Liposuction

The ideal candidate for liposuction is a person who is in good health physically and mentally and not severely overweight. Before After   Before After

Liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedure. Its increase in popularity is attributed to the refinement in the surgical technique and the dramatic results that can be achieved.

According to dermatologist Dr. Thomas P. Chu, tremendous advances in the procedure have occurred in the last decade. Dr. Chu says, “Tumescent anesthesia, developed by a California dermatologist, allows liposuction to be performed with a much higher degree of safety and minimal discomfort to the patient.” This innovative technique allows liposuction to be performed in an office setting with much less recovery time than earlier methods. The ability to perform liposuction in the office under local anesthesia also makes the procedure much more affordable and avoids the risks inherent with general anesthesia.

Liposuction is performed to contour specific areas of the body where localized fat deposits occur. These deposits may be genetically determined and create unsightly contour irregularities that are resistant to diet and exercise. Fat deposits in the jowl region, chin and neck which droop and sag may cause a person to appear older than they really are. Liposuction can eliminate the heaviness in the chin and neck resulting in a firmer, younger appearance, thereby delaying or avoiding altogether more complicated surgery such as a face-lift. Other areas of the body which are genetically predisposed to localized fatty deposits include the hips, thighs, and waist. Once the fat is removed, those fat cells are not replaced. Only sub sequential substantial weight can negate the result of liposuction.

To perform the procedure the physician inserts a cannula, or suction tube, through tiny incisions which are strategically placed in natural folds of the body. The cannula is inserted to a depth of one-quarter to one-half inch below the skin. Fat is removed through the cannula from that depth downward toward the muscle layer. In the jowl/neck region, a compression garment is worn for one to two weeks after liposuction to help skin shrink and conform to the contoured area.

The ideal candidate for liposuction is a person who is in good health physically and mentally and not severely overweight. Other important considerations are the elasticity in the skin and how well localized the fatty deposits are. The dermatologist also looks at how well localized the fatty deposits are and the elasticity of the skin. Adequate elasticity is important because it enables the skin to shrink and conform to the newly contoured area avoiding, any sagging of excess skin.

“Complications from liposuction are extremely rare when performed by an experienced hand,”says Dr. Chu. Some numbness, uneven skin surface and bruising are experienced after liposuction, but usually subside rapidly. Patients who have had liposuction say that the minimal discomfort following the procedure is insignificant compared to the dramatic improvement in the way that they look. Liposuction enhances the natural contours of the body and gives a person a more supple, youthful appearance.

Dr. Chu believes that any person interested in liposuction should have realistic expectations of what the procedure can and cannot achieve. If this is accomplished the liposuction using state-of-the-art techniques can lead to optimum results which not only improve one’s appearance, but their self-esteem as well.

POWER LIPOSUCTION

A new technique in liposuction removes fat faster and can result in smoother-looking skin. Called Power Liposuction this procedure involved the use of a motorized cannula rather than the hand held device of traditional liposuction.

With manual liposuction, the dermatologic surgeon moves the cannula back and forth to break up the fat and the suction it out. A motorized cannula has a reciprocating top that moves back and forth at speeds of 3,000 to 5,000 throws per minute over a very tiny distance of only 3 to 5 millimeters - less than a quarter of an inch - a maneuver that a hand could not duplicate.

Power Liposuction allows more efficient and faster fat extraction with less pain and less trauma.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is liposuction surgery?
In the early 1980's, dermatologic surgeons pioneered liposuction techniques to remove undesired fat from nearly all body areas including the face, neck, chin, breast, abdomen, hips, flanks (love handles), back, inner and outer thighs, buttocks, knees, calves, and ankles. Liposuction surgery also emerged as an effective treatment for certain non-cosmetic conditions of fat accumulation, such as lipomas (benign fatty tumors) and enlarged male and female breasts, as well as to decrease excessive sweating under the arms.

What is tumescent liposuction?
Developed by dermatologic surgeons in the mid 1980's, a major advancement called tumescent Liposuction completely changed surgical fat removal. This breakthrough technique refers to filling the fatty layer of skin with a diluted solution of local anesthesia and other medications prior to removing the excess fat. Use of tumescent liposuction allows dermatologic surgeons to safely and efficiently remove both deep and superficial excess layers of fat with little discomfort, more rapid healing, and improved cosmetic results.

How is tumescent liposuction performed?
The procedure involves injecting large volumes of a solution directly into the areas of excessive fatty deposits. The diluted solution usually contains a local anesthetic and a drug called epinephrine to shrink capillaries and minimize blood loss. After a small incision is made in the skin, a small tube (cannula) connected to a vacuum-like machine is inserted into the fatty layer. Using back and forth movements, the fat is sucked through the tube into a sterile collection system. An elastic compression garment is then worn to help the skin contract and heal. The result is a sculpting of bulging areas into more attractive contours.

What are the benefits of local tumescent liposuction?
Tumescent liposuction using local anesthesia offers the benefits of fewer skin irregularities, less bleeding, reduced bruising, and a faster recovery. Tumescent liposuction is designed to be performed as an outpatient procedure. Thus, the potential complications from general anesthesia and a costly hospital stay can be avoided. In addition, since the patient is awake, lie or she is able to sit or stand during" the procedure, allowing the surgeon to check the status of the patient and progress of the contouring.

Why choose a dermatologic surgeon for your liposuction surgery?
Dermatologic surgeons pioneered the tumescent technique of liposuction that uses local anesthesia to ensure patient safety. They are trained and experienced in the use of a wide range of surgical, cosmetic, reconstructive, and non-surgical methods to repair and improve the function and appearance of skin anywhere on the body. As skin surgery experts, they are uniquely qualified to treat the fatty layer of skin and are among the Board-certified specialists trained in liposuction during their residency programs.

When is liposuction indicated?
Liposuction is most effective for removing localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise. Liposuction is not intended as a substitute for weight loss; rather, it is a contouring procedure. It is best utilized in a program of exercise and optimal weight maintenance. The best results are obtained in body areas where there is reasonable muscle tone, good skin elasticity, and fat is not excessive. In cases where there is a significant loss of tone and elasticity, the desired cosmetic results may require a combination of both liposuction and surgical skin tightening to remove the excessive loose tissue.

Typical Results

Before	After