SUMMER NEWSLETTER 2006

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Understanding Liposuction

Liposuction was initially developed in the 1970‘s to surgically remove fat using specialized surgical instruments and vacuum suction. Fat removal involves the use of a cannula (a thin hollow tube that is inserted below the skin) to manually loosen fat. Suction is applied through the cannula to remove the fat from the body with specialized vacuum-powered equipment. Since it‘s debut, the procedure has evolved. In the 1980‘s, “tumescence” was introduced to the procedure to improve the safety and results of liposuction. In the 1990‘s the advent of ultrasound assistance aimed at fat that is more dense and fibrous further improved liposuction.

• Tumescence
  Tumescence is a treatment administered just prior to liposuction. It involves infusing the area to be treated with sterile saline to help plump the fat cells and distinguish the fat layer from overlying soft tissue and underlying muscle and organs, making the fat cells easier to remove.
• SAL (suction-assisted liposuction)
  All liposuction is essentially suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL) - the removal of fat from the body through the assistance of some form of suction.
• UAL (ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty)
  UAL is a technique used in addition to SAL. UAL uses high-frequency ultrasound energy to lIterally rupture fat cells and dislodge them prior to suctioning. It is useful for larger areas of fat and areas of more fibrous or dense fatty tissue, such as the back, upper abdomen or male breast region. The procedure can be either internal or external.
• PAL (power-assisted liposuction)
  PAL is not an added technique, like UAL or Tumescense. PAL is basically suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL), with an added dimension. It uses special equipment to give the cannula the power necessary to dislodge fat instead of using the doctor‘s physical force and energy. Although it offers the advantage of being less tiring to the surgeon, it does not enhance surgical outcome.

In the addition to the above, Dr. Schafer‘s exclusive Phaser-Tec MicroLipo® takes liposuction to a new level with a few simple principals: minimal incisions, reduced pain, trauma, bruising, and faster healing. Smaller incisions mean faster healing time, less patient discomfort and nearly invisible scars. Regular liposuction uses larger diameter cannulas that are more painful and traumatic. They also contribute to widespread bruising that is commonly associated with liposuction. Phaser-Tec MicroLipo® Liposuction patients also benefit from the use of safer anesthesia, compared to general anesthesia, which is still widely used in liposuction. Additionally, Erchonia lasers and Polaris technology are used for optimal smoothing and tightening of the skin and underlying tissues.

Misconceptions about liposuction:

1. The fat won’t come back to the treated areas
   False - Not all of the fat cells are removed, so if the patient gains a significant amount of weight, the fat cells that are there will enlarge and the treated areas will get larger.
2. Liposuction eliminates cellulite
   False - Cellulite isn’t fat, it’s a web of fibrous bands that connects your skin to the underlying muscle.
3. Liposuction replaces dieting
   False - Liposuction is not a solution for a weight problem. It is intended to treat problem areas that store disproportionate amounts of fat compared with the rest of the body.
4. Liposuction can chisel a six-pack
   False - Liposuction can sculpt the body, but a six-pack is muscle and nothing but exercise can make that happen