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Frequently Asked Questions

Want to learn more about laser liposuction, body contouring, and cellulite reduction? You've come to the right place!

Select the procedure you are interested below in to get answers to your frequently asked questions.

Why Sono Bello?

We are made up of more than 185 Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who have collectively performed more than 300,000 procedures. All our procedures are done in the comfort of our AAAHC’s accredited offices, without the need for general or intravenous anesthesia. AAAHC stands for Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, an independent, not-for-profit organization that has closely examined our facilities, systems, policies, and procedures. We customize each procedure to your unique concerns and goals. Each of our physicians is a seasoned expert who cares about your health and satisfaction, backed up by a company with a proven track record for helping patients meet their fitness, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals.

How experienced are Sono Bello physicians and their medical team?

We specialize in total body transformation. It’s all we do. Sono Bello physicians are highly trained in micro-laser technology and perform thousands of body contouring procedures every year. Our team approach gives patients the highest degree of attention and care.

Are consultations required?

Yes, and they are free. Every person is unique, and we cannot schedule a procedure without meeting with you first. We will explain all the benefits of our unique procedures, discuss your goals and expectations, answer questions, develop a customized plan for you, and provide you with a specific cost. If you would like to take advantage of any of the special financing options, we have pre-arranged, this is a good time to ask about them.

What are Sono Bello credentials?

Yes, Sono Bello follows the operation guidelines provided by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), an independent, not-for-profit organization that has closely examined our facilities, systems, policies, and procedures.  It means that we as an organization have demonstrated the highest level of care and safety in meeting or exceeding all state and federal guidelines. We are made up of more than 185 Board Certified Plastic Surgeons who have collectively performed more than 300,000 procedures.  All our procedures are done in our AAAHC accredited offices, and our surgeons are highly trained in micro-laser technology and specialize in the art and science of superior plastic surgery.  Liposuction is all we do which allows for our surgeons to be the best in the field.

Does health insurance cover Sono Bello?

Sono Bello procedures are elective, so they are not covered by insurance, but we do have several finance plans making our body transformations achievable on practically any budget.

How painful is Sono Bello?

Although many patients report feeling aches and pains similar to those experienced after a vigorous workout, pain tolerance varies from person to person.  Sono Bello’s TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction procedure removes fat while minimizing bruising and swelling. Patients are awake during the entire process, and they will experience mild discomfort during the injection of the local anesthesia. During the suctioning, patients may feel burning sensations at different times. In the first few days of recovery, you can expect moderate pain and soreness. Your surgeon will have given you pain medication to make this discomfort manageable, so follow your medication schedule closely. Many of our patients feel comfortable enough to return to work within three days, depending on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat removed.

What are the side effects of Sono Bello?

Most patients experience some bruising after surgery, and there are very small ½ – 1-centimeter incisions that barely leave a scar.   Usually, a year after surgery, it is impossible even to find where the incisions were. Sono Bello Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christopher Chung explains, “Patients see consistent and predictable improvement in body contouring and volume reduction leading to a slimmer and more proportional body”.  The only actual side effect of Sono Bello is the confidence that comes with a beautiful body.

How long do Sono Bello results last?

The TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction immediately and permanently removes1 fat cells. Because adults do not create new fat cells, as long as the patient maintains their weight, the results are permanent1.  Sono Bello Chief Medical Officer Dr. Christopher Chung explains, “Most patients are so pleased with the shape changes achieved with liposuction that they enlist in healthier lifestyles and do not see fat deposition in other areas”.  For many patients having surgery is a jumping-off point for a future of eating right and staying fit.

Does the fat come back after Sono Bello?

With Sono Bello’s TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction the number of fat cells is permanently removed1; however, the size of the remaining fat cells remains unchanged. For example, the area that a patient wants to treat has 100 large fat cells. After Sono Bello, that area is left with 30 large fat cells. The reduction from 100 to 30 is permanent. The size of each of the residual 30 fat cells remains unchanged. If the patient chooses a healthier lifestyle and loses weight post-surgery, 30 large fat cells could become 30 small fat cells – leading to a further reduction in volume. Inversely, if the patient gains weight, the 30 large fat cells may become 30 larger fat cells. Since the number of fat cells in the treated area is reduced, the treated area will not look as voluminous despite the gain size of the fat cells. Still, the adjacent non-treated areas will look relatively larger.

What is the difference between CoolSculpting vs Sono Bello’s TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction?

Sono Bello’s surgeons are experts on contouring patient’s bodies using Trisculpt which is mechanically extracting body fat from stubborn areas. With Trisculpt results are immediately seen. Coolsculpting is not offered at Sono Bello. The unpredictable and difficult to reproduce results of CoolSculpting could lead to asymmetries, irregularities, and formation of hard/fibrotic scar tissue which may make procedures like liposuction more difficult.

Could asymmetry or uneven body distribution be fixed with Sono Bello?

Different variables could cause asymmetries; some will be able to be fixed by liposuction; however, bone structure defects, such as scoliosis, cannot be fixed, and only asymmetries caused by abnormal fat accumulation could be improved.

Are Sono Bello's consultations really free?

We do not charge for consultations at Sono Bello because we believe it is so important to thoroughly discuss your options before considering any type of body contouring procedure. If you have questions about body contouring and our unique techniques, want to talk about your hopes and expectations, or want to find out what your customized procedure would cost, please call 1.800.995.1136 to schedule a complimentary 30-minute consultation.

How much does Sono Bello cost?

Our pricing is specific to each person depending on what procedures they would like done, how much fat they would like removed, the number of areas treated, their BMI, age, and overall health.  Sono Bello also has monthly specials and several financing options.  Because we exclusively focus on body contouring and laser liposuction, our specialization allows us to offer exceptional results at affordable prices.  Our body transformations are achievable on practically any budget. We work with multiple financial providers to help in developing customized financing and payment plans for our patients.

Do you offer payment plans?

Special Financing Options are available – Click Here for more details.

What parts of the body can be treated with Sono Bello’s TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction procedure?

Unlike traditional liposuction, TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction can treat almost any part of the body. The most common areas for men and women are the abdomen and hips or “love handles”. Our technique allows Sono Bello physicians to provide results with faster recovery and less bruising. TriSculpt® has been designed to treat localized pockets of fat in the following areas:

Abdomen
Waist
Hips / Love handles
Inner and Outer Thighs
Knees
Front and Back Bra Rolls
Upper Arms
Male Chest
Chin / Jowls
Tailbone and pubic

What about gynecomastia treatment for men?

Some men suffer from abnormally large breasts, a condition known as gynecomastia. Sono Bello’s TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction procedure is a great solution to this concern. It not only permanently removes1 the fat but allows the physician to sculpt the treatment area more accurately.

How does Sono Bello treat jowls and chin fat?

We do treat along the jawline, but not up into the cheeks.  While we do not perform liposuction on the face or jowls, you may notice tightening and lifting in the jowls area because of the laser used to tighten the skin in the chin.

How is Sono Bello different from a facelift or double-chin treatments like Kybella?

A facelift is pulling the muscle structure tighter for more advanced aging correction.  Kybella is a series of injections with significant swelling and long wait for results. Sono Bello’s TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction is a less invasive one-day procedure, great for reducing double chins, defining the jawline, and boosting self-confidence by thinning the profile. We remove the fat deposits on under the chin and along the jaw and neckline, while tightening the skin with the laser.

Who is not a candidate for TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction?

TriSculpt® may not be suited for individuals with:

Pacemaker
Uncontrolled Diabetes
Active Chemotherapy
Recent Heart attack (within 5 years)
Currently Pregnant
Dialysis
Oxygen Tank
Organ Transplant Waiting List
Currently on Blood Thinners
Surgery in the proposed area in past 6 months
Heart Disease
Kidney or Liver disorders
Body Mass Index over 42

Who is a good candidate for TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction?

TriSculpt® is an excellent technique for removal of fat from difficult areas of the body that don’t respond to diet and exercise. If you’re in good health, have an active lifestyle and areas of fat you’d like to have permanently removed1, talk with us about what we can do for you at Sono Bello.

Can Sono Bello inject the fat into another area? For example, in my butt?

Sono Bello does not provide fat transferring services.

What is the difference between visceral fat vs subcutaneous?

Subcutaneous fat is just underneath the skin and could be targeted with liposuction. Visceral fat is on the inside the abdomen around organs. The only way to lose visceral fat is with good diet and exercise. Sono Bello can help patients with visceral fat by removing subcutaneous fat so further weight loss can remove the visceral fat.

Do I need to stop smoking before my procedure?

Smoking before any surgery increases the risks for delayed healing, bleeding, and other dangerous complications. Ideally, we recommend all our patients stop smoking at least two weeks before and after surgery. AbEX procedures commonly are not offered to patients that are not able to stop smoking.

Where will I be having surgery?

All our procedures are done in our AAAHC accredited offices, and our surgeons are highly trained in micro-laser technology and specialize in the art and science of superior plastic surgery.  AAAHC stands for Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, an independent, not-for-profit organization that has closely examined our facilities, systems, policies, and procedures. Liposuction is all we do which allows for our surgeons to be the best in the field.

How much fat can TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction remove?

TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction can remove 50-70% of fat in a treated area. A good way to estimate your results with TriSculpt™ is to pinch the area you want to have treated and feel how deeply the muscles are beneath the skin. Feeling the muscle is most easily done by contracting the muscle and rubbing your hands over the skin. The distance between the skin and the outside of the tensed muscle is the thickness of your fat layer. If you would be satisfied with a 50% reduction in the fat layer, you would be a good candidate and pleased with your TriSculpt® results.

What happens to the skin after the TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction procedure removes the fat?

One of the wonderful benefits of Sono Bello’s TriSculpt® Body Contouring technique is that it leads to the formation of new collagen which promotes skin tightening. Immediately following the procedure, the skin will be loose where the fat was removed, however, within 24 hours the skin’s natural retraction and the body’s normal healing mechanisms help promote skin retraction. For patients above age 60 or patients who have lost significant weight, complete retraction of the skin is not possible. If you have any questions, your Sono Bello physician will give you realistic expectations about your outcome.

Is there discomfort during the TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction procedure?

The level of discomfort is different for every patient. Sono Bello’s TriSculpt® removes fat, while minimizing bruising and swelling. Patients are awake during the entire procedure, and they will experience mild discomfort during the injection of the local anesthesia. During the suctioning patients may feel burning sensations at different times. After the procedure, most patients report that it feels like aches and pains after a vigorous workout which can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications. Many of our patients feel comfortable returning to work within 3 days depending on the number of areas treated and amount of fat removed. Compression garments and natural healing do the rest of the work to help the skin re-adhere to the muscle wall.

Will I be awake or under general anesthesia during liposuction?

You will be awake because our techniques only require localized numbing of the treated areas, NOT general anesthesia. This translates into faster recovery and less downtime. If you are concerned that you will be nervous, please talk to your doctor. We can provide you with medicine to relax and calm you during surgery to make the experience as pleasant as possible.

How long does a liposuction procedure take?

Average liposuction case is around 2.5-3 hours and for excision of skin (EX) is around 3-3.5 hours. Patients arrive approximately 1.5 hours before surgery to prepare them prior to their procedure and will stay after surgery at least 15 minutes for recovery.

Do I have to fill my narcotic prescription?

Yes. Narcotics are usually necessary to control the pain in the early post-operatory period and they are usually needed an average of 3 days after surgery.

What supplements, vitamins can I take before or after TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction procedure?

You should disclose all medications including over-the-counter drugs during your pre-operative visit.  Commonly our surgeons recommend stopping all over the counter (OTC) one week prior to surgery because many of them may thin your blood or interfere with the metabolism of lidocaine. Your surgeon will go over any non-prescribe medications you wish to continue and give you specific recommendations. You may resume all suspended OTC two weeks after surgery.

Can my significant other come into surgery with me?

No. There are no guests in the surgical areas. However, following local public health regulations and mask mandates, we can accommodate one companionship in our family room. Sono Bello’s care team members can help you coordinate before your procedure.

Can I drive myself home after the procedure?

No. And Uber/Lyft does not qualify as a ride.  We require that you have a responsible adult 18+ sign you out after your procedure and stay with you the following 24 hours. This allows us to give you additional medication during your procedure to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

Do I need care post-surgery care?

Whether it is your partner, parent, sibling, friend, or a specialized home care services agency, you must have a responsible adult 18+ drive you home after your procedure and remain with you for the first 24 hours of recovery. Most patients do not require special care after surgery but frequently are sleepy. About 7% of the time, they may develop mild nausea or dizziness.

What clothes should I wear after surgery?

Loose-fitting clothes to avoid tight lines.

When can I start driving after liposuction?

Once patient has the pain under control and no longer taking any narcotic pain medications it is okay to drive.

When can I fly after liposuction?

We recommend waiting, 3-5 days for flights within the United States and 7-10 days for international traveling. High altitude could exacerbate swelling and sitting for long periods of time could increase the risk for blood clots, therefore, frequent walking and stretching while flying is also recommended.

Can TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction still work if I am older or don’t have much skin elasticity?

Yes, because Sono Bello’s techniques promote skin tightening. Many patients with poor skin elasticity enjoy excellent results with TriSculpt® and are very pleased with the amount of skin retraction. During your initial consultation, we will discuss your situation.

Will recovery hurt? How long after TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction does the soreness or tenderness persist?

Patients are usually comfortable during the first 10 hours after discharge because of the numbing medication. Gradually it will wear out. By following the pain medication protocol, they should get back to normal daily activities. On average, patients use prescribed pain medications for three days and then use Ibuprofen and Tylenol for maintenance. The best analogy our patients have given is that TriSculpt® Body Contouring feels similar to a good, hard workout. We also provide a compression garment to help to minimize discomfort and swelling.

What medications are used for pain control after surgery?

Every doctor will work with their patients to determine the best prescription to control pain and enable you to resume activity appropriate for recovery. We encourage our patients to use first “over the counter” pain medication like Ibuprofen and Tylenol before using narcotic drugs.

How should I sleep after surgery?

There are no restrictions on resting positions after surgery, patients can sit or lay down on their back, side or stomach, whatever position is most comfortable.

Can I eat and drink after surgery?

Patients can easily get dehydrated after surgery; therefore, they should drink frequent small amounts of fluid after surgery. As long the patient is not experiencing nausea, soft diet could be started after surgery and slowly advance as tolerated. If the patient reports nausea and/or vomiting, liquids need to be continued and soft/solid food should be avoided. Also, if nausea is present narcotics should be avoided. Anti-nausea medication it is usually prescribed and can be used to assist in improving the symptoms.

What diet should I follow after TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction?

During the recovery patients will require large amounts of calories to help them heal; therefore, they should have healthy and low in sodium meals, continue drinking large amount of liquids and avoid weight loss diets. Specific diet recommendations should be made through the patient primary care physician or nutritionist after one month from surgery.

How long will the bruising and swelling last after liposuction?

The duration of bruising and swelling after your procedure varies between patients and depends on the areas treated.

What does the process of recovery include after TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction?

Following your procedure, we will send you home with a post-procedure kit. Your surgeon will call you within 24 hours to check in and answer questions. We will schedule a follow-up visit to check on your healing and recovery. A compression garment is typically worn for at least the first 10 days and as directed by your surgeon. This garment can be worn underneath your clothes. Normal basic daily activity can be resumed immediately, being mindful to listen to your body and take breaks as needed as overexertion can cause increased swelling in the treatment areas.

Why do I have to wear the compression garment?

The compression garment is used as a “Comfort Measure” and can aid in decreased pain and swelling while healing.

Can I wear a waist trainer girdle?

Girdle, spanx, or compression shirts are designed to be tight. Most of them squeeze the skin and could result in lines or irregularities after surgery; therefore, we advise our patients avoid these items and wear the “Medical Compression Garments” recommended by Sono Bello’s clinical team.

Should I purchase an abdominal board for recovery?

It is unnecessary but may be a good idea if you have natural creases, or your compression garment pinches your skin. Your surgeon may recommend it if necessary.

Can I use Ice or Heating pads?

Extreme cold (direct ice) or heat temperatures (heating pads) are to be avoided. Immediately after surgery sensation is not back to normal and extreme heat or cold could cause damage to the skin.

What is the difference between recovering from a Tummy Tuck vs AbEX?

A full tummy tuck is a significantly larger procedure, usually not offered in a combination of liposuction, and requires drains and a more extended recovery period. While AbEX (excision of the skin) is generally combined with liposuction, allowing for better body contouring. AbEX usually does not require drain placement, and commonly, recovery is significantly faster than a tummy tuck.

Do I need or could I have a massage after surgery?

Lumpiness is a normal part of recovery and will diminish in time. Patients could start their own gentle massage after 2 weeks from surgery which could speed up the recovery process. We do not necessarily recommend, but are not opposed, to lymphatic massages 1-2 months after surgery. Learn more about Venus Legacy treatments here.

Will my skin retract/tighten with Sono Bello?

Laser produces heat underneath the skin, melts few fat cells and promotes collagen production which will increase the skin elasticity and tone. Skin after laser liposuction will partially retract/tighten but it will be a limited amount; therefore, skin excision maybe recommended. Example: skin is like a piece of fabric that can be stretched out. You can put the fabric in the dryer, and it may shrink to some degree; however, no matter how many times you put it in the dryer it won’t continue to shrink, and you may need to cut the excess to make it fit again.

Would exercise help with skin retraction?

Different than muscle, skin will not tighten or retract with exercise. Laser Liposuction will promote increase of collagen and will improve the elasticity of the skin; however, excess loose skin is best treated with excision (AbEX). In case the patient decides not to or is not a candidate for skin excision the Venus Legacy treatment could be an alternative to aid with skin elasticity.

How will recovery affect my schedule?

Following your procedure, you will walk out and be able to perform mild activities. Our technique is far less impacting than traditional liposuction, which usually requires weeks of recovery and a possible overnight stay when performed with heavy anesthesia. We encourage you to take it easy for a few days, but this is dependent on how your individual body heals. Many patients return to normal activities within three days.

How long before I can go back to work after TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction?

How quickly our patients return to work depends on many factors, including which areas were treated, body mass index, age, and occupation. On average, patients take between 3-5 days before resuming professional activities. Many patients should be able to return to desk-type work within a few days, although soreness and tenderness will limit their speed. Patients should be reasonably comfortable while sitting at a desk or working at a computer. Remember, though, that everybody is unique, and accordingly, experiences may vary.

Who will I see for my post-operative appointments?

All patients need follow-up appointments at one week and three months after surgery to ensure that pain is well controlled and there are no infections. Post-operative appointments are done by our experienced lead RNs. Your surgeon will be available as needed.

How many pounds will I lose after surgery?

Patients usually gain weight immediately after surgery due to water retention. However, they will see changes in the body as healing progress. The surgery is NOT a weight loss procedure. Instead, it is a “body contouring” procedure.

Is it normal to have swelling in the pubic/ testicles area?

Yes, swelling and bruising will occur in the pubic, labia or testicles. It will be more prominent if liposuction is done in the pubic area. Swelling usually lasts for about 2-3 days but bruising could last longer, up to one week. Swelling in these areas will usually resolve without any adverse consequences.

When can I start exercising?

Everybody recovers at a different pace. Walking and normal daily activities at home could be done after surgery. Many patients have resumed their exercise routine within a few days after the procedure. We recommend patients do about 25% of their usual amount of exercise. Then, keep increasing the level as it is comfortable. If you run or enjoy vigorous aerobics, feel free to wear the compression garment for 3 to 4 weeks or until your skin fully retracts.

When can I go swimming after liposuction?

Once all incisions are completely healed (no scabs) you can submerge underwater. Tubs, lakes, rivers, and oceans have bacteria and could lead to infection if submerged when incisions haven’t healed.

When can I start having sex again after liposuction?

There are no specific restrictions on when to resume sexual activities. Be sure to use pain as your guide. It’s good to have an open, honest conversation with your partner if you are not ready yet.

When can I start drinking alcohol?

You should avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours after your procedures and it is recommended while taking narcotic pain medications.

When do I see results after Sono Bello’s TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction?

Results vary from patient to patient; by age, the area treated, amount of fat removed, and individual healing rates. Some patients see immediate results after surgery. However, treated areas will continue to change induration from the healing tissue that may last up to 6 months. Others experience minor swelling so that it takes a few months until the results can be appreciated, even though substantial amounts of fat may have been removed. As a general rule, young patients tend to heal quicker and have less discomfort (although final results often take longer because young patients retain fluid longer than older patients). The timing for results also varies by area. Some, like the chin, show almost immediate improvement, while other areas, like the abdomen, take longer for final results. There is no way to predict ahead of time your healing speed, fluid retention, or how quickly you will see the final results. However, most patients enjoy 80% of their ultimate results within three to four months following their procedure.

Are the results permanent?

Yes! TriSculpt® Body Contouring Micro-Laser Liposuction procedure immediately and permanently removes1 fat. Adults do not create new fat cells. When a person gains weight, fat cells expand. Should you gain weight in the future, fat will tend to accumulate in areas where the procedure was not performed, where there are more remaining fat cells.

How flat will my abdomen be with Sono Bello?

If there is visceral fat most likely you won’t be completely flat. When feeling your abdominal wall with one finger, the layer that stops the finger from going deeper is the abdominal wall muscle. Our surgeons will remove as much as possible of subcutaneous fat. The layers that determine how flat you will be is the abdominal wall muscles.

How does Venus Legacy work?

Venus Legacy is a non-invasive treatment that combines Multi-Polar Radio Frequency (RF) and Pulsed Electro Magnetic Fields into a technology called (MP)2. This unique combination can access the skin deeply, comfortably, and safely leaving a toned and trim result.

How many Venus Legacy sessions will I need to see results?

Patients require at least 8 treatments to see results. Some patients will require more based on the results and purpose of treatment. Your Aesthetic Technician will discuss your exact needs, so you know the best plan forward!

How long do Venus Legacy results last?

Results can be maintained if you continue to come back about once per season for a treatment!

Who is a candidate for Venus Legacy treatments?

Anyone who has begun to see the early signs of aging – sagging skin, wrinkles, cellulite, pockets of fat – and is interested in boosting collagen and improving the elasticity of their skin. Or anyone who has recently had a liposuction surgery and is interested in reducing the amount of swelling and recovery time.

How long does a Venus Legacy session last?

Exact treatment times may vary based on the patient, but a single session takes no longer than 30 minutes.

Is there any pain or discomfort during a Venus Legacy treatment?

No. We’ve found that most patients nap or simply relax during the treatment. The sensation is like a warm, gentle massage. The level of heat and suction can easily be adjusted to suit you.

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