Liposuction, Tumescent and Vaser™-Assisted

Liposuction removes areas of fat that are unresponsive to diet and exercise. It helps sculpt the body into a slimmer profile. It can be performed almost anywhere including the abdomen, hips, waist, back, male and female breasts, arms, inner and outer thighs, chin, jowls, and calves.

Tumescent liposuction, the gold standard of liposuction surgery, was developed in 1987 by dermatologists in their quest for safe liposuction. There are no known deaths under tumescent liposuction. It is performed in our surgery center without the use of general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Therefore, the side effects and risks of general anesthesia are eliminated. There are virtually no serious complications and the procedure is relatively simple. Tumescent anesthesia utilizes large volumes of very dilute local anesthesia infused into the unwanted areas of fat. The fat is then suctioned out through a small cannula or tube. Because the cannulas are so small, the incisions heal by themselves without the need for sutures.

We often use Vaser™, a newer, safe form of ultrasound that softens fibrous fat, contracts the skin, and adds to patient comfort during the liposuction procedure. Tumescent liposuction causes only minimal blood loss and very little bruising and discomfort compared to other methods of liposuction. It also results in a faster recovery. We recommend taking Arnica, which also helps minimize bruising.

Patients are up and about the next day and are usually able to resume their regular routine in a couple of days. Most patients need only minor pain medication after surgery. Recovery time varies with the areas treated and the type of activity the patient intends to resume.