Using a variety of liposuction techniques, Minneapolis-based Dr. Timothy Schaefer removes unwanted fat from the body. The most common areas treated with liposuction include the abdomen, back (bra roll), buttocks, hips, thighs, knees, calves and ankles, upper arms, chin, and neck.
Dr. Schaefer uses state-of-the-art liposuction methods like the revolutionary SAFELipo®, a well-proven and safe technique that achieves smooth, natural results.
Your Liposuction Consultation
In your consultation, Dr. Schaefer will listen to your expectations and concerns about liposuction. He will perform a thorough physical examination and tell you what he recommends for your specific anatomy and why. He will take plenty of time to make sure all of your questions about liposuction are answered and that you completely understand what to expect from the procedure. His goal is for you to be fully informed so that you leave your consultation completely confident of your decisions and with a reasonable expectation of your outcome.
Suitable Candidates for Liposuction
Liposuction is most appropriate for those who:
- Are physically healthy and at a stable weight; note that liposuction is not a weight loss technique
- Have realistic expectations
- Do not smoke
- Wish to remove localized pockets of fat on the body that are unsightly
- Have been unsuccessful in removing the pockets of fat through diet and exercise
- Have good skin elasticity; those with loose skin that has lost its elasticity may need to have a Tummy Tuck procedure
What is Liposuction Like?
Your SAFELipo® procedure will be performed under general anesthesia. Unless you have a significant amount of fat removed during your liposuction procedure, you can return home shortly after the surgery. Large volume liposuction, which usually removes over 4 liters of fat, will require an overnight stay for your safety.
Standard Liposuction begins with small incisions in the areas where the fat will be removed. Whenever possible, these incisions are made in creases of the body where the scars will be hidden. Next, a sterile fluid called “tumescent” which contains epinephrine and a numbing agent is injected into the fat. This step is important to reduce blood loss. Then a small tube called a cannula is inserted into each incision. The cannula is attached to a suction device and is moved back and forth to remove the unwanted fat and precisely sculpt the body into a more contoured form.
Dr. Schaefer uses an approach called SAFELipo®. SAFELipo® is a specialized technique—not just a piece of new equipment. With SAFELipo®, Dr. Schaefer can precisely contour your body with less damage to the blood supply, less bruising, effective contraction of the skin, and a reduced chance of producing irregularities. SAFE stands for Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalization. First, a Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL®) device with an “exploded” or “basket” tip cannula is used to separate the fat cells from the surrounding tissue. This cannula is not attached to suction. This approach minimizes damage to the delicate blood vessels connected to the muscles and skin.
The fat is then extracted (aspirated) using a different, more gentle cannula. Fat Equalization then allows Dr. Schaefer to sculpt the remaining fat into a smooth layer beneath the skin, minimizing ripples and indentations. Fat equalization allows Dr. Schaefer to leave “local” fat grafts in a way that helps achieve smooth contours and avoid irregularities. The incisions may be closed, but are sometimes left open to drain. The length of the procedure will depend on the size of the treatment area.
Dr. Schaefer also performs the “Tummy Tuck 360®,” a procedure that combines the use of SAFElipo® and abdominoplasty techniques to achieve a comprehensive, circumferential contouring of the torso.
Your Recovery
You should be able to return to work within one to two weeks after your liposuction. You will need to avoid strenuous activity for three to four weeks after your liposuction. Bruising, swelling, and some post-operative pain are to be expected for a few weeks.
You will wear a compression garment for a few weeks to reduce swelling. After the procedure, you will experience this swelling as firmness in the treated areas. Once the swelling has fully resolved over 6-12 months, you will be able to see and feel your final liposuction outcomes.
It should take 6-8 weeks until the majority of the swelling reduces. It typically takes 4-6 months for the treated areas to completely settle and soften; however, some patients continue to experience the beneficial results of SAFELipo®, such as skin contraction that lasts for as long as a year after the surgery.
At home, make sure you have a designated place set aside to recover from your liposuction. A lounge chair or recliner is best suited for getting up and down, and it’s recommended that you utilize either of them early on for sleep and rest. It’s practical to have necessary items like medications, reading material, remote control, etc. within arm’s reach.
Your New Look
After liposuction, you will have better proportion in the treated areas. You may lose inches from some areas, such as the abdomen, hips, or waistline.
Liposuction Cost
Because of your unique anatomy, Dr. Schaefer customizes his liposuction for what is best for you. After your consultation on SAFELipo®, we can provide you with an accurate cost, as well as finance options available for your custom liposuction.
Call 952-920-2600 to make your consultation appointment today.
Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
Although liposuction is common and no longer risky as it was many years ago, choosing a surgeon for any surgery is of paramount importance. It is vital that your plastic surgeon has the right qualifications and credentials. He or she should be board certified and in good standing with the various medical boards. Also look at factors like education, experience, and satisfied patients. It is important to do your research and visit with the doctor personally.
Don’t forget to check the support staff, too. They should be professional, friendly, and caring. You will lean on them during your recovery from liposuction, so make sure you are comfortable with the entire team.
Do your research to learn as much as possible about your surgeon. Then, arrive at your liposuction consultation prepared with questions, concerns, and your ultimate goals written down.
Why Dr. Schaefer?
Dr. Timothy Schaefer graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and holds an M.S. in Engineering from Stanford University.
With careful planning and a problem-solving approach, Dr. Schaefer uses newer techniques to improve the results for his patients. For liposuction, he uses the most advanced methods and state-of-the-art equipment.
A board-certified plastic surgeon with the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Schaefer has been named a BEST DOCTOR and BEST DOCTOR FOR WOMEN by the Minnesota Monthly Magazine. He was named a TOP DOCTOR FOR PLASTIC SURGERY by the Minneapolis St. Paul Magazine.
Schedule Your Consultation Appointment Today
Dr. Schaefer is passionate about helping his patients improve their outward appearance and quality of life with liposuction. To learn more about how he can improve your appearance and self-esteem in Minneapolis, please contact us today.
To schedule your consultation appointment, please call our Minneapolis office at 952-920-2600 or go to the Contact page and fill out the necessary information to schedule your appointment. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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