Liposuction in Port Saint Lucie, FL

Despite how much you watch what you eat and exercise, you might still be bothered by pockets of fat that prevent you from feeling confident in how you look. This is why liposuction, an outpatient surgical procedure performed by our board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon, Dr. William Vinyard, (to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body) is so effective. Lipo can dramatically improve your silhouette and create better proportions. Surgical liposuction at Vinyard Institute of Plastic Surgery (VIPS) is a body contouring procedure that reduces fat from the neck, upper arms, back, abdomen, hips, thighs, and buttocks (anywhere you want to reduce pudgy parts) to produce a more defined appearance. This fat removal surgery at VIPS can be combined with other surgeries to treat several body parts at a time. Reducing fat with surgery provides a solution to balancing the body’s fat deposits. After liposuction, you will notice that your clothes fit better, and you appear more proportionate both in and out of clothing.

During your initial visit to VIPS in Port Saint Lucie, FL, Dr. Vinyard will examine the areas of your body you wish to address in a private consultation. One of the common misconceptions about liposuction is that it will result in weight loss. Although liposuction may result in the loss of a few pounds, it does not significantly change your weight. Fat in your body does not weigh that much when compared to lean muscle that occupies the same space. Instead, it is a method to even out the proportions of your body to achieve a slimmer profile and reach your cosmetic surgery goals. We want to help you look and feel amazing.

Liposuction is ideal for those who have lost weight with diet and exercise and have good skin tone. The best candidates for liposuction are those who do not have loose skin covering the problem area and are otherwise close to their ideal weight. Having healthy skin is essential when considering lipo — you don't want your skin to look beyond stretched out after the procedure. It is also important to know that liposuction is not a solution for losing weight. Women having liposuction should have no plans to become pregnant again as this could compromise the lasting outcome.

Plan to spend about an hour or so with Dr. Vinyard in your consultation appointment at VIPS. We will ask that you fill out the necessary paperwork and medical history forms to be considered for liposuction. This is your time to ask questions, follow-up on your concerns, and decide on the specifics of your liposuction procedure. Being a candidate for a cosmetic plastic surgery, you will meet with the patient care coordinator who will explain your liposuction quote to you. This quote is designed based on the plan that you and Dr. Vinyard decided upon together.

Take fat out of the body is not a quick and easy process. Liposuction is a treatment performed as an outpatient procedure using general anesthesia for 1 – 3 hours. The time required for liposuction varies depending upon the number of areas treated, as well as, the amount of fat needed to be removed in each area. Dr. Vinyard will tell you the expected length of time needed for your liposuction procedure during the treatment planning session for your procedure. Once you are prepped for surgery and under the anesthesia, Dr. Vinyard will make a very small incision in the skin for the cannula to be inserted. A cannula is a special tool that helps loosen the fat as it is being suctioned out. Once the desired amount of fat deposits have been eliminated, Dr. Vinyard will close the incision. He may repeat this procedure in several areas or in tandem with another surgery (like a tummy tuck or breast reduction surgery). In the dedicated recovery area, your post-op nurse will help manage any discomfort and care for your incisions until your discharge.

You may need to stay at home for recovery from liposuction surgery for 1 – 3 weeks depending on the number of sections treated and the size of the treatment area. It is normal to see swelling and bruising for several weeks. You can expect the area to be multi-colored in appearance and occurs in the majority of patients. This bruising is usually covered by your garment and clothing. Should you have micro-liposuction of the face in the jowl or submental region, this bruising is usually more minimal and can be covered by concealer. What is most important after having any surgery is to allow your body time to rest and heal. When you decide to return to work after your procedure, you should remember to minimize stress and strenuous activity. To build up your strength, stick to walking and light workouts as recommended by Dr. Vinyard. Keep in mind you may see some changes after six weeks, but it takes 6 – 10 months before your new body shape and contour is attained.

You will be very close to your final result from liposuction at three months. Your shape will continue to improve throughout the first year if you maintain your weight. In addition, the tissues will continue to soften over the first 3 – 6 months. Dr. Vinyard likes to keep a close watch over his liposuction patients. You will see Dr. Vinyard in the clinic on day one after your liposuction procedure, then at multiple appointments throughout the first year.

How much does liposuction cost?
The cost of your liposuction will vary based on the technique being used and the number of areas being addressed. During your consultation, Dr. Vinyard will develop your personal liposuction surgical plan based on your needs and goals. He will also take into consideration your budget. Once your plan is developed, estimated costs can be discussed. To make your surgery affordable, VIPS accepts many payment options and we can help you find low-interest financing.

Liposuction has a few variables that impact the overall cost of your procedure. This is because the total cost involves the time required for the case, the number of areas that you are having treated, and the volume of fat that needs to be removed. Therefore, once you come in for a consultation with Dr. Vinyard and your treatment plan has been determined you will be provided a detailed quote for review. Your liposuction quote includes Dr. Vinyard's professional fee, anesthesia fees, facility fees, and a compression garment. Dr. Vinyard's professional fee includes your initial consultation, your pre-op visit, and all follow-up visits.

What about nonsurgical liposuction?
Thanks to modern advancements in plastic surgery, there are many nonsurgical options to reduce fat. While nonsurgical treatments may help reduce small amounts of fat, liposuction is the best option for most patients. Liposuction delivers consistent and dramatic results. Talk to Dr. Vinyard about nonsurgical options during your consultation. He will go over the benefits and drawbacks of both methods and help you decide.

What about cellulite and loose skin?
Surgical liposuction only addresses excess fat in the body. If you have loose skin, Dr. Vinyard may suggest combining liposuction with a surgical body lift. Liposuction is often performed with skin tightening surgery, such as a tummy tuck, arm lift, or thighplasty, to produce amazing results. For cellulite, there are several nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatment options. In your consultation, tell Dr. Vinyard about your concerns like loose skin and cellulite so a comprehensive treatment plan can be developed.

Will I have scars?
Since liposuction is a surgical procedure, incisions will be made and stitched. This will cause scars, but Dr. Vinyard does his best to minimize their appearance. This includes making thin incisions in the natural folds of your body or in less visible areas. After your surgery, Dr. Vinyard or a member of his team will teach you how to care for your stitches so they heal flat and eventually fade.

Will my results last?
Before you have liposuction surgery, it's important to be committed to maintaining your results. While liposuction reduces the number of fat cells in your body, you can still gain and lose weight. Dr. Vinyard recommends that you be at or near your ideal weight before having a liposuction surgery. Afterward, it is best to stay within 5 – 10 pounds of your post-surgical weight. Pregnancy after liposuction will also alter your results; however, a second surgery or mommy makeover can be performed to refresh your appearance.

What happens if I need lipo in more than one area?
Liposuction can be performed on many "problem" areas. Commonly the upper and lower abdomen, flanks ("love handles") and outer thighs are treated. Many areas of the body can be stubborn despite your efforts to work out and eat a healthy diet.

Liposuction at VIPS offers many the opportunity to have bothersome fat diminished almost immediately. We invite you to get in touch with our practice in Port Saint Lucie, FL and make your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Vinyard. He will take the time to get to know you and help you discover how amazing your body can look with liposuction. Contact our office and schedule your  1– 2-hour consultation at your earliest convenience.