so minimal that most patients require very little pain medication.

This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis.

Please call 610-667-3303 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Pollard to discuss liposuction, or complete a confidential Inquiry Request Form.

 

FAQs

 

What type of anesthesia is used?

All types of anesthesia may be used. Under most circumstances, the patient has a heavy intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Most patients prefer general anesthesia when larger areas are involved. Regardless of the method of anesthesia, the patient will be comfortable and have no recollection of the procedure or any associated discomfort.

Do you use a tumescent technique; how does it work?

The tumescent technique is a modification of traditional liposuction procedures. Fluids combining local anesthesia and epinephrine are used to decrease the amount of bruising and postoperative discomfort. This technique is particularly helpful for removing larger amounts of fat from heavier patients.

Liposuction or abdominoplasty, which do I need?

Liposuction addresses localized collections of fat, while abdominoplasty removes excess skin or lower abdominal tissue. Dr. Pollard will discuss these procedures with you at the time of your consultation. In many instances, your physical examination will determine whether lipoplasty, or abdominoplasty, or a combination of both procedures will best suit your needs.

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Will I wear compression garments?

Yes, following liposuction surgeries all patients wear some form of compression garment whether the surgery is to the neck, tummy, or thigh. There are many types of supports -- from girdles to belts to neck straps. The appropriate support garments will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Pollard and her staff.

How long will I need to wear a compression garment?

It will depend upon the extent of your liposuction. Some patients will be able to wear the support garment for as little as two weeks, while others may require as long as six weeks. As your activity increases, you may feel more comfortable while wearing a support garment, especially during times of exercise.

Will there be scars, and will they fade?

The scars should be less than one-half inch in length. Some will be as small as one-quarter of an inch. There will be multiple scars; however, they will be in the most inconspicuous places. The scars will fade over many weeks to months, and be difficult to detect after approximately one year.

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Will there be bruising or soreness?

In general, bruising and swelling are associated to some degree with all liposuction procedures. Treatments to small areas may not be associated with either concern, and the tumescent technique utilizing local anesthesia would decrease the amount of bleeding and thus the amount of bruising. This is a big advantage for most patients.

The bruising may last for a couple of weeks, while the soreness will slowly resolve over approximately the same timeframe. Some patients return to work within one or two days after surgery, while others take as long as a week to recover.

How long will the swelling last?

Bruising can be expected to be in place for one to two weeks. In some cases, the bruising will disappear quickly, but in some instances it may last as long as several weeks. Swelling is a different matter. There will be some evidence of swelling for several weeks. This will improve on a daily basis, and overall you will continue to see a gradual improvement over several months. These long-term changes are very subtle.

When can I begin regular exercises after surgery?

You can increase your activity as tolerated after surgery. It is recommended that you walk 10 minutes twice a day starting the day after your surgery. In general, Dr. Pollard would recommend that you take your time getting back to vigorous exercise, but there is no hard and fast timetable. Most patients can expect to resume their normal activity level at approximately four to six weeks.

I do not live in Philadelphia, or in Pennsylvania. What hotels are near Dr. Pollard's plastic surgery practice?

Click here to see a list of nearby hotels.

Do I have my choice of surgery centers in Philadelphia where Dr. Pollard will perform my liposuction?

In Philadelphia, liposuction may be performed in a hospital or in a qualified surgical center. Dr. Pollard performs surgery at  Lankenau Hospital, Bryn Mawr Hospital, or the  Main Line Surgery Center.

Some states (New Jersey) impose a 6% tax on cosmetic medical procedures. Does Pennsylvania have a plastic surgery tax on liposuction?

No. In Pennsylvania liposuction is not taxed.

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Dr. Pollard invites you to call 610-667-3303 to schedule your in-office consultation, or click here to request additional information. Dr. Pollard's highly trained staff will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns.

For more information about liposuction, visit the ASPS website.

Emily Pollard, MD, FACS - Plastic and Reconstructive Therapy