Have Questions? Dr. Greenberg Answers the Common Questions about Liposuction
What is office Liposuction?
It is the removal of fat deposits beneath the skin using a hollow stainless steel tube (called a cannula) with the assistance of a powerful vacuum, performed in a doctor’s office. Body sculpting by liposuction permanently removes these localized accumulations of fat located between the skin and muscle using local (tumescent) anesthesia.
How is office liposuction different from traditional liposuction?
Traditional liposuction is performed under general anesthesia in a surgical center or hospital, using large cannulas, inserted through larger incisions, causing greater risks and longer recovery time. Office liposuction is performed using local anesthetic, with the patient awake, through small incisions (2 or 3mm diameter) resulting in less scarring, less blood loss, less risk, and shorter recovery time.
What is Tumescent Anesthesia?
Tumescent anesthesia involves the use of large volumes of a dilute solution of lidocaine (local anesthetic) combined with a solution of epinephrine (constricts, or shrinks blood vessels) which is injected directly into the fatty area causing the tissues to become swollen and firm (tumescent). The tumescent local anesthesia technique is so effective that patients no longer need intravenous sedatives or general anesthesia. This technique is now considered the safest form of liposuction for removing even large amounts of fat because there is virtually no blood loss. In addition to being safer than traditional liposuction under general anesthesia, the tumescent technique has proven to be less painful, results in less bruising, with reduced infection risk (lidocaine has antibacterial properties) and allows shorter recover time.
Are there any risks of office liposuction?
Office liposuction is a very safe procedure with infrequent complications. As with any surgical procedure, liposuction may be associated with certain side effects such as bruising, swelling, and temporary numbness. Although irregularities of the skin are possible following liposuction, the use of the tumescent technique and smaller cannulas minimize this risk, compared to traditional liposuction using larger cannulas. Smaller cannulas allow for a more gradual, targeted, and measured or controlled removal of fat. Rare problems that can occur with any surgery include bleeding, infection, or nerve injury. The tumescent technique minimizes these risks.
Am I a candidate for office liposuction?
Not everyone is a good candidate for office liposuction. To be a candidate, one must be in good general health. Diabetes, any current infection, heart or circulation problems usually prevent one from being eligible for the procedure. In addition, the ideal candidate has attempted dieting and exercise, is near normal weight, but found that the last 10 or 15 pounds of fat seems resistant to further weight loss efforts, and seems trapped in certain areas on the body. In older people, the skin is less elastic and may not tighten so readily around the new shape.
When can I return to normal activity?
Because very small cannulas are used with the tumescent technique, resulting in reduced swelling and pain after surgery, patients are generally able to return to normal physical activities very soon after the procedure. There is no limitation of physical activity other than what common sense would dictate. Some patients are able to return to normal work and light aerobic exercise within a day or two after surgery. Some patients do find the soreness after surgery to be more significant than others, but on average, most patients are surprised at how quickly they return to normal activity.
In conclusion…
Office liposuction is a popular cosmetic surgical procedure that can safely remove unwanted accumulations of fat from a variety of sites using local anesthesia. By removing these isolated pockets of fat that cause areas of the body to appear disproportionate, the surgeon can achieve a smoother, more desirable body contour for his patient.
Dr. Greenberg sees patients from Frisco, Plano and the surrounding North Texas Communities.Schedule your appointment today for a free initial liposuction consultation.
