Liposuction in Bellevue

Sometimes diet and exercise alone are not enough to get rid of stubborn areas of fat. Liposuction in Bellevue provides a safe and effective way to remove excess fat resulting in a youthful look patients desire. Men and women of all ages and body types can benefit from this safe and proven procedure. Ideal candidates for liposuction have persistent areas of fat that do not respond to exercise, are in good health, and have realistic expectations about their results.

Pregnancy, genetics, periods of inactivity, and aging can create areas of fat that seem impossible to get rid of. Liposuction can restore a natural, youthful shape, and it can also make patients more comfortable and confident in their bodies. “Liposculpture” is actually a more accurate term for the body sculpting procedure, as it involves an aesthetic reshaping of the body area, not simply fat removal.

How Does Liposuction Work?

Liposuction removes fat from under the skin using tubes (called cannulas) and gentle suction. Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure in Bellevue. It is a body sculpting procedure and is intended to be a supplement to a healthy lifestyle. Dramatic changes in appearance are possible, but maintaining the results will require a healthy diet and exercise.

Liposuction can be performed under general anesthesia or under local anesthesia with “twilight sedation.” There may be some discomfort after the procedure, which varies depending on how extensive the procedure is, but pain can be managed with medication.

Liposuction can be effective on many different areas of the body, and common locations include:

Thighs
Hips and buttocks
Abdomen and waist
Upper arms
Back
Inner knee
Chest area
Cheeks, chin, and neck
Calves and ankles

Your Initial Liposuction Consultation

The role of the consultation is to ensure that you feel informed, confident, and excited, and we will take as much time as we need to get there.

During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will ask you about your desired appearance, as well as any specific concerns you have about the liposuction procedure in Bellevue. He will also ask you questions about your general health and activity levels to determine if he can meet your expectations. He will walk you through your options, explain the details of the liposuction procedure, and answer any questions you may have. You will have an opportunity to view extensive before and after photos and see examples of the different procedures you have discussed.

Your Liposuction Options

Dr. Min has experience with all of the four leading techniques for liposuction, and he matches Bellevue patients to the techniques that best fit their bodies and their goals. All of the techniques involve the surgical suctioning of fat deposits from under the skin. The incisions are usually no bigger than a few millimeters and are made in discrete areas of the body to reduce visible scarring.

Liposuction can be performed on its own or as part of a tummy tuck procedure.

Traditional Liposuction

Traditional liposuction involves making small incisions in the skin and using metal tubes called cannulas to suction fat deposits and reshape problem areas.

Laser Liposuction

With laser liposuction, the surgeon uses laser energy to heat and soften fat cells prior to removal.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction

With ultrasonic liposuction, the surgeon uses a small probe that emits pulses of ultrasonic energy to break up and dislodge fat cells prior to removal.

Tumescent or “Super-Wet” Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a large amount of sterile saline solution (harmless to the body) into the area before suction is applied. The saline injections make the fat easier to remove, and in some cases, this technique is used because it removes the fat cells intact, allowing them to be re-injected into other areas of the body.

Dr. Min will assess factors such as the quality of the skin, the amount of underlying fatty tissue, and the contour of your body. He will share and explain his opinions with you about which surgical techniques are most appropriate for you based on your desired outcome and the results of your exam, and together you will decide on the details and timing of your procedure. In some cases, he may recommend additional body contouring procedures to achieve the results you desire. Finally, Dr. Min will make sure you know exactly what will happen on the day of your procedure, what you will experience while you recover, and what you can expect in the months and years to follow.

Prior to Your Liposuction Procedure

Prior to your surgery, we will schedule a preoperative appointment with Dr. Min. The purpose of this meeting is to make sure your liposuction procedure in Bellevue goes smoothly and efficiently. We will review the consent forms as well as the risks and benefits with you. You may be given prescriptions to be filled prior to your surgery. A list of medications and supplements to avoid for two weeks before and after surgery will be provided. If you are a smoker, you will be advised to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery. You should not smoke for at least two weeks following surgery.

Your Liposuction Procedure

We will do everything in our power to help you feel informed and relaxed on the day of your liposuction procedure in Bellevue. After you arrive, you will meet with Dr. Min and your anesthesiologist. Once any questions you have are answered, you will be given medication to help you relax.

You will be brought into the surgical suite, where you will be prepped for surgery and given a general anesthetic. Surgery usually takes 2-4 hours, depending on the size and location of the treated area.

You will wake up in the recovery room, where you will be closely monitored. We will let you know how everything went and advise you on what to expect as you recover. You want to be sure to arrange for someone to pick you up and stay with you for the first couple of days as you adjust.

After Your Liposuction Procedure

You are still our patient after you leave, and we will be there for you as you recover to answer any questions you may have and advise you on any side effects you may be feeling. You can expect to feel tired and sore after liposuction surgery in Bellevue, and you will experience some swelling and discomfort in the treated area, both of which can be managed with medication.

Light activity is encouraged during your recovery, and you can resume regular, non-strenuous activity after a few days of rest. Most patients return to work in under a week and should still avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for at least 2 weeks. Please avoid high-impact activities (skiing, wakeboarding, contact sports) for the duration of your recovery (4-8 weeks). Your stitches will dissolve and be absorbed by your body, so you will not have to worry about getting them removed.

Safety & Risks of Liposuction

There are hundreds of thousands of liposuction procedures performed every year in the US. Our approach at Newvue is to always put our patient’s safety above all other concerns, and Dr. Min is a recognized expert in Bellevue with an impeccable track record for liposuction. We have invested in absolute state-of-the-art tools, and our on-site surgical suite is one of the first in the region to be fully approved under the stringent new safety standards.

Nonetheless, we feel it is important that all of our patients fully understand the risk(s) associated with this or any surgical procedure. The most important thing to know is that Dr. Min and Newvue will stand by you should any complications arise and do everything we can to help you achieve your desired result. Risks associated with liposuction include: possible reaction to anesthesia, infection, bleeding & hematoma. During your initial consultation, Dr. Min will address all possible risks and complications with you and make sure that your questions and concerns are answered.

Risks Associated With Liposuction Include:

Reaction to Anesthesia: Some patients experience an adverse reaction to anesthesia that may result in nausea or vomiting, allergic reactions, and in very rare cases, death. Be sure to discuss any medical allergies with your surgeon.
Infection: as with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection. Infection will generally occur within days or weeks of your procedure and, in most cases, can be treated with medication. In rare cases, additional surgery may be required to treat severe infections
Bleeding & Hematoma: Some patients are more prone to bruising than others and, in extreme cases, may experience excessive bruising, bleeding, or skin death.