Phone: 425.285.2112
Fax: 425.803.0218
Kirkland Office
Everett Office

Liposuction Surgery in Seattle

Also serving Bellevue, Kirkland, & Everett

If you are looking for one of the best liposuction surgeons in Seattle, Dr. David Pratt is a renowned Seattle cosmetic surgeon with years of experience performing the commonly requested procedure. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), 302,000 liposuction procedures were performed in the United States in 2006, making it the third most popular cosmetic procedure.

Although dieting and exercise can slim and tone your body, often times, stubborn fat deposits will persist despite the noblest attempts to get rid of them.

Common areas of stubborn fatty deposits include the upper arms, abdomen, thighs, and hips in women, and “love handles” and breasts in men. Facial areas commonly treated include the chin, cheeks, and neck.

Liposuction
Liposuction Patient, Before and After Photo
Before   After
View Liposuction Before and After Photos

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical technique for removing specific areas of unwanted fatty tissue. A narrow tube (cannula) is inserted through tiny incisions and its attached suction device removes the fat.

Is Liposuction painful?

Typically, our Everett, Bellevue, Tacoma and Seattle liposuction patients report minimal pain when “spot liposuction” is performed, with only small areas treated. More extensive liposuction procedures will be associated with increased discomfort, at least for the first few days. This pain is well controlled with oral pain medication and elevation of the legs if they have been treated. Learn more about our PainBuster Program. Nausea and vomiting can contribute significantly to postoperative discomfort; thus, Dr. Pratt will prescribe an anti-nausea “patch” prior to your surgery.

Learn more about our No Nausea Protocol.

What is Tumescent Liposuction?

Tumescent liposuction is a body contouring technique in which a medicated solution is injected into fatty areas before the fat is removed. The fluid, a mixture of intravenous saline (salt) solution, epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels) and Lidocaine (numbing medicine) facilitates fat removal, reduces bleeding and bruising during the procedure, and decreases the pain following surgery.

What is Power-Assisted Liposuction?

With Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL), one of the latest forms of Liposuction technology, the traditional Liposuction cannula is combined with an integrated power source that automatically moves the Liposuction cannula in and out in an oscillating-type motion. Similar to an electric toothbrush, the PAL reduces the amount of movement the surgeon’s hand, wrist, and arm must make during the procedure. With PAL, it is thought that lessened surgeon fatigue during long procedures may lead to improved Liposculpture results. Dr. Pratt reserves this technique for extensive Liposuction procedures involving the treatment of several large areas, as well as difficult areas such as the back and the male breast.

Can my arms be liposuctioned?

Yes. In fact, this is one of the most requested areas for liposuction in Dr. Pratt’s practice. Typically, liposuction of the arms will not only lead to thinner arms, but will also significantly improve the sagging of the upper arm that many people find so bothersome. Dr. Pratt also offers arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) as a solution for flabby arm skin.

Will Liposuction help me lose weight?

The answer is yes and no. Liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure per se. Excess weight is best lost by diet and exercise. However, liposuction can often act as the “catalyst” or “kick start” to a better lifestyle. Following surgery, liposuction patients will often be less self-conscious about going to the gym or participating in aerobic exercise groups.

Am I a good candidate for Liposuction?

The best candidates for the procedure are liposuction Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma and Everett patients with problem areas of fat deposits that are out of proportion with the rest of the body. Some people have large thighs and a flat tummy; others have excess fat deposits of the abdomen while the rest of their body is of normal proportion. Liposuction can be used to thin out these problem areas and get them back into proportion with the rest of the body. Typically, liposuction is used to treat the abdominal and hip areas, upper arms, thighs, buttocks, beneath the chin, and the back. Less often, liposuction is performed on the lower legs and ankles, cheeks, and sides of the chest.

Other important considerations in evaluating a patient include:

  • Firm, elastic skin
  • Good overall health
  • Realistic expectations

Age in itself is usually not a major consideration. But if you are older, you’ll probably have less elastic skin and may not see the same results as that of a younger person with tighter skin. If that is the case, additional procedures may be required to address the excess skin.

What can I expect during my consultation?

Once you and Dr. Pratt, a highly skilled liposuction Seattle / Bellevue specialist, have had a chance to talk about what you are hoping to achieve with surgery, Dr. Pratt will examine the problem areas you hope to improve and check for excess or stretch-damaged skin. Finally, you will talk about where Dr. Pratt plans to make the incisions and whether or not you will require removal of skin for optimal improvement. During your initial consultation with Dr. Pratt you will find out what costs are involved and will be given a written price quote. Be sure to discuss your expectations openly and ask as many questions as you need to.

What does preparation for my Liposuction entail?

Prior to your surgery, you will attend your preoperative appointment with Dr. Pratt, at least two weeks prior to your surgery date. At that time, our staff will review your consent forms with you, answer any questions you might have, and the risks and benefits of surgery will be thoroughly reviewed. You will be given your prescriptions to be filled prior to your surgery. You will be given a list of medications and supplements to avoid for two weeks before and after surgery. If you are a smoker, you will be instructed to stop smoking at least two weeks prior to surgery. You should not smoke for at least two weeks following surgery.

What happens on the day of surgery?

Liposuction is outpatient surgery performed in the main operating room of the Pratt Plastic Surgery Surgicenter in Kirkland or a hospital outpatient surgicenter, either under general anesthesia or “twilight anesthesia” (IV sedation). In some cases, when the liposuction is performed along with other procedures, such as abdominoplasty or thigh lift, or when “large volume liposuction” is performed, an overnight stay will be required.

You will arrive approximately one hour prior to surgery. Our OR staff will make you comfortable and acquaint you with our preop area. Your own personal locker will be assigned to you. You will be given a luxurious robe to wear and Dr. Pratt will answer any last minute questions and make the preoperative markings on your body to guide him during the procedure. The anesthesiologist will answer any questions you have regarding your anesthesia. General anesthesia is generally used, although a local anesthetic can often be used for small areas or facial liposuction. The duration of the procedure depends largely on the number of areas that require treatment, but usually the procedure will last between one and three hours.

During your surgery, Dr. Pratt will be sure to inject a long acting local anesthetic medication in the operative site in order to add to your post-operative comfort.

Following surgery, you will recover in quiet, serene postoperative recovery room. You will be given pain medication as needed, and any nausea will be aggressive treated with IV medications. When you have fully recovered from your anesthesia, you will be offered a soft drink and crackers prior to your discharge home. An overnight stay is not typically required.

Does Liposuction last forever?

Since liposuction results in a permanent change in the distribution of your body fat, your new contour will be with you for the rest of your life. Whether you gain or lose weight, your basic shape will remain the same. However, it is important to follow a good diet and exercise plan following liposuction.

How long is liposuction recovery time?

This largely depends on how extensive an area that is to be treated. Small, isolated areas can be liposuctioned with minimal down time, i.e. a day or two. Larger treatment areas may require a longer recuperation. If circumferential thighs (all the way around) have been suctioned, elevation of the legs above the heart is advised until the majority of swelling has resolved. Following Liposuction surgery, you will wear a custom-fitted elastic garment and/or compression stockings for approximately 4 weeks in order to control swelling and to help your skin better fit its new contours.

Does Liposuction remove cellulite?

Liposuction can improve the overall shape of the body, but is not generally effective in removing cellulite.

Will my Liposuction surgery cause my skin to dimple or have indentations?

Visible irregularities following liposuction are unusual in a patient who is a good candidate, when the procedure is carried out by an experienced surgeon.

What alternatives exist to Liposuction?

Liposuction is elective surgery. If it’s not for you, consider your options for diet and exercise to reduce the accumulation of fat in your trouble spots. Or ask Dr. Pratt about a tummy tuck, thigh lift or lower body lift, especially if you have extra skin. Dr. Pratt is also a trusted drainless tummy tuck provider.

Why should I consider Dr. David Pratt to perform my Liposuction surgery?

Dr. Pratt is widely recognized as a world class board-certified plastic surgeon with many years of experience in performing liposuction surgery. His dramatic yet natural appearing surgical results certainly speak for themselves. Dr. Pratt and his staff are passionate about cosmetic surgery, compassionate, and dedicated to patient education. Dr. Pratt’s utmost concern is the comfort and safety of each and every patient. Our modern Seattle area offices offer a warm and friendly feeling, as well as the most recent advances and sophisticated technology found today.

I am interested, what do I do next?

Seeking reliable answers to your questions about liposuction surgery? Schedule your liposuction consultation with Dr. David Pratt to find out if you are a good candidate for this or other procedures. Dr. Pratt’s office serves the greater Seattle area, including Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland and Tacoma, with office hours that suit your busy lifestyle. Go ahead and live your dreams!

425.285.2112

10413 NE 37th Circle, Kirkland, WA 98033

4005 Colby Avenue, Everett, WA 98201

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