Liposuction in Portland, OR

Say Goodbye to Stubborn Fat

Tired of struggling with those stubborn pockets of fat that just won't budge, even with diet and exercise? At Samuel V. Bartholomew, MD, FACS, we offer advanced liposuction techniques to help you create a slim and stunning body that you’ll be proud to show off.

Liposuction is a popular body contouring procedure that removes unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of your body, revealing a smoother, more sculpted physique. Dr. Bartholomew will work closely with you to understand your concerns and develop a personalized liposuction plan.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. People often use it to target stubborn fat deposits that resist diet and exercise.

Liposuction can be used to treat various areas of the body, including the:

• Abdomen
• Flanks (love handles)
• Hips
• Thighs
• Buttocks
• Arms
• Neck
• Back

Types of Liposuction Techniques

Several different liposuction techniques are available, each with unique advantages. Dr. Bartholomew will discuss these with you and recommend the best technique based on your needs and goals.

Traditional Liposuction

This is the most common type of liposuction. It involves using a cannula to loosen and suction out the fat manually.

Tumescent Liposuction

This technique involves injecting a solution of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine into the fatty tissue before liposuction. This helps to numb the area, reduce bleeding, and make the fat easier to remove. This technique has variations, such as Fluid Injection and Super-wet, that use different amounts of fluid.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

This process uses ultrasound energy to break up the fat cells before they are removed. This can be helpful for removing larger amounts of fat or treating fibrous areas.

The Liposuction Procedure

Liposuction is typically performed under general anesthesia. However, depending on the amount of fat being removed and the areas treated, it may be possible to use local anesthesia with sedation.

During the procedure, Dr. Bartholomew will make small incisions in the targeted areas. He will then insert a thin tube called a cannula and carefully move it back and forth to loosen and suction out the fat. The incisions are then closed with sutures or surgical glue.

Recovery After Liposuction

After your liposuction procedure, you'll need to wear a compression garment for several weeks. This helps to reduce swelling and support the treated areas as they heal. You can expect some discomfort, bruising, and swelling after the procedure, but this is typically manageable with pain medication prescribed by Dr. Bartholomew.

Most patients can return to work and light activities within a few days to a week after liposuction. However, it's important to avoid strenuous activities, such as heavy lifting or intense exercise, for several weeks. This allows your body to heal properly and minimizes the risk of complications.

The timeline for swelling and bruising to subside varies from person to person, but it typically takes several weeks for the majority of the swelling to go down. You'll continue to see improvements in your body contours over time as the remaining swelling resolves and your skin adjusts to your new shape. 

Following your post-operative instructions carefully is crucial for achieving optimal results. This includes wearing your compression garment as directed, keeping your incisions clean and dry, and avoiding certain activities that could disrupt the healing process. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, is also important for maintaining your liposuction results and preventing future weight gain. 

Dr. Bartholomew will provide you with detailed post-operative instructions and answer any questions about the recovery process. He will also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your healing and ensure you're achieving the best possible results.

Combining Liposuction with Other Procedures

Liposuction can be combined with other body contouring procedures, such as a tummy tuck or breast reduction, to achieve more comprehensive results. This can help you address multiple areas of concern at once and create a more harmonious and balanced body shape.

Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?

You may be a candidate for liposuction if you:

• Are in good overall health.
• Have realistic expectations about the results.
• Have good skin elasticity.
• Have stubborn fat deposits that you want to remove.

During your consultation, Dr. Bartholomew will evaluate your individual needs and determine if you're a suitable candidate for liposuction. He will also discuss any potential risks and complications associated with the procedure.