Liposuction, also called lipoplasty or suction-assisted lipectomy, is a proven, safe surgical procedure that removes excess fat deposits from the body, face and/or neck area. It is most often used to slim down thighs, hips and buttocks, flatten the abdomen, shape the knees, calves and ankles, and eliminate a double chin.

The latest liposuction technology, called LipoSelection or Vaser, uses state-of-the-art internal ultrasound technology to first liquefy and then remove fat from the body, providing less trauma and smoother results. Most patients report less pain, swelling and bruising than with traditional liposuction technology. Dr. Marcus is one of the few plastic surgeons in northern California trained in and utilizing this latest technology.

Women and men who are within normal weight ranges, but have isolated areas of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise are ideal candidates for liposuction. Localized fat is often an inherited trait and liposuction is usually the only way to eliminate it. Healthy but overweight patients may also be candidates for liposuction. Dr. Marcus can help the patient make the proper determination. More about this procedure.

There is also a new, non-surgical procedure called Mesotherapy, which can be used to reduce smaller fat deposits in the right candidates. Click here to learn more about Mesotherapy.

Click on photo to see larger version. Additional photos available in the gallery.

Dr. Marcus performs liposuction using the "tumescent" technique, together with state-of-the-art internal ultrasound technology called LipoSelection. Dr. Marcus has found this to be not only the safest technique, but also the one providing the most aesthetic results. The tumescent technique introduces a saline solution and local anesthesia into the tissues. Then a small tube with an ultrasound tip is inserted into tiny incisions near the area to be treated. The ultrasound tip first liquefies the fat, and then removes it from the body. This technique practically eliminates bleeding, thereby making the surgery extremely safe.

After liposuction you will be able to return to work in just a few days, although you may still have some swelling and bruising. Although much of the swelling and bruising usually subsides within a week, it may take several weeks for skin sensation to return. With the LipoSelection technology, most patients report less pain, swelling and bruising than with traditional liposuction methods.

Within two or three weeks you should begin to see visible effects of your surgery, but the full effect of the surgery may not be evident for six months to a year. The more fat that is removed, the longer it takes for full results to be seen because the skin needs to adapt to a greater change.

Although infrequent, some complications can occur with this surgery. These include bleeding, infection and reaction to anesthesia. Also some skin numbness is to be expected after surgery. It is usually only temporary, however, it is possible for some numbness to persist or even be permanent. Skin discoloration and irregularity may occur in some instances.

Consultation Request Form | About Us | Visit the Office | What’s New | Surgical Suite | Website Map | Home | Top of Page