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"Lipo" means fat. In this procedure, a microcannula (small tube) is inserted into the fatty compartments and the excess fat deposits are suctioned out. As the cannula "vacuums" out the fat, small tunnels are formed in the fatty layers. Following surgery, these tunnels collapse and pull the skin closer to the muscles. The result is an improved body contour, with a normal look and feel to the skin.
Tumescent liposculpture is especially effective for those fatty areas that have been resistant to dieting and exercise. In women, the most common areas for tumescent liposculpture are the thighs, stomach, hips, knees, calves, ankles and chin. In men, the most common areas are the love handles, stomach, chin and breasts.
The fat cells that are removed will not come back. If you do gain weight after Liposculpture, the weight will be distributed proportionately over your entire body. (Occasionally, in women, the weight may be regained in the breasts.)
Tumescent liposculpture is a relatively simple and very safe procedure. However, it is not a "quick fix" for someone who is obese. The best candidates are those who are in good health, with localized deposits of fat.
Tumescent liposculpture is so popular that it is now the most common operation performed by cosmetic surgeons in the United States.
"Tumescent" means inflated or swollen. The local anesthetic we use inflates or magnifies the fatty compartments. This enlargement allows me to work closer to the skin's surface, thereby achieving greater accuracy. The result for you is a more pleasingly aesthetic contour.
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The Microcannula Tumescent Technique Is Safer
The biggest difference between the Microcannula Tumescent Technique and other forms of tumescent liposculpture is that the Microcannula Tumescent Technique requires only LOCAL anesthesia. I inject a combination of lidocaine, a local anesthetic, and the vasoconstrictive drug epinephrine, which shrinks capillaries, directly into the fat compartments. Because the anesthetic solution is not directly entering the bloodstream, there is little potential for toxic effects.
Adding to the safety of the Microcannula Tumescent Technique is the fact that you are fully conscious and alert, yet you feel no pain. By contrast, other methods of tumescent liposculpture use general or intravenous sedatives and narcotic analgesics (painkillers), all of which pose risks (e.g., allergic reactions, toxicity, breathing and circulation problems) to the patient.
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The Microcannula Tumescent Technique Involves Less Blood Loss
Because the epinephrine in the anesthetic solution constricts the capillaries, there is minimal bleeding during and after the procedure. In fact, the amount of blood lost with the Tumescent Technique is less than the amount of blood drawn during your pre-operative blood tests! By contrast, the amount of blood lost with older tumescent methods of Liposculpture is usually substantial.
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The Microcannula Tumescent Technique Has a Much Shorter Recovery Time
Because you are alert and fully conscious during the procedure, you will be able to stand up as soon as we finish, and you will be able to leave our office within 30 minutes. You will probably need nothing stronger than Tylenol for any discomfort you may feel. By contrast, after tumescent liposculpture with general anesthesia, the patient must be monitored in a recovery room to determine the extent of blood loss and nausea, and painkillers may be prescribed.
Because there is virtually no blood loss with the Tumescent Technique, you will experience less bruising and swelling, and your return to normal activities will be much faster, too. You will be able to return to work and begin exercising within a day or two after surgery. You will wear an elastic garment for only seven days, or less. By contrast, patients who have general anesthesia must wear elastic garments for at least two weeks, and must wait about four weeks until resuming their full activities.
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Before and After
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The Microcannula Tumescent Technique Gives a Better Aesthetic Result
There are three reasons why this is so:
- The local anesthetic stretches and enlarges the fatty compartments, making it easier for me to treat all areas consistently. Thus, the potential for irregularities is reduced.
- The smaller microcannulas used in the Tumescent Technique allow me to be more gentle and accurate. They minimize the potential for unevenness of the skin.
- Less bleeding means less blood and serum accumulation, which is often the cause of waviness and lumpiness.
About 90% of my patients can actually see some improvement in their silhouette within one week after surgery. Final results are usually seen in three to four months. By contrast, final results by Tumescent liposculpture with general anesthesia are not usually evident until six or more months after surgery.
Because only local anesthesia is used, you do not pay for general anesthesia, intravenous sedation, analgesic narcotics, or an anesthesiologist.
Microcannula Tumescent Liposculpture was developed and advanced as the safest form of liposuction by dermatologic cosmetic surgeons.
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