The Liposuction Procedure
Tumescent liposculture begins with making you comfortable by the administration of a light twilight intravenous sedation. Tumescent fluid is then placed into the fatty compartment between the skin and muscle. The fluid contains normal saline, lidocaine and epinephrine. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic used in a very dilute form to numb the fatty compartment. Epinephrine constricts the blood vessels in the fat and skin. As a result, blood loss in the average patient is measured in teaspoons!
Postoperative discomfort is drastically reduced with Tumescent Liposuction since anesthetic remains in the tissues many hours after the procedure is performed. In addition, Tumescent Liposuction results in less bruising, and faster resolution of swelling after surgery.
Dr. Kaniff then artistically sculpts the body fat by removing fatty deposits through small incisions using a 2 - 3 millimeter delicate stainless steel wand called a cannula, this results in an esthetically more pleasing body shape. Newer microcannulas are gentler to the tissues, significantly reducing the chance of skin irregularities. This allows Dr. Kaniff to suction fat with greater precision, reducing the chances of contour irregularities and less bruising.
A support garment is worn for several days after surgery for comfort and tissue support. There is minimal discomfort and a gradual resumption of activity is encouraged beginning the next day. Most people return to work in three to five days, depending on the extent of their surgery.
Liposuction is permanent because not only is the fat removed, but the cells that store the excess fat are also removed. If a person gains weight after liposuction, the weight gain is distributed more evenly over the body rather than in "problems areas" as before.
Candidates for liposuction are men and women who have stubborn deposits of fat that have not responded to diet or exercise. Even people who appear thin or may be at their ideal body weight can have pockets of unwanted fat.
A simple "pinch test" is a good method of determining if you are a good liposuction candidate In the area of concern "pinch" the skin between you r thumb and index finger. If you are able to pinch more than an inch then there is probably sufficient fatty deposits present that liposuction will be helpful. After the administration of a mild intravenous sedation the tumescent fluid is placed in the fatty compartment between the skin and muscle. Tumescent fluid contains normal saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine Lidocaine is a local anesthetic used in very dilute form to "numb" the fatty compartments. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, constricts blood vessels in the fat and skin. As a result, blood loss in the average patient is measured in teaspoons.
Another reason for the procedure's popularity is that it can be performed on a wide variety of body are as and appeals to all age groups. Think of liposuction as sculpting a three dimensional figure - your body!
Multiple areas are often treated during a single operation in order to achieve the best shape. Occasionally two surgical sessions may be recommended for safety reasons depending on the number and size of the areas.
At Kaniff Cosmetic Medical Center, Inc, Liposculpture is performed on a wide variety of body areas including:
- Tummy (abdomen)
- Waist
- Hips
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Love Handles - Flanks
- Saddle bags
- Knees
- Arms
- Face and Neck (cheek, neck, jowl)
