Liposuction 101

It's been our experience that most patients are confused about liposuction options. They're uncertain about what liposuction can and cannot do, and which type is the best one for them. They've heard words like tumescent liposuction, VASER® liposuction, wet liposuction, power-assisted liposuction, laser liposuction, and various permutations called Liposculpture and other similar "branded" names, like SmartLipo™. We hope this guide will help you! Feel free to share with friends who are considering a body sculpting procedure.

What is liposuction?

By definition, liposuction is the removal of unwanted fat through a thin suction tube called a cannula, which is inserted into the body through very small incisions. A vacuum device is attached to the cannula to draw the fat out of the body.

Liposuction was pioneered by an Italian gynecologist, Dr. Giorgio Fischer, in 1974. It came to the United States in the early 80's, with mixed success. However, in 1985, Dr. Jeffrey Klein, a dermatologist, developed the Tumescent Technique, which uses a dilute solution of local anesthesia in conjunction with the suctioning device. Tumescent liposuction is widely considered to be the safest method of liposuction, and it's the one performed here in our practice.

Why are there so many types of liposuction?

Once the tumescent solution has been injected into the fat, some type of machine is used to treat and remove the fat. Standard liposuction involves a non-powered cannula with holes at the end which remove the fat through simple aspiration. It is a predictable technique, and works well in areas of soft, non-fibrous fat. In areas with tougher tissues, a powered hand piece can deliver better results. At the Center for Cosmetic Surgery, Drs. Wolfe and Vath prefer the Power Assisted Liposuction machine, which uses mechanical energy to remove stubborn fat. Other types of liposuction, such as the VASER, Smartlipo, and Hydro-jet, can cause more trauma to the delicate tissues under the skin, although excellent results can be achieved with these machines, as well. Ultimately, the type of liposuction machine used is far less important than the skill of the surgeon.

Which areas of the body can be treated?

Liposuction can be performed almost anywhere you have unwanted fat: beneath the jaw, in the neck, on the upper arms, inner and outer thighs, knees, hips, flanks (ie, "love handles") bottom and abdomen. Depending on the amount of excess breast tissue, liposuction can be used either alone or as part of a surgical procedure to treat gynecomastia (enlarged male breasts).

It works best for patients without significant skin excess. If your skin is fairly lax, either from previous obesity, pregnancy, or aging of the tissues, other types of procedures may be more appropriate.

Is liposuction a weight-reduction method?

Liposuction is not a weight-reduction technique. Although it can remove stubborn diet- and exercise-resistant fat deposits and sculpt your body into a slimmer profile, patients who are at goal weight are most happy with their results. It is not our practice to remove huge amounts of fat from our patients, because doing so can be dangerous.

Is liposuction a surgical procedure?

Yes. Liposuction requires incisions in the skin, and involves passing a cannula through the fat. It should only be performed by surgeons with specific, extensive training, such as Drs. Wolfe and Vath at the Center for Cosmetic Surgery. Large areas of liposuction require general anesthesia, while treatment of small areas, such as the jaw or chin, can be performed with local anesthesia, with or without additional sedation. In either case, liposuction is generally a same-day procedure.

Is liposuction painful?

In general, tumescent liposuction leaves enough local anesthetic in the treated area to ease the immediate post-operative discomfort. Most patients will use some type of oral pain medication for a few days, and can expect some residual soreness for a week or two. Expect five to seven days off work.

Visit the liposuction gallery on our website to see our wonderful results for yourself!

ALL ABOUT SKIN by Paula Russo, RN

This is an exciting time to be "maturing"! Rejuvenate! has extraordinary treatment choices to help you combat the aging phenomenon.

Does your face look tired, harsh or haggard? We're performing Liquid Face Lift procedures on a daily basis. Although not a substitute for surgery, the Liquid Face Lift can accomplish a gentle lift of facial features and reduce wrinkles and folds. The Liquid Face Lift can give you back the natural, curved facial contours that disappear as the years go by. You'll look rested, energetic and softer—you'll look younger.

We're achieving beautiful results with the Liquid Face Lift by combining BOTOX® or Dysport® with dermal fillers like Restylane®, JUVÉDERM® or Radiesse®. BOTOX and Dysport relax and diminish wrinkles in the forehead, frown lines between the eyes, crow's feet around the eyes and wrinkles around the mouth, while providing some lift to the brows. These effects typically last from three to four months. Dermal fillers can lift and contour to soften facial features, restoring volume to areas of collagen loss. Dermal fillers can last anywhere from six to eighteen months, depending on the area treated and the filler selected. When we combine fillers and BOTOX or Dysport, we find that the life of these products is extended.

The Liquid Face Lift can restore shape to flattened cheeks and temples. Bags under the eyes can be masked, the corners of the mouth can be lifted, lips can be enhanced, and smile lines can be reduced.

The most common side effects of the Liquid Face Lift are temporary bruising and swelling. Avoiding aspirin, Ibuprofen, Vitamin E, Fish Oils and St. John's Wart for the 1-2 weeks prior to treatment reduces these side effects. Tylenol is an acceptable alternative to aspirin or ibuprofen.

To schedule your Liquid Face Lift, call today for a complimentary consultation so we can privately discuss your concerns and create the best plan for your needs. A single treatment lasting approximately 1 hour can restore the youth and radiance your face may have lost. You'll find that we're a trusted Beauty Partner with dozens of tips, techniques and products to bring out the beauty in your skin.