Body contouring: Introduced in the U.S. in the early 1980's, liposuction, also called liposculpture, lipoplasty, or suction lipectomy, is a cosmetic surgery technique developed by cosmetic surgeons to remove stubborn fat deposits that don't respond to dieting and exercise. These fatty bulges are most commonly found in the thighs, hips, abdomen, buttocks, knees, ankles, calves, and arms. They are also found in the facial areas such as the chin, cheeks, jowls, and neck. Liposuction can be performed alone or in conjunction with other cosmetic surgery procedures (such as tummy tuck, facelift, or chin augmentation) to achieve the desired result.
How is the surgery done?
Depending on the extent of your liposuction, your cosmetic surgeon may use a local anesthesia to numb the area to be suctioned or a local in combination with sedation. When larger areas are to be suctioned, an epidural block may be used or general anesthesia. Newer liposuction techniques involve injecting the area to be suctioned with a special fluid/anesthesia combination prior to suctioning. This is called tumescent liposuction. The fluid constricts the surrounding blood vessels, making the procedure nearly bloodless, while minimizing the pain. The rest of the procedure is performed in the same way as traditional liposuction.
LipoSelection®: Over the past several years ultrasonic liposuction has evolved. This technique involves exposing the fat cells to very high frequency waves. These waves disrupt the fat cells, liquefying them, and allowing for more efficient removal.
As with all procedures there are pros and cons. I personally advise this procedure in selected individuals with fibrous tough fat.
The newest form of high frequency liposuction, liposelection, is ideally suited for many different situations, such as the back and chest. An added advantage of liposelection is the resultant contraction of the skin, thus allowing more precise contouring.
After your surgery
Most patients are mobile immediately after liposuction. Keep in mind that healing is a gradual process. Your surgeon will want you to begin normal activity as soon as possible to reduce post-operative complications, but in some cases you may be advised to avoid strenuous activity for a few weeks. Light exercise is usually permitted within a few days.
A tight fitting garment, similar to a girdle, should be worn after surgery to reduce swelling. This may need to be worn up to six weeks.
The New You
Your results will likely be visible within two or three weeks, but the full effect may not be fully evident for six months to a year.
Tridimensional Superficial Liposuction - is a unique procedure developed in Italy, which allows the surgeon to sculpt the body providing curves and form. This technique causes shrinkage in skin. This procedure can often times be done instead of a surgical incision or tummy tuck.
Smartlipo™ - Smartlipo™ is a new technique of liposuction. A 1 mm laser fiber is introduced through a small needle stick underneath the skin. The fat is melted and the laser initiates a significant skin retraction reaction. Unlike more typical types of liposuction, Smartlipo™ allows skin contouring and shrinkage without the need for surgical intervention. The procedure is done without general anesthesia. A bandage is worn for one day and a compression garment for a mere two weeks. Patients are usually able to return to normal activities after a two-week period of time. Smartlipo™ is particularly beneficial for treating sagging arms as well as the fat roll that commonly occurs above and below the bra line. Smartlipo™ is also unique in so much that it also has the ability to diminish underarm sweating by more than 80%. To date, this is the only non-invasive surgical procedure with this capability.
Fat transfer - As we age we lose the fat on the back of our hands, often leaving us with a thin skeletal appearance. With the injection of fat into the hands-a more youthful, harmonious look can be achieved. The procedure is done under local anesthesia.
Hands - Brown spots that commonly appear with aging are easily and painlessly treated with one of our non invasive lasers, requiring NO anesthesia and NO post operative down time. The procedure will result in a pleasant more youthful appearance.
