Liposuction in Washington DC

What is VASERLipo?

VASERLipo™ is a revolutionary technique for removing unwanted fat pockets from various parts of the body. This form of liposuction can also reduce the appearance of cellulite. Unlike traditional techniques used in other practices, VASERLipo targets fat cells without damaging surrounding tissue. This targeted and less aggressive approach is more precise, gets exceptionally smooth and shapely outcomes, and has a much faster recovery time.

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How is VASERLipo Liposuction Performed?

Prior to scheduling your VASERLipo procedure, patients will meet at length with Dr. Ruff and his team at West End Plastic Surgery. He will discuss whether the procedure is right for you, answer any questions you may have, and detail the risks of surgery. Additionally, Dr. Ruff will evaluate any areas you would like to improve and discuss how you want these areas to look after surgery. Patients will need to provide their medical history and a list of medications they are currently taking. This includes aspirin, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Your liposuction procedure will be performed in our state-of-the-art surgical suite or at one of the area hospitals where our surgeons operate. They have the top technology and special training required to perform this simple and relatively painless procedure that can give you the body you desire. In most cases, local anesthesia with deep sedation can be used. Depending on the extent of the treatment areas surgery can take from 1 to 5 hours.

To begin the procedure, Dr. Ruff will make a tiny incision in the treatment area. Unlike traditional liposuction, the incisions for VASERLipo are extremely small and heal very quickly. Next, he will inject a special saline solution that helps numb the site and shrink blood vessels. Then, Dr. Ruff will insert a very thin device that emits ultrasonic waves into the incision area. The sound wave energy precisely breaks down the structure of the targeted fat cells into liquid form. The ultrasound energy bounces off vital tissues leaving them virtually undisturbed.

Once all the targeted fat cells have become liquid, Dr. Ruff will insert a small cannula and gently move it around to remove the liquid. Because VASERLipo uses refined ultrasound technology, there isn’t the immediate swelling that occurs with liposuction, allowing Dr. Ruff to precisely sculpt the treatment areas. This less aggressive approach creates surgical outcomes that are closer to ideal results than traditional liposuction. Finally, our staff will use stitches to close the incisions and apply gauze dressings, tape, and compression garments over the surgical area.

VASERLipo Target Areas

Some areas of the body are better suited for Liposuction than others. VASERLipo provides precise results so even delicate areas such as the face can be successfully enhanced. The most common regions for VASERLipo include:

  • Abdomen
  • Arms
  • Back
  • Chin
  • Hips & Flanks
  • Neck/Chin Area
  • Outer/Inner Thighs
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Liposuction with Renuvion

Renuvion is the only device FDA-cleared to be used after liposuction. Liposuction effectively removes fat volume, leaving behind empty space which may increase the appearance of excess or loose skin. Renuvion goes beneath the surface and applies precise energy directly to the source of the loose skin. This energy contracts the collagen fibers and pulls the skin down, closer to the muscle, for a more contoured appearance.  By adding Renuvion to these procedures, physicians have another tool to help them obtain optimal liposuction results.

Using Renuvion after liposuction allows patients, with minimal to moderate skin redundancy, to attain high-definition results that were once only available with skin excision. Renuvion and liposuction are the gold standards for amazing body contouring results.

topless male patient before and after renuvion body sculpting, stomach flatter after procedure

We’re as thrilled with our patients’ results as they are. Check out our before-and-after photo gallery and see for yourself the kind of work our talented surgeons do.

Dr. Paul Ruff Explaining VASERLipo:

Recovery after Liposuction with VASERLipo

In most cases, VASERLipo surgery is performed on an outpatient basis. You can typically go home shortly after your surgery is complete but the use of anesthesia requires that you do not drive home. Pain medication will be prescribed to alleviate as much post-surgery pain as possible. In most cases, you can remove the dressings over your incision the day after your surgery and can shower as soon as you feel comfortable.

Everyone heals at different rates, and you are the best judge of when you are ready for certain activities. Patients often resume all normal activities within 2 to 3 weeks of surgery as the swelling and bruising subside. Walking every day promotes fast healing so patients can drive once they are comfortable and return to work within a week. After about 6 weeks patients can return to their exercise routines. Scars will require the most healing time and should be hidden from the sun for at least a year.

Shower or Bath Day After Surgery
Back to Work 2 to 3 Days After Surgery
Driving As Soon as You Feel Comfortable
Normal Activities As Soon as You Feel Comfortable
Fading of Scars Several Months to 1 Year
Final Contour 3 to 6 Months

What Results should I expect after Liposuction using VASERLipo?

With VASERLipo, you finally have a simple and relatively painless way to reshape areas of your body that have collected excess fat deposits. Although there are limits to the amount of tissue that can be removed, in most cases you can achieve the results you desire. These results last for several years as the fat cells in the treatment area are permanently removed. A healthy lifestyle, regular exercise program, and maintaining an appropriate weight keep your body in the best shape possible.

What Our Patients Have to Say

"5 Stars!! I will start by saying that Dr. Ruff deserves these 5 stars. After getting married I gained some love weight. By love weight I mean I went from 145lbs to 225lbs. Needless to say I had a huge stomach. My self‐confidence was hit hard since my whole life I was pretty slim. I expressed my concern to my primary doctor and he referred me to Dr. Ruff. I was very nervous since I had never had any other surgery. I went in for my consultation with Dr. Ruff and immediately felt very comfortable. He is very knowledgeable and his staff is great. They are like a family. After my consultation I made my appointment to get liposuction on my mid‐section and flanks. I am a full time student so I was a little concerned about recovery. I did not want to miss school so I had the procedure done during spring break. The procedure was completed right in the office and I ended up getting a room at the hotel across the street for my follow up the next day. The whole experience was very seamless. I came in with reasonable expectations of results but I have been blown away. It has now been about 4 months after the procedure and I have lost over 50 lbs. (still losing weight). My waist shrunk from a 38 to a 32 and 32 is a little big. My body couture is amazing. I see muscles I haven't seen in a while. Everybody is amazed at how great I look. They even say they can notice it in my face and arms. I always respond I didn't have anything done there. lol. Needless to say the procedure was SUPER worth it. I haven't really been exercising as I should but I do watch what I eat now. I am writing this because if you are thinking about getting liposuction done then definitely go see Dr. Ruff for a consultation. He is the BEST! I am now always without a shirt and my confidence is back. Thank you Dr. Ruff and team for a seamlessly pleasant experience and a boost of confidence I needed!"

- Gerald P.

How Much Does Vaser Liposuction Cost in Washington, DC?

The cost of Vaser Liposuction starts at around $4,000 per hour. The price will vary depending on the extent of treatment necessary to deliver your desired results. During your consultation, our surgeons will assess your cosmetic goals and develop a treatment plan tailored to meet them. The starting price is provided for your convenience, and it is important to note that it does not encompass facility or anesthesia fees. The comprehensive cost, inclusive of all potential fees, will be confirmed during your visit.

We also offer financing options, including CareCredit® and Alphaeon®, to help you with the cost of your cosmetic surgery.

How long after any liposuction procedure will I see my results?

At West End Plastic Surgery, we take pride in providing liposuction options that create less tissue trauma and bruising, require smaller incisions, and make for easier overall recoveries. After any of our liposuction procedures, you’ll initially have compression bandages over the treated area.

Those will be replaced relatively quickly with compression garments once your bandages are removed.

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Compression garments have a couple purposes for our liposuction patients. First, they help to minimize swelling and subsequent bruising. Second, they help the outer tissues slim down and tighten over your slimmer contours without the underlying fat.

So, while you’ll instantly see a difference with your areas addressed with liposuction, you’ll need to wait a few weeks to see your results once your swelling fully subsides. For the nuances created with your slimmer contours, you will need as much as three or four months to fully see your final results.

How much weight can you lose with a liposuction procedure?

At West End Plastic Surgery, we require our liposuction patients to be within 10 to 15 percent of their ideal body weight. That’s because liposuction isn’t a weight-loss procedure; it’s a body contouring procedure. Liposuction is meant to remove stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to changes in diet and exercise. It’s actually dangerous to remove too much fat in a single liposuction session.

CoolSculpting: Non-Surgical Alternative for Liposuction

Do you have stubborn fat and you aren’t ready to have Liposuction? West End Plastic Surgery offers CoolSculpting, a non-surgical alternative that freezes away fat.

The results achieved with CoolSculpting and Liposuction are similar - both treatments eliminate stubborn fat from various parts of the body. Specifically, CoolSculpting stimulates the natural elimination of fat without having surgery; liposuction extracts fat through a small tube.

Since CoolSculpting is not a surgical procedure, it doesn’t involve incisions or the insertion of a surgical instrument beneath the skin, therefore bruising and swelling are uncommon.

However, if you do go with CoolSculpting, multiple treatments would be needed to meet your desired outcome. During your consultation at West End Plastic Surgery, our team will review this in detail and discuss a treatment plan that best fits your needs.

Does Insurance Cover Liposuction Surgery?

Liposuction is considered cosmetic surgery and, therefore, is not covered by insurance. You are responsible for the full payment of the procedure. Cost and payment information will be fully discussed with you during your initial consultation.

Who Is The Ideal Candidate For Liposuction?

Liposuction is one of those procedures that is highly individualized. People get this cosmetic procedure for a variety of reasons, such as feeling self-conscious or having fat deposits that are not going away from eating a healthy diet and exercising. However, liposuction is not a procedure anyone can get on a whim. You must first be deemed a suitable candidate first.

You are considered to be an ideal candidate for liposuction if you meet the following criteria:

  • You are a non-smoker.
  • You are within 30 percent of your ideal weight.
  • You have good muscle tone.
  • You have firm skin.
  • You have a positive outlook on the results.
  • You have realistic expectations regarding the procedure.
  • You are willing to follow the plastic surgeon’s orders.

What Are The Risks of Liposuction?

Liposuction can help you achieve your ideal appearance. However, this procedure is not for everyone as there are plenty of risks to take into account.

Below are the risks of getting liposuction:

  • Numbness
  • Increased chance of contracting an infection
  • Fat embolism
  • Lidocaine toxicity
  • A buildup of fluid
  • Internal puncture
  • Irregularities with your contour

You will need to decide whether or not the benefits of liposuction outweigh the risks. The doctor will go into more detail regarding the risks during your consultation.

Are There Different Types of Liposuction?

Yes, there are multiple variations of the liposuction procedure. Suction-assisted liposuction is the most commonly performed procedure. It is when a surgical vacuum called a cannula sucks out the unwanted fat deposits after a small incision is made in the target area.

Here are the other types of liposuction you can choose from:

  • Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)
  • Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL)
  • Power-assisted liposuction (PAL)

Dr. Paul G. Ruff will go over these types of liposuction in greater detail during your consultation with him.

Schedule a Consultation for Liposuction

Dr. Paul G. Ruff IV, FACS of West End Plastic Surgery is one of the first plastic surgeons certified to perform this advanced type of liposuction in the Washington, D.C. area. If you want to learn more about VASERLipo, request a consultation online or call our office at  202-785-4187 and a member of our knowledgeable staff will schedule a consultation.

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