Liposuction in San Diego

Liposuction Are like many La Jolla liposuction candidates who do endless crunches in hopes of reducing those stubborn "love handles?" Or dieted for months to firm up flabby thighs? Sometimes diet and exercise aren't enough to achieve the body you want. But you don't have to accept these things as your unfortunate destiny. There is a way to combat the fat that won't budge: through Tumescent Liposuction.

So What Is Tumescent Liposuction?

Tumescent Liposuction is one of the most popular and frequently performed cosmetic procedures in the United States. Men and women alike have found this procedure to be ideal for removing fatty deposits that remain despite exhaustive attempts at dieting and exercise. And because it's an outpatient procedure, it is a much more affordable option.

Experts agree that the development of Tumescent Liposuction has been one of the most significant in liposuction. At Shumway Cosmetic Surgery, this is the only type of liposuction that we perform. The procedure is easier on the patient and much more precise for the surgeon-which results in a superior outcome.

Am I a Candidate for Liposculpture?

  • The best candidates for liposuction are those who are in good physical and emotional health, and are at (or close!) to their ideal body weight.
  • The best results will be in patients who have good muscle tone in the target area(s), supple and elastic skin, and fat that is not excessive.
  • The procedure is most effective for removing stubborn fat that doesn't respond to diet or exercise. Liposuction is definitely not a replacement for weight loss-and as with all cosmetic surgeries, a patient needs to have reasonable expectations.
  • If this sounds like you, the next step would be to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shumway at our La Jolla office in Southern California.

Why Choose Dr. Shumway?

Aesthetic enhancement for our patients is what Shumway Cosmetic Surgery is dedicated to. We specialize in laser and cosmetic surgical procedures. Our office is conveniently located in sunny Southern California-in the La Jolla area of San Diego.

Dr. Robert A. Shumway, M.D. FACS is an expert in the field of cosmetic surgery. He has studied at the nation's most prestigious medical centers and has taught at Duke, UCLA and UCSD. As a trustee of the California Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Shumway stresses the importance of close post-operative care, carefully instructing his patients on how to expedite their own healing and recovery.

How is Tumescent Liposuction Performed?

With the Tumescent Liposuction technique, a large amount of saline, and local anesthesia is injected into the fatty areas being treated. This infusion causes the tissue to become swollen and firm-which allows more precise control for fat removal. Dr. Shumway then takes a cannula (a small tube-like instrument), connected to a vacuum machine, and inserts it through tiny (1/4 inch) incisions in your skin. The cannula is gently moved around under your skin and suctions away the unwanted fat. Because anesthesia is in the infusion, general anesthesia is generally not required.

The bottom line is that Tumescent Liposuction allows Dr. Shumway to precisely and efficiently remove excess layers of fat with less discomfort and improved results. Patients enjoy a faster recovery with reduced bruising.

How Fast Will I Heal?

Tumescent Liposuction is most often performed on an outpatient basis, so you can go home the same day. After the surgery is complete you will be asked to wear a compression garment-which will hold everything "in place" and help to reduce swelling. This garment will be worn for several weeks as you recover.

During the first few days after surgery, you will experience significant swelling. This should settle down after a few days and resolve completely within a month. Most people are surprised to find they weigh more immediately following liposuction-but this is just due to the excess fluid from the procedure and will reduce in a few days as the swelling subsides.

Most people can return to work within a week and even start exercising after two weeks!

How Will I Look after Liposuction?

The results of liposuction will vary greatly depending on the patient, but your new shape will begin to emerge after 6 to 8 weeks. While liposuction is a terrific method for contouring specific body areas and erasing fat deposits, it does not get rid of cellulite, tighten loose skin (in fact, it can leave skin more loose because volume is lost), or remove fat that lies beneath muscle. End results and expectations will be discussed at length in your consultation with Dr. Shumway.

Take the Next Step

As you consider liposuction, your next step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shumway in our La Jolla office. In the consultation, Dr. Shumway will listen to your concerns and provide you with professional guidance. The consultation is the time for you and Dr. Shumway to discuss your options. He will identify where there might be room for improvements and discuss how the most effective and safest route to a satisfactory result.

At the consultation, you will have an opportunity to view before and after photos of other San Diego and La Jolla patients who have had tumescent liposuction performed by Dr. Shumway.