SKIN Physicians&Surgeons

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS LIPOSCULPTURE?

Answer: Liposculpture is the removal of unwanted bulges created by excess localized fat deposits. These fat deposits form because of hereditary factors (familial traits) and gender (male versus female). Liposculpture differs from liposuction primarily by the size of the cannula, with microcannulas enabling more precise sculpting. A small microcannula inserted through a tiny opening placed in an inconspicuous location, removes the unwanted fat by a high-pressure vacuum.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR LIPOSCULPTURE?

Answer: Athletic individuals who are already on an exercise program and of normal body weight are considered ideal for this treatment. However, patients who are moderately overweight can still be good candidates. In general, the most important thing is that they have realistic expectations of what they can achieve. Age by itself is not a significant factor. Many patients who are in their 60's and 70's have been delighted with the outcome. The patient should be in good general health without significant heart or lung problems. This technique is not a substitute for weight loss. There is a limit to how much fat can be removed safely at one time.

WHAT AREAS ARE TREATED?

Answer: The most common area treated is the upper outer thigh area in women. These areas are commonly referred to as "saddle bags". The second most common area is the stomach/abdomen, followed by the flank (love handles). Other areas that are treated are double chins, upper arms, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, and ankles. Bulges on the chest in front and back of the arms may also be treated. For men this procedure can be used to correct gynecomastia (enlarged pectoral tissue/ chest). Women can also reduce their breasts by one to two cup sizes using tumescent liposculture instead of the traditional breast reduction. The advantage to this technique is the healing time is quicker, and there are minimally perceptible scars unlike with a traditional breast reduction.

IS THIS A DANGEROUS PROCEDURE?

Answer: Contrary to sensationalistic misrepresentations in the lay press, Liposculpture has been shown to be a very safe procedure with very few complications. A recent review of over 30,000 cases of Liposculpture revealed no serious complications and a very low percentage of minor problems (i.e., temporary swelling, irregularity, numbness, etc).

WHERE IS LIPOSCULPTURE PERFORMED?

Answer: All cases are performed in an Outpatient Surgery Center under local anesthesia. This center is fully accredited, meaning it has passed vigorous standards for safety and infection control.

WHAT IS THE RECOVERY PERIOD?

Answer: The recovery time varies with how many areas are treated and the type of activity the patient intends to resume. Most patients are performing routine duties after two days.

WILL THERE BE BANDAGES?

Answer: There are no bandages. Special compression garments are worn under clothing for one week. These garments are made specifically for this procedure.

WILL THE FAT REGROW?

Answer: No. No new fat cells develop after puberty. With weight gain or weight loss the fat cells expand or contract in size. When fat cells are removed from a treated area, they do not return. Liposculpture is indeed the only true spot reducer.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE EXCESS SKIN?

Answer: Skin is a dynamic organ that has elasticity and in most cases is able to shrink and re-accommodate to the new body contour. Those who are poor candidates for liposculpture surgery because of decreased skin elasticity can have the excess skin removed if they so desire at a later date. In our experience, this is almost never necessary.

CAN THE PROCEDURE BE REPEATED?

Answer: Yes. There is a maximum limit to the amount of fat that can be removed during any one operation. In some instances you may want to have additional fat removed at a later date. It is recommended to wait at least 1 month between procedures.

WHEN WILL I NOTICE THE RESULTS?

Answer: Usually between 10 to 30 days, however, improvement continues for up to 6 months.

WILL I LOSE WEIGHT?

Answer: Weight loss may be minimal because fat weighs very little. The difference will be seen primarily in the way your clothes fit. You will probably lose inches and look slimmer. In general, body weight remains the same if diet and exercise levels remain unchanged. This is NOT a method for weight loss.

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?

Answer: Although diet and exercise help with weight reduction, the body's shape may stay relatively the same without liposculpture. Direct surgical removal with "open" surgical technique is possible but would result in large scars. The last alternative is to elect no treatment -- leave "well enough" alone.

WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF LIPOSCULPTURE?

Answer: Areas of cellulite ("cottage cheese" texture) are only occasionally improved by liposculpture. Correction of asymmetrical areas may also not occur.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT THE DAY OF SURGERY

Upon arriving at the Outpatient Surgery Center reception area, you will be greeted and asked to change into a surgical gown. The areas on your body to be treated with liposculpture will be marked with a felt-tip pen. Pre-operative medications will be given at this time and an IV started. You will be escorted to the operating room where a blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and a monitor on your fingertip. Your skin will be anesthetized at the sites where long infiltrating cannulas will be inserted to anesthetize the subcutaneous fat.

The actual injection of the anesthetic solution is almost painless. Patients usually experience a slight prickling sensation under the skin as the area becomes "numb". Once an area has been well infiltrated with a large volume of dilute anesthetic solution it is usually completely numb. If an incompletely anesthetized area is encountered during the procedure, you will feel a mildly sharp discomfort. More anesthetic solution will be infiltrated exactly where it is needed until 100% numbness is achieved.

After liposculpture is complete, antibiotic ointment will be applied to the tiny incision sites. Absorbent pads and elastic support garments will be placed. You will then be escorted to our recovery room where you will be offered a snack and have an opportunity to rest for a few minutes. Although you will feel well enough after surgery to drive yourself home, you should not do so because you may experience some drowsiness.

The Tumescent Technique minimizes post-operative discomfort. Plain Tylenol is sufficient to treat post-operative discomfort because residual local anesthesia lasts up to 12 to 18 hours or more. With the Tumescent Technique there is no post-surgical nausea or unpleasant feeling of a "hang-over" which is usually associated with general anesthesia.

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