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MicroLipo Consultation FAQ's
To help you make the right decision for your cosmetic surgery needs and obtain the best results, here is a list of the most common questions that are asked in our MicroLipo consultations. If after reviewing the questions, you would like to receive an on-line consultation, click here to tell us more about yourself. Our patient counselor, who works closely with Dr. Schafer, will respond via email or telephone, whichever you prefer. We assure you that the information you send will be kept confidential.
Who is a potential candidate?There is no definite age or weight limits. Most patients have localized fat deposits and some of our happiest patients are within twenty to thirty pounds of their ideal weight, and have been stable at that weight for years. Some patients have certain bulges irrespective of their weight and others are content with their weight, but would be more comfortable if certain bulges were recontoured. The best candidates for liposuction are in good health and have realistic expectations of the benefits of liposuction.
Is Liposuction a treatment for obesity?Liposuction is not an effective treatment for obesity and is not an alternative to dieting. The procedure works best on those whose weight is stable and/or have localized areas of fat deposits.
How is fat removed from the bulge areas?A cannula is a hollow tube with an opening near its blunt end and is inserted through small incisions beneath the skin and into the fatty tissue overlying the body's musculature. This cannula breaks up the fatty tissue creating a honeycombing of the fat. A vacuum pump connected to the other end of the cannula then evacuates the loosened fat cells underneath the skin surface through a series of openings at the tip end of the cannula. The smaller the cannula, the smaller the tunnels and the more even the reduction. The cannulas that Dr. Schafer uses are generally 1.3 to 4.0 mm in outside diameter. In contrast, other surgeons often use cannulas 6.0 mm or larger in size. After surgery, these tiny tunnels collapse resulting in an improved body contour.
How are the benefits of Liposuction measured?The cosmetic success of liposuction relies on removing inches rather than pounds. Little weight is actually removed and yet dramatic change in silhouette is possible. Most important is the patient's satisfaction and increased self acceptance.
The Tumescent Technique is the most significant advance in Liposuction.The Tumescent Technique is the most significant improvement in liposuction. It effects liposuction totally by local anesthesia and thus avoids general anesthesia. The technique is considered the safest form of liposuction as blood loss is greatly reduced, post operative recovery time is reduced, and the cosmetic results are optimized. The Tumescent Technique was developed and refined by a dermatologist in 1985.
What does Tumescent mean?The word "tumescent" means swollen or firm. This technique is accomplished by injecting a large volume of a dilute solution of lidocaine, a local anesthetic and of epinephrine, a vasoconstrictive drug which shrinks capillaries.
Can the procedure be performed in an office setting?Liposuction is performed in our specially equipped in-office operatory. The Tumescent Technique means liposuction can be performed totally by local anesthetic. Single areas, i.e., neck, abdomen, knees, outer thighs, etc., and multiple areas can be treated, in a given session, depending on the number and size of the areas.
Blood loss is greatly reduced.The epinephrine in the anesthetic solution causes diffuse capillary constriction that results in minimal blood loss during and after the surgery. Now 1% of what is extracted is blood, and without the tumescent solutions, 25% of what is removed is blood. Not only is recovery time reduced, i.e., your oxygen carrying capacity is preserved, but blood transfusions are virtually unnecessary.
Quick return to normal activities.Home rest is necessary for the first twenty-four hours and then a light work schedule may be resumed. If sculpting is more extensive and performed in several areas, several days of recuperation may be necessary. A special elastic garment must be worn for three days after surgery. The rate of healing is accelerated as a result of the drainage of blood tinged anesthetic solution the first day or two after the procedure. This drainage minimizes bruising, reduces inflammation, and significantly accelerates healing. Exercise appropriate for the individual can be initiated after 7-14 days. Dr. Schafer will make his directions dependant on each individual case.
How will the skin look after surgery?Stretch marks, dimples, and ripples remain unchanged following surgery. In some cases, cellulite may appear visibly reduced. The changes following liposuction are analogous to those one would expect if it were possible to lose an equal amount of fat in localized areas by dieting alone. Smaller cannulas allow the fibrous connections between the skin and body to remain. These contract or shorten during healing. For this reason, excessive skin folds are rare and in fact, many patients who would have previously required surgical excision of skin can have excellent results with liposuction alone.
Are there any scars as a result of the procedure?The Tumescent Technique uses very small cannulas, which result in smaller incisions. Incisions are not sutured closed and heal with less marking than those sutured. When possible they are concealed in natural body creases; such as the end of the buttock fold, the umbilicus, under the chin, or in the pubic hair.
Bruising is decreased.Bruising is greatly reduced because the local anesthetic solution contains epinephrine which constricts blood vessels, reducing bleeding, and therefore bruising. The drainage of anesthetic solution following the Tumescent Technique further reduces bruising as it contains blood cells that would otherwise remain under the skin and appear as a bruise. By minimizing bruising and swelling, the tumescent liposuction accelerates the rate of healing.
Can fat re-accumulate in the contoured areas?Fat cells are permanently removed as fat cells are thought not to multiply after puberty. As long as the patient does not gain excessive weight, the new silhouette is permanent. Fat removal however, does not allow for abuse of diet later. Patients, after liposuction, have sometimes found that areas treated by liposuction retain the new contour whereas areas not treated have been new sites for fat development. As one gains weight the size of the individual fat cells will increase and too much weight gain may mask the benefit. The benefit will show when the extra weight is reduced. People with prior weight problems still have to watch their weight and exercise.
What complications may occur?Surgical complications of liposuction are quite rare. As with any surgical procedure, liposuction is associated with common side effects such as bruising, swelling, and numbness. Skin irregularities have been greatly reduced because Dr. Schafer uses very small cannulas that effect a more even and less traumatic reduction.
Who performs Liposuction?Liposuction is a newer surgical technique that has been embraced by dermatologic surgeons, cosmetic surgeons, and plastic surgeons. In fact, dermatologic surgeons as well plastic surgeons, and cosmetic surgeons are taught liposuction during their residency training programs. The Tumescent Technique was invented by a dermatologist.
Why don't more surgeons use the Tumescent Technique?One of the most significant factors in determining which technique a surgeon will use is time. From a surgeon's point of view, the surgery will take less time when a general anesthetic is used.
Is Liposuction right for me?The best way to decide that is to speak with a surgeon who has a large experience and specializes in liposuction, facial and body sculpturing. It is important to find a surgeon who has an artistic touch and sensibility. Speak frankly, ask questions, and explain your expectations. Having done thousands of liposuction procedures, we can answer your questions, address your goals and expectations regarding facial and body liposuction. During your consultation, I will provide you with the facts to enable you to make the decision that's right for you.
If you would like to receive a personal consultation, click here to tell us more about yourself. Our patient counselor, who works closely with Dr. Schafer, will respond via email or telephone, whichever you prefer. We assure you that the information you send will be kept confidential. Please keep in mind, your online or telephone consultation will help you learn about viable solutions to your cosmetic surgery needs; however, it will not replace a one-on-one in-office consultation. If you would like to arrange an in-office consultation, please call 1- (888) 306-3647 . |
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