Liposuction - Patients ask Dr. Ringpfeil answers
Please feel free to use the blog below to share information about Liposuction or to ask Dr. Franziska Ringpfeil a question that might be of interest to others.
Philadelphia and Mainline Center of Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery
Liposuction
Liposuction is one of the most effective treatments to eliminate unwanted body fat. People who fail to remove excess deposits of fat with exercise and diet can now get back their athletic body shape by going through a safe and simple procedure. Even those who gained a larger amount of adipose tissue can shave off a substantial portion and feel great about themselves again.
" ... getting back your athletic look is now possible ... "
Ringpfeil Center For Body Contouring
Fortunately, a new generation of technology and techniques deliver great results without the risk and trauma to the body that was associated with liposuction over 20 years ago. Liposuction today is performed with tumescent (local) anesthesia, which prevents bleeding and infection, and speeds up recovery.
It also makes general anesthesia unnecessary which provides two additonal benefits.
- First, it reduces risk - the patient is awake and provides a constant feedback to the surgeon
- Second, it eliminates the cost (about $2000) associated with general anesthesia
Liposuction today has
Lower risk
Easier recovery time
Lower cost
Abdomen Liposuction Before And After 9 Months
Originally, liposuction was performed with a simple cannula that was entered into the pockets of adipose tissue to break up fat cells. The same cannula was used to draw the fat out of the body.
In the past decade, new devices were introduced to help the surgeon break down fat more efficiently and remove it from the body more effectively. In addition to traditional liposuction, the most commonly used technologies today are power assisted liposuction (PAL), laser assisted liposuction (LAL - e.g. SmartLipo by Cynosure), and ultrasound assisted liposuction (UAL - e.g Vaser by Valeant).
Dr. Andrew Kwak 
Dr. Andrew Kwak - A visionary and a liposuction pioneer
Dr. Kwak was among the first to employ power assisted liposuction back in 2002. He was an early adopter of laser and high frequency focused ultrasound technologies at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for Human Appearance.
We make all these technologies available to our patients so we can mix and match the protocols that provide the best results possible.
A typical procedure might start with the Power Assisted Liposuction to break down and remove large bulges of fat, continue with the Vaser to remove fat in areas that include other fibrotic structures, and finish with SmartLipo to accurately remove smaller pockets of fat and to tighten skin above the area where fat has been removed.
Treatment Areas
Liposuction - Treatment Area
Recovery Time
Pricing
The base price of each treated area is determind by the size of the area, the amount of fat to be removed, and the difficulty level operating on that specific body part.
The actual price to the customer will also factor in the following:
- The treatment area is far larger than that of an average person.
- The patient's health history or current physical condition requires modification of the procedure protocol. Previous treatment in the desired area normally adds challange.
- Treatment of multiple areas on the same day. In this case, resources can be combined and the savings are passed on to the patient.
The purpose of presenting the price table below is to provide a rough estimate of the procedure cost in our area. Price may change from one provider to another. Our pricing usually falls within the indicated range.
Liposuction Pricing in the Philadelphia and Mainline Area
| Body Area | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Lower abdomen | $4500 - $5500 |
| Upper abdomen | $4500 - $5500 |
| Flanks | $4500 - $5500 |
| Arms | $3500 - $5000 |
| Buttocks | $3500 - $5000 |
| Neck | $4500 - $5500 |
| Inner thighs | $4500 - $5500 |
| Outer thighs | $4500 - $5500 |
Power Assisted Liposuction
A manual liposuction procedure eliminates fat using a small sterile metal tube, called a cannula, and suction. During the procedure, the surgeon inserts the cannula into the target area, loosens up fat cells and uses suction to remove the broken down fat cells, which permanently reduces the amount of excess fat in this part of the body. PAL uses a special vibrating cannula to dislodge fat cells. It allows the surgeon to gently break down the fat faster.
Power assisted liposuction has several advantages, including:
- Less force is needed to remove fat.
- Greater quantities of fat can be removed in a session.
- The treatment time is shorter than a conventional liposuction procedure.
- The risk of complications is reduced.
Liposuction - Woman 6 Month Post Abdomen Procedure
PAL can be used to gently contour the chin and neck area, as well as slim down tenacious fatty areas, including the abdomen, flanks, hips, buttocks, and thighs. To prepare the treatment area for PAL, Dr Kwak will inject a dilute, anesthesia-containing solution into the treatment area. The liquid causes the treatment area to swell. This step eliminates the need for general anesthesia and reduces blood loss during the procedure.
Smartlipo
LAL (e.g. SmartLipo by Cynosure) is using a laser beam to heat and melt the fat before it is removed by a separate suction device. SmartLipo is a new generation of energy assisted liposuction lasers that is used today by the most advanced surgery centers. Compared to older liposuction techniques, liposuction with SmartLipo is safe, requires only local anesthesia, and permits clients to return to normal activities within days rather than weeks.
Smartlipo - 3 months post procedure
Our surgeons first injects the anesthetic and waits a few moments to ensure the targeted area is sufficiently numb. He then makes tiny incisions in or around the targeted area and positions a tiny tube through the incision. Next, he inserts the SmartLipo laser fiber through the tube and sends laser energy into the targeted adipose tissue. The energy permanently destroys the fat cells. Lastly, he gently suctions out the liquefied fat, and places bandages over the treated area. The entire procedure typically takes less than 2 hours to perform, with recovery times as short as 2 days. Post treatment, results can be seen immediately.
SmartLipo can be used to treat excess fat on many different parts of the body, including: neck, jawline, arms, flanks, back, abdomen, buttocks, thighs and knees.
Similarly, UAL (e.g. VaserLipo by Valeant) is using ultrasound energy to melt the fat. The heat produced by UAL and LAL heat the dermis and help to tighten the skin. Often, surgeons will use PAL to remove the fat and follow up with LAL or UAL to carefully improve the body contour and to tighten the skin.
Results
Smartlipo - 4 months post procedure
The initial results per each procedure can be seen immediately. As swelling from the procedure diminishes and the skin tightens up, the final results are seen within 3 – 6 months. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen is paramount for lasting results. Most of our patients achieve their desired look with just one treatment session, but additional sessions can be performed if necessary.
Candidates
Liposuction is a very rewarding contouring method for people who are in good health and are bothered by bulges of unwanted body fat. If changes to your diet or exercise routine two to three times a week fail to eliminate excess fat, liposuction will be able to provide the body contour you desire. Our surgeons offers this treatment to patients who are close to their ideal body weight.
On what parts of the body can liposuction be performed?
Liposuction can be performed on most areas of the body that has excess fat. The most common treatment areas include the abdomen, back (love handles), buttocks and thighs. Liposuction can also help shape the upper arms and treat a double chin.
What are the benefits of tumescent liposuction?
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that removes unwanted fat mechanically. Tumescent liposuction refers to a technique that involves injecting a solution into the treatment area. The solution contains a local anesthesia, which eliminates the need for general anesthesia. The tumescent technique reduces blood loss and can yield better results than traditional liposuction.
Is financing offered?
We work with Care Credit.
What happens during my consultation?
For a successful outcome, we meet with you to assess overall health, examine regions of unwanted fat deposit and skin tone. During the consultation our staff will recommend you stop taking aspirin, blood thinners and halt your intake of alcohol and tobacco several weeks prior to the procedure. We will discuss the risks and precautions related to liposuction. To learn more about traditional or power liposuction, please contact Ringpfeil Center for Body Contouring for your complimentary consultation.
When can I expect to see results?
You will experience the outcome of your liposuction procedure in two stages. Ringpfeil Center for Body Contouring is proud to say that you will notice instant results following treatment. The final results are witnessed as swelling subsides and lax skin becomes tighter. You will appreciate these results within three to six months. Dr. Kwak recommends engaging in a healthy diet, staying well-hydrated and participating in moderate activity 2 to 3 times per week to maintain results.
Hello,
I wanted to find out the pricing for smart lipo per area. I cant locate on your website and would like to compare with prices in the area.
Thank you
Pricing takes under consideration the areas of treatment, the number of areas treated on the same day and any expected variances such as prior liposuction or surgeries in the treatment area. We can provide exact pricing after consultation.
What are the advantages of power assisted liposuction?
Dr. Kwak has been making waves with this advanced form of liposuction technology since 2002. We have adopted laser, ultrasound and high frequency technologies which are highly regarded by patients because they can be mixed and matched to offer incredible results. We can begin with Power Assisted Liposuction, for instance, breaking down large quantities of fat, and end with SmartLipo to tighten skin and provide an impressive end-result.
How much does liposuction cost?
Our goal is to provide you with optimal service at an affordable rate. The cost of each procedure is based on three things: difficulty level, area size and number of areas you are targeting. For an approximate price, we invite you to reference our procedural page and schedule your complimentary liposuction consultation.
What are the most commonly used technologies?
Aside from traditional liposuction, we also incorporate several power assisted technologies in our re-contouring procedures. The devices utilize powerful tools to break-down fat and remove it from the body quicker and easier. The most commonly used liposuction technology utilized by our doctors are: power assisted liposuction (PAL), laser assisted liposuction (LAL) and ultrasound assisted liposuction (UAL).
What is the recovery process like?
Following your procedure, our esteemed clinical team will provide you with post liposuction instructions. We recommend a three day rest period before returning to work and you may resume light activities during the first week following your liposuction. However, we recommend you wait two weeks before resuming heavy exercise to promote proper healing. Dr. Kwak will schedule a post-op appointment with you a week following the procedure.