SmartLipo™

SmartLipo™ is a new laser-assisted liposuction technique that simultaneously destroys fat cells and tightens skin. FDA-approved SmartLipo offers a faster, safer and less invasive alternative to other liposuction methods, with fewer side effects and a shorter recovery time.

SmartLipo achieves dramatic results by delivering Nd:YAG laser energy through a small incision to localized fat deposits on the face and body. The laser not only ruptures fat cells, which then drain away harmlessly, it also coagulates tissue on contact, stimulating collagen production for tighter skin and resulting in less bleeding. Fat removal can usually be done in a single treatment with local anesthesia.

Liposuction is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure.  The reason is the results tend to be excellent and many people have areas they wish were thinner.

Is Liposuction for me?
Liposuction is the removal of unwanted fat from the subcutaneous area of your body.  Liposuction is an ideal option if you have tried to diet and have been unable to lose weight from certain areas of the body.  Problem areas for women tend to be outer and inner thighs, hips, chin, abdomen and waist.  Problem areas for men tend to be chin, abdomen, flanks (love handles) and waist.   

Am I a candidate for liposuction?
Liposuction is not intended for obese individuals.  It is intended to remove fat and sculpt the body for a more aesthetic appearing look.  It is intended to reshape and form your body.

If you have realistic expectations for what the procedure can accomplish, you are a good candidate.  You must be aware that liposuction can enhance your appearance but will not change the overall look of your body.  You need to carefully think about the expectations you have and discuss them with your surgeon.

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About the consultation!
On your initial consultation the surgeon will evaluate your general health and determine whether you are a candidate for liposuction.  The surgeon will listen to your concerns, examine your fat deposits, and customize a treatment plan that is right for you.  You will be able to ask questions regarding the procedure.  All of your questions will be answered.

How do I prepare for surgery?
Your surgeon and the staff will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery.  You will be told what medications you will be taking prior to the surgery.  There are certain medications and vitamin supplements that will interact with your tumescent anesthesia and you will be told to discontinue them prior to surgery.  If you develop an illness prior to the surgery, your surgery may need to be postponed.

Can the Surgery be performed in a Physician’s office?
It is safe for your tumescent liposuction surgery to be performed in an office based setting.  Your blood pressure, heart, and oxygen levels will be monitored.

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What type of anesthesia will be used to perform liposuction?
Tumescent liposuction is a technique developed by a dermatologist to do liposuction in a safe and controlled manner.  Tumescent liposuction involves instilling a dilute solution of lidocaine, epinephrine, and sodium bicarbonate into the subcutaneous fat to anesthetize the fat.  Tumescent liposuction by local anesthesia has proven to be extremely safe despite the use of large doses of lidocaine. 

The remarkable safety of tumescent liposuction is explained by the extreme dilution of the local anesthetic solution.  The tumescent anesthesia, which includes epinephrine, causes widespread capillary constriction which in turn delays the absorption process of lidocaine.

There are multiple advantages to performing liposuction by the tumescent technique.  Tumescent liposuction is less painful and better tolerated than liposuction under general anesthesia.  Tumescent anesthesia is so good at providing fluid to the body that there is no need for IV fluids to be given during the procedure.   There have been no reported deaths with patients having liposuction by the tumescent liposuction technique.  Most patients can return to work 2-3 days after the procedure. 

What does the surgery involve?
On the day of surgery, you will be taken to our consultation room where pre-operative photos will be taken. The surgery plan will be reviewed, and you will be given your pre-operative medications.  The surgeon will then proceed with surgical markings.  You then will be taken to the treatment room where an IV will be started. You will be cleansed in a sterile manner prior to the surgery, and then the tumescent anesthesia will be administered. 

After the anesthesia has taken affect (approximately 30 minutes) your surgery will begin.  Depending on the sites to be done it may take anywhere from 1-3 hours of suction to complete the operation.  The surgery will be accomplished with the use of small cannulas (straw sized instruments) to carefully remove the fat.  After the surgery is completed, garments will be placed on you to help with the post-operative healing. You will experience drainage of fluid from the small incisions used to do liposuction. These sites will drain for 2-4 days.  The surgical sites are not sutured to facilitate the drainage of tumescent fluid.

When can I get back to normal?
You can walk and do light exercise the night of surgery if you feel up to it. You will notice improvement in the shape of your body right after surgery.  It will continue to improve for 3-6 months. At that time you should see the final result of the surgery.  You can resume your prior exercise regimen 3 weeks after surgery if you eliminate any bouncing movements..

Calf and Ankle Liposuction

Excess fat in the calf and ankle area is a genetic problem that many people, primarily women, are forced to deal with.  While many women desire long, curvaceous legs, they are instead left with thick calves with no definition.  Many women are embarrassed by the appearance of their legs, and can do little to control it through traditional diet and exercise. 

Many patients seek liposuction to remove excess fat from these areas, as they are often resistant to diet and exercise.  This procedure takes about two hours to perform and requires a recovery period of a few weeks.  Patients will be given compression garments after this procedure to hold the new shape of the calf and promote the healing process.  The results of this procedure are permanent, as fat cells are removed from the body and cannot return.

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