What are the benefits of Lipoabdominoplasty with light intravenous sedation?

Most importantly, the qualities of the tumescent solution allows for minimal bleeding due to the vasoconstriction created by one of its ingredients, while keeping the blood supply intact. With the traditional tummy tuck performed without tumescent anesthesia, electrocautery is necessary to prevent large amounts of blood loss. This further damages the blood supply to the abdominal tissue. Despite using electrocautery, large amounts of blood loss can still occur during the traditional tummy tuck due to the massive dissection required to free up the abdominal flap.

Additionally, with tumescent anesthesia, the patient is wide awake and can get up and move around during certain parts of the surgery. (This is virtually unheard of during a traditional tummy tuck.) Following liposuction and before the tummy tuck, the patient is inspected in a standing position to draw the shape and size of the skin to be removed. This step eliminates any guessing and improves the odds in achieving the optimal body shape, contour line and a symmetrical incision. When the surgery is performed under general anesthesia or heavy intravenous sedation, the patient must stay lying down throughout the surgery which forces the surgeon to guess the shape and size of the amount of skin and flap to be removed.

Also with tumescent anesthesia the operating time is reduced because very little bleeding occurs.

Finally, with tumescent anesthesia the patient is able to stand up from the operating table, ambulate and dress herself/himself at the end of the procedure. This recovery is again virtually unheard of with traditional tummy tucks under general anesthesia or heavy sedation. Due to its long lasting effects, tumescent anesthesia offers a minimal 6-8 hour pain control following the surgery.

Are there any risks involved with minimally invasive lipoabdominoplasty surgery?

Minimally invasive lipoabdominoplasty is a safe procedure with infrequent complications. Although infrequent, as with all surgeries, complications can occur and should be considered prior to scheduling your surgery. These possible complications will be discussed with you at your consultation. Dr Greenberg will be happy to answer all your questions and address any concerns that you may have.