Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent Liposuction

Kathleen Behr, M.D.

 

 What is liposuction?

Liposuction surgery is performed to actually remove unwanted localized deposits of fat cells from the body.  The procedure is meant for body contouring.  It is not treatment of obesity.  A suction tube is inserted through a tiny incision placed in an inconspicuous location on the skin.  A high pressure vacuum is used to extract the fat cells into the tube.  Dr. Behr has performed several hundred procedures since 1994 and has taught several other physicians liposuction.  The result is a resculpturing of bulging areas.

 

What is the tumescent technique?

With the Tumescent technique, large volumes of saline solution, local anesthesia, and adrenaline are infused into the fatty area being treated.  This causes swelling.  This enables the doctor to maneuver a small instrument called a cannula connected to a vacuum machine, superficially under the skin.  The cannula is inserted into the fatty tissue through tiny incisions.  The doctor gently moves it around under the skin and suctions away the unwanted fatty deposits to reveal more attractive contours.

 

Who are the best candidates?

Patients:

With firm, elastic skin and are in good health

Who have tried to eliminate bulges through diet, exercise and weight loss

Who have distinct areas of localized fat that are disproportionate to the rest of their bodies

With realistic expectations and are only slightly to moderately overweight

Who understand that liposuction is not a substitute to weight loss

 

What areas can be treated by liposuction?

The most frequent areas treated by liposuction in men are the “love handles,” breasts, abdomen and neckline.  In women they include: thighs, hips, buttocks, stomachs, knees, lower leg and double chins.

 

How are the benefits of liposuction measured?

Cosmetically speaking, successful liposuction is measured in inches rather than pounds.  The weight removed is not as important as the improvement in your body contour.  Most important is an improved self-image and self acceptance.

 

Is the fat removal permanent?

Yes!  It seems that after puberty we do not create new cells.  When you gain weight, you expand the fat cells that you have.  Tumescent liposuction permanently removes fat cells to improve your body’s contour.  Should you gain weight after liposuction, it goes to the fat cells that remain in your body.

 

Will I need a second procedure?

Most likely one procedure will be sufficient.  However, some patients require a fine tuning procedure at a future date.

 

Will liposuction get rid of cellulite?

Liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite, although many patients do notice an improvement in the appearance of cellulite after the fat cells are removed.

 

How will my skin look after the surgery?

Dimples, ripples, and stretch marks remain unchanged following liposuction.  Your new figure will be similar to what you would expect if you could lose an equal amount of localized fat through diet and exercise alone.  The use of smaller cannulas allows the fibrous connections between your skin and body to remain.  These connections will contract over time.  As a result, excessive skin folds are so rare that many patients avoid the necessity for surgical skin excision by having excellent results with liposuction alone.

 

What will my recovery be like?

You will go home after the procedure and may need to relax until the next morning after which you may gradually increase your activity as tolerated.  After two to five days, you may resume normal activities.  You will need to wear a snug elastic dressing, girdle, or body stocking over the treated area to aid healing for a period of 5-10 days.

 

How do I find out more about whether liposuction is right for me?

If you are considering liposuction and would like to get more information regarding the surgery, please call our office and we will be able to set up an appointment for you to meet with Dr. Behr.  Our office phone number is (559) 435-7546.

 

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions