Liposuction is one of the most effective ways to remove pockets of excess fat that diet and exercise are unable to resolve. Since 2006, our Washington DC liposuction practice, has been providing the most advanced liposuction techniques using Smartlipo, or laser-assisted liposuction, J-Plasma, and power assisted liposuction to produce superior results.
At DC Cosmetics, we will assess you and discuss with you both laser-assisted liposuction and traditional liposuction at our practice. Our website offers a vast trove of information, so be sure to click on the related pages to explore fully.
All liposuction and other related minimally invasive body contouring procedures start with making a small incision thru the skin, and inserting a tumescent solution that contains epinephrine and lidocaine.
After that step, the procedures differ slightly (but not signficantly). We use a lot of laser-assisted liposuciton. With laser-assisted lipo, a thin tube, containing a laser fiber, is inserted into the fatty area through a tiny incision. The laser energy melts the fat, making it easier to extract, causing less trauma, with the added benefit of tightening the surrounding tissues for smoother results. Instead ofa laser, sometimes another energy device such as Vaser or J-plasma is used instead, for similar purposes.
The final step, again common to all liposuction and related minimally invasive body procedures, the fat is suctioned (hence the term "liposuction". The surgeon's experience and critical knowledge of the techniques will ensure best results, much more more than any technlogy used.
The first step in undergoing liposuction is a thorough evaluation of the fatty areas to be resolved. The areas to be treated are marked, and local anesthesia administered for your comfort. Tiny incisions are made, Followed by an energy delivering device such as Smartlipo or J-plastma. Finally, the extraction device (typically microaire) is inserted, and suction applied to remove the fat cells. Depending on the size of the area, or the quantity of fat, the procedure may take from one hour to several hours to complete.
After your liposuction, the areas treated will be protected with a compression garment. This garment holds your skin tightly against the reshaped area of your body, so it heals smoothly and protects against excessive swelling. You may have bruising and swelling, which diminishes over a few days. Any discomfort is managed with pain medication. The incisions through which the fat is extracted are very small and you will have very hidden scars. You will need to take a day or two off work or other activities to rest and recover. Please see our detailed recovery timeline by clicking on the liposuction recovery timeline page.
To be a good candidate for liposuction, you should be:
We will evaluate your desired treatment area and tailor our recomendation to your body. We will also discuss with you your preference for anesthesias choices, which will determine what technique needs to be used as some techniques are done awake, while others are done under deeper anesthesia.
Dr. Khalifeh is an exceptionally talented and skilled plastic surgeon serving in the Washington DC area. He has a keen understanding of human anatomy, fat distribution, and aesthetic sensibilities, and he leverages that insight to provide the most stunning body contouring results. He patiently discusses your cosmetic goals and truly understands your expectations to curate a treatment plan that ensures optimal and authentic results that adhere to your specific aesthetic inclinations.
Dr. Khalifeh completed his plastic surgery training from one of the world’s most renowned medical institutions—the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He’s widely considered an expert in plastic surgery, often called upon to provide expert opinions for TV shows, news programs, and other outlets. His client base includes a wide roster of politicians, celebrities, musicians, and socialites who value natural results and discretion, both of which he’s uniquely capable of promising.
The experience, quality, and artistry of your provider are the critical points in the results of your procedure. When under the care of a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with liposuction, you can expect superior results. Achieving board-certification requires many added years of education and practice beyond a medical degree. A “cosmetic surgeon” can be any certified medical doctor who performs cosmetic treatments and promotes these procedures.
A significant quantity of fat can be removed with liposuction. When deciding on the amount of fat to be removed, a full health evaluation is required. The general guidelines for fat removal involve a maximum limit of 11 pounds of fat to be removed, although BMI (body mass index) is being evaluated as being a more accurate way to make this decision, based on a recent study. Removing 11 pounds of fat from a patient weighing 130 and a patient weighing 190 pounds is far different, and the decision should be made by a qualified and experienced medical professional.
The incisions through which the fat extraction device is placed are tiny only about 3 to 6 mm in length. These incisions heal quicly into small and not very noticeable marks. In additon, we will place all incisions in aeras where they are not likely to be seen.
