 |
 |
|
| Liposuction involves the removal of unwanted bulges created by excess localized fat deposits. A relatively new procedure, liposuction has become one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures. When performed by an experienced and skilled physician, it is safe and the results can be quite dramatic. |
The Tumescent Technique
| The tumescent technique, created by Dermatologist Jeffery Klein, MD, is the most important advancement in liposuction surgery since it was introduced to this country in the early 1980s. This technique produces smoother results while greatly decreasing risk, expense and postoperative discomfort. This surgery is performed by Dr. Micki Ly as a one-day outpatient procedure.
|
| With the tumescent technique, the doctor injects a solution into the fatty tissue that anesthetizes the area. It causes the area to become firm and swollen (tumescent), which enables the surgeon to extract fat more accurately and uniformly, and thereby produce smoother results. A thin tube (cannula) is inserted through a tiny incision in an inconspicuous location. The fat is removed through this tube with the assistance of a high pressure vacuum.
|
Benefits of the Tumescent Technique
| Patients do not need general anesthesia. The majority receive no sedation or only minor sedation to help them relax and are completely comfortable and awake during surgery. Post operative discomfort is significantly reduced since the local anesthesia is effective for 8-16 hours after surgery.
|
| The suction tubes used in this technique are very thin and minimize the amount of trauma produced. The incisions usually heal nicely with few if any sutures. There is minimal scarring.
|
| After surgery patients can get up and walk out of the office themselves, and are usually back to their regular routine in a couple of days.
|
Best Candidates for Liposuction
| Active, healthy persons of average or near-average weight and good skin tone are best suited for liposuction. Overweight individuals can benefit if they are in the process of exercising and losing weight. However, this technique is not for the very obese and is not a substitute for weight loss. Candidates must have realistic expectations for what liposuction can and cannot do.
|
| Age by itself is not a significant factor.
|
| Candidates must have no significant medical problems.
|
Body Areas That Can Be Treated by Liposuction
- Neck and Jowls
- Arms
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Hips
- Inner and Outer Thighs (saddle bags or riding breeches on women)
- Knees
- Legs
- Flanks (love handles on men)
- Enlarged Male Breasts (gynecomastia)
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Tumescent Liposuction
Is this a dangerous procedure?
Any surgery carries risk. Liposuction, however, when performed by a skilled and experienced physician who uses the tumescent technique, has been shown to be quite safe.
|
Will the fat return?
The number of fat cells in the adult body is fairly constant. These cells swell or shrink depending on weight gain or loss. If they are removed they do not return. Because of this, liposuction is the only true spot reducer. Long term body weight, however, is not influenced by liposuction.
|
What happens to the excess skin?
The skin is a living, dynamic organ which has the ability to stretch and shrink. In most cases, the skin is able to shrink after liposuction and conform to the new body contour. Patients with markedly decreased skin elasticity can have the excess skin removed later. This is rarely necessary.
|
How much weight will I lose?
Liposuction is not for weight loss, but rather for reshaping the body by getting rid of stubborn and unappealing deposits of fat. The difference will be seen primarily in the way your clothes fit you. You will probably lose inches and look slimmer.
|
What is the recovery period?
The recovery time varies with how many areas are treated and with the type of activity the patient intends to resume. Most patients are performing routine duties after two days, but others may require 6 or 7 days to recover.
|
Will there be bandages?
Not in the traditional sense. Special compression garments are worn under clothing for a period of time. These garments are designed specifically for this procedure.
|
Can the procedure be repeated?
Yes. There is a limit to the amount of fat which can be removed during any one session. In some instances the patient may want to have more removed at another time. If someone has several areas to treat, sometimes it is better to treat them at separate times. It is our custom to wait approximately 3 months between procedures.
|
When will I notice the results?
You will usually notice the results within ten to thirty days. Improvement, however, continues for up to one year.
|
How much does it cost?
There is a charge for the initial consultation. If you choose to have the procedure performed, the consultation fee is deducted from the cost of the procedure.
The cost of the procedure depends upon several factors, including the site(s) selected, and special circumstances which may surround a particular case. Our office will quote a comprehensive fee which includes the surgery and four follow-up visits (at three days, one week, one month, and three months). There is no separate charge for facility use, for compression garments, nor for anesthesia, but the cost of your pre-operative laboratory tests is not included.
|
Will my insurance pay for it?
This is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by medical insurance plans.
|
Where is liposuction performed?
We perform all of our cases as one day outpatient procedures at the Aloha Dermatology and Laser Center office.
|
CLICK HERE to compare Aloha Dermatology and Laser Center's
Fat Reduction Techniques.
|
|
| |
|
|
 |
