Seattle Plastic Surgeons

Liposuction and Body Contouring- What Is the Difference Between Regular and Tumescent?

I'm considering having liposuction done on my abdomen and thighs. One clinic boasts of its postoperative care to help the body regain nice contours after lipo, eg endomology. Another recommended tumescent liposuction but has no contour services. Is body contouring necessary after liposuction? I can imagine the skin to be slightly saggy after that. Will wearing a compression garment alone make skin firmer? How good is tumescent lipo? Will I have unbalanced body from lipo? Thanks for your input!!

Liposuction of any type is surgery and choosing an experienced plastic surgeon is more important than choosing the technology or "brand" of lipo. For example, a recent survey found that around 90% of board certified plastic surgeons see no benefit to laser lipo (for example "smart lipo") yet it is hyped as somehow being safer despite the additional risk from the laser. I think post-lipo treatments such as endermologie can be helpful in some cases but they will not tighten skin if there is some laxity.

Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Is Liposuction Safe? What Are the Most Common Risks Associated with Lipo?

Is Liposuction Safe? What Are the Most Common Risks Associated with Lipo?

Keeping in mind that liposuction of any type is surgery, a qualified surgeon will emphasize safe practices. Historically the biggest risk was removing too much fat at one time, so there is a safe limit that has been established. With laser lipo (for example "smart lipo") there is a risk of burns and scars from the laser. There are 3 anesthesia options, all of which are safe if done properly and the patient is healthy. The most common is probably intravenous sedation plus tumescent. Regardless of the choice of anesthesia type or "brand" of lipo, it should be done in an accredited surgical facility even if it is tumescent only.

Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Which Do You Think is Better to Combat the Dreaded Frown Line...botox or Juvederm?

I am going to have either or done next week for my frown line between my eyes. I can't stand it! I had a conservative amount of Botox done for this last year and it worked fine, but I still was able to see a faint line still. Do you think that getting Juvederm this time around would be a better option, or should I just ask for more Botox?

Because the cause of the vertical lines between the eyebrows is usually a hyperactive muscle, relaxers such as Botox or Dysport are usually best. If the lines are deep and etched in then you might follow up with a dermal filler such as Restylane or Juvederm.

Richard Baxter, MD

Seattle Plastic Surgeon