Liposuction: Surgery Fat Removal in Valencia & Alicante (Alcoy) Dr. Antolín

What is liposuction surgery?

Dr. Antolin explains the procedure followed for liposuction surgery in his clinics in Valencia and Alcoy.

Liposuction or liposculpture is the intervention that allows the extraction of localized accumulations of fat from different regions of the body through the introduction of fine cannulas through small incisions. In this way it is possible to remodel different regions resistant to diet, exercise and other treatments.

These localized accumulations are almost always hereditary and cannot be eliminated with diet and exercise, so liposuction is the only way to remove them.

Liposuction can also be performed in conjunction with other surgical procedures, such as post-obesity surgery in patients who have undergone massive weight loss.

Liposuction surgery areas: abdomen, flanks, legs, buttocks and neck

The body areas in which the removal of excess fat by liposuction is most commonly performed are the abdomen, back, buttocks, knees, ankles and neck.

In men, liposuction as a treatment when the cause of gynecomastia is excess fat in the male chest, as well as liposuction with abdominal marking for men are in high demand.

We also use liposuction for pubic reduction, and lipo for jowl reduction .

Liposculpture or liposuction is performed by aspiration of fat from the target area, with fine cannulas that are introduced through small incisions.

The adherent fat is separated with the movements of the cannula and the skin retracts to adapt to the reduced volume of fat.

In this way, the different body areas with excess fat that is resistant to diet, exercise or other treatments can be remodeled.

The possibilities of liposuction and its results are limited by the skin’s ability to retract.

The most favorable skins correspond to young women, hard, consistent, elastic skins; being less favorable the flaccid, striated, less young, smokers’ skins…

Within the same patient, we can find areas where the quality of the skin is optimal and others where it will be less so.

Therefore, it is essential to evaluate each case and inform the patient, where we can achieve better results and where these may be more limited.

The objective of liposuction is not weight loss, but to change the unwanted silhouette of a leg, buttocks, abdomen, etc. for a more beautiful, harmonious and proportionate shape, always accompanied by a decrease in the contour and volume of these areas.

Often, to achieve the desired shape of legs or buttocks, it is necessary to associate the extraction of fat from some areas with the augmentation (grafting) of others, thus achieving excellent results.

Candidates for liposuction surgery

It is especially indicated for people of normal weight, with localized areas where there is a disproportionate amount of fat compared to neighboring regions.

It is often used in combination with abdominoplasty or abdominal lipectomy in both men and women as part of the body reshaping procedure after pregnancy.

Listed below are the desirable characteristics of the best candidates for lipoduction:

• The greatest benefit is obtained in those patients who, although not far from their ideal weight (within 30 percent), have disproportionate deposits of localized fat that exercise and diet fail to reduce.
• Patients with good skin, firm, elastic, thick.
• They agree not to smoke for several weeks before and after surgery.
• They have good skin elasticity and muscle tone.
• Emotionally balanced and with reasonable expectations of surgery.
• They understand what the procedure entails and know that they will need some time off after surgery to recover.
• They are aware of your health status and any medical conditions and have informed your plastic surgeon.

Although liposuction may seem like a quick way to lose body weight by removing fat, the procedure is not suitable for weight loss or for treating obesity.

It is important to remember that liposuction cannot eliminate cellulite. Performing the procedure on areas with cellulite may cause skin irregularities and negate the effects.

Age is not necessarily a limiting factor as long as the patient is in good health.

However, keep in mind that skin elasticity decreases with age.

They will not be good candidates:

• People with heart problems, blood clotting disorders or pregnant women.
• Patients who have already lost a significant amount of weight and have a lot of loose hanging skin, where liposuction alone will not solve these problems, being necessary an abdominoplasty for the case of the abdomen or a facelift in the area where the excess skin is located.

The 1st consultation for liposuction surgery

Prior to any surgery and before making any decision, all our patients will have several scheduled consultations with Dr. Antolin.

The 1st consultation is FREE.

Candidates for liposculpture should get answers to all their doubts, questions and clarifications that the patient needs, have Dr. Antolin review their objectives and make sure that both patient and surgeon are on the same page about the desired results.

Dr. Antolin will perform a detailed clinical examination, in addition to discussing the reasons why you wish to undergo surgery, the area or areas of your body you wish to undergo liposuction and the goals or results you wish to achieve.

Any allergies, medications and/or herbal supplements you are currently taking should be reported.

It is a priority to abstain from smoking and, in special cases, to control the diet prior to surgical treatment.

In a second consultation before surgery, the plan is reviewed again and discussed with the patient during this visit, to resolve any doubts or questions, as well as to evaluate the possible risks and to sign and inform about the consents.

Liposuction surgery characteristics

On the day of surgery, the areas to be treated and the contour to be followed are drawn on the patient.

Always in the operating room with the presence of an anesthesiologist, sedation or general anesthesia is performed, depending on the areas and extent, in addition to tumescent anesthesia of the part to be liposuctioned.

Once the areas to be treated and the contours to be achieved have been drawn on the patient, a variable amount of a solution of saline solution, local anesthetic (lidocaine) and adrenaline is infiltrated through a very fine cannula.

This solution anesthetizes the area, reduces bleeding through the vasoconstrictor effect of adrenaline and breaks up the fat with the volume of serum infiltrated.

Once the effects of anesthesia, vasoconstriction and fat rupture have been achieved, the fat is extracted from the deepest to the most superficial planes with fine cannulas introduced through 2-4mm incisions.

Liposuction makes sense because the repeated passage of the cannulas to aspirate the fat generates, in addition to heat, a scar tissue that allows the skin to retract (shrinks the skin), which allows us to achieve the desired shapes and contours.

It is the skin’s ability to retract that limits the possibilities of liposuction and its results. The most favorable skins correspond to young women, hard, consistent, elastic skins; being less favorable flaccid, striated, less young, smokers’ skins…

The duration of the procedure varies according to the case and the areas to be treated, with an average of 1 to 3 hours.

After the procedure, the patient will remain in the hospital for post-anesthesia recovery control, analgesics to eliminate possible pain, and thus be able to return home in the best conditions. Depending on the extent of liposuction, treated areas and type of anesthesia, the patient would go home the same day or stay overnight.

Once the patient is in optimal conditions and everything is correctly checked, we discharge him/her from the hospital for a follow-up visit.

Recovery after surgical fat removal

Once the patient has been discharged from the hospital, it is recommended that at home for 2-3 days.

The patients are monitored during the first month with weekly visits for follow-up, cures, removal of stitches and to receive information and advice in a progressive manner.

• Swelling and bruising can be expected for a few days around the treated area.
• Recovery is very fast and the patient can return to work in 2-4 days with a feeling very similar to stiffness, although this time will depend on the amount of fat that has been removed. Normally, it will only take a couple of days of rest before you can return to work or normal activities.
• There will be minor scars, but in most cases, these will disappear or be barely noticeable once the wound has healed completely.
• You will need to wear a compression garment or girdle to prevent the skin from sagging for 1 month.
• After one month we associate 6-8 sessions of radiofrequency to improve the quality and the retraction capacity of the skin.

Surgical fat removal results

The changes in the silhouette are immediate; however,

• It takes a month for the expected qualitative and quantitative changes to be observed, until the swelling, hematomas, liquid accumulations, etc., disappear).
• Up to 6 months for the resolution of any inflammatory process, fibrous, etc., it will be then when the definitive result is obtained.

Schedule an initial consultation to meet with Dr. Antolin and learn more about liposuction surgery in Valencia and Alcoy.

Liposuction surgery patient testimonials and opinions

Frequently Asked Questions about liposuction surgery and surgical fat removal

What is included in the first appointment to evaluate liposuction surgery in Valencia?

The first consultation is used to assess the areas with localized fat, skin quality, body contour and the patient’s goals. It also allows to resolve doubts, review medical history and confirm if liposuction is the most appropriate treatment.

When can I ask for an estimate for surgical fat removal?

The estimate should be provided after a personalized medical assessment, as it depends on the number of areas to be treated, the approximate volume of fat, the type of anesthesia and whether it is combined with other procedures.

How much recovery time do I need after liposuction surgery?

Usually it is recommended to rest at home for 2 or 3 days, use of a compression garment for a month and periodic check-ups. Return to work is usually quick, although it depends on the treated areas and individual evolution.

Where can I request a first liposuction surgery appointment with Dr. Antolin?

You can request a free first appointment through the clinic’s contact page to receive a personalized assessment in Valencia or Alcoy.

Is liposuction surgery safe?

Liposuction is a safe procedure, but there are always potential risks and complications associated with any surgery.

Dr. Antolin always performs liposuction in the operating room, with anesthesiologist and leaving the patient in hospital observation as long as necessary. The patient’s safety and well-being are above any other objective.

Who is a good candidate for surgical fat removal and who is not?

Many people hesitate between liposuction and abdominal dermolipectomy (abdominoplasty). Liposuction or liposculpture only acts on the fat deposits, not on the excess of flaccid skin and muscular distension.

A good candidate is someone who has localized areas of fat that cannot be eliminated with diet or exercise.

Someone who is proportionate but overweight is not a good candidate for liposuction. In this case, a diet and exercise regimen is recommended to lose the excess weight.

If stubborn areas of fat are present during weight loss, the patient may be a candidate for liposuction.

How long does liposuction surgery last?

Most surgeries take between 60 minutes and 3 hours, depending on the number and extent of the areas to be treated and the amount of fat to be removed.

How many areas can be treated with surgical fat removal in the same surgery?

Most patients only need one surgery for all areas of treatment.

When can I exercise after liposuction surgery?

You will be up and moving the same day of your surgery.

However, for physical exercise, you should consult with Dr. Antolin for specific and individualized guidelines.

It is usually advisable to start a moderate routine with walks three to four days after surgery. Gentle exercise and early ambulation is conducive to recovery and post-surgical complications.

Most patients return to their regular exercise routine after about 6 weeks, although they may do light exercise before that.

Each body responds in a different way, you must be patient, listen to your body and understand your limitations.

When do I see liposuction surgery results?

Usually by 3 weeks, most of the swelling has gone down and most patients look better than before surgery and can wear a bathing suit and go on vacation.

Definitive results usually take 6 months, but most patients see the beginning of results within a month.

Can I combine liposuction surgery with other procedures?

Yes, it is common to associate liposuction with another procedure, as long as the duration of the procedure is NOT excessive and will allow a normal postoperative and recovery period for the patient.