Liposuction works when nothing else will. It removes unwanted fat from the abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, flanks and even the neck. It contours and shapes those awkward places that make one self-conscious whether in a business suit or a bathing suit.

BEFORE & AFTER: Liposuction refined neck and jawline. This picture is of one of our patients whose liposuction was done by the Cosmetic Surgery Center.

What is liposuction? All liposuction techniques involve the surgical vacuuming of fat from beneath the surface of the skin.

How is tumescent liposuction different? The tumescent liposuction procedure is more effective, less painful, and much safer than earlier liposuction techniques. It involves infiltration of a saline solution containing a local anesthetic and a small amount of epinephrine to temporarily shrink the blood vessels.

Why is tumescent liposuction better? Our technique is better for three reasons.

1. The anesthetic in the solution means no other anesthesia is necessary, therefore the patient avoids the dangers of a general anesthetic.
2. With the shrinking of the blood vessels, very little blood is lost, unlike other methods of liposuction.
3. Because the area is infiltrated, access is easier. Smaller instruments, called cannulas, can be used. The results are smoother and more even without the lumpiness and uneven ridging that is common in other liposuction techniques. IN addition, smaller cannulas are gentler to your body and cause less bruising post-operatively.

How much does it hurt? During the procedure, patients report no pain. For a few days after surgery, patients often comment that they feel as if they have been vigorously exercising.

How long before I return to normal activities? Although everyone heals at a different rate and experiences a different level of soreness, most patients return to normal activities within two to three days. For the best results, we do require that you wear a spandex garment over the treated area for approximately thirty days following surgery. This support helps the skin adhere to its new, improved contour.

BEFORE & AFTER: Liposuction reduced heaviness on the sides and stomach of this Cosmetic Surgery Center patient.

How much improvement can I expect? This depends on the amount of fatty tissue removed and the area treated. However, you will continue to see improvement for three to six months after surgery.

The small cannulas used in the tumescent technique allow more precise removal of the fatty tissue than with earlier methods of liposuction. The final result is a smooth silhouette without dimpling and irregularities.

Is the fat permanently removed? Once we reach puberty, we don’t develop any new fat cells. Fat cells either swell or shrink in size depending upon your weight gain or loss. When fat cells are removed from a treated area, they do not return. However, if you gain excessive weight, the remaining fat cells can expand. While it does not influence long-term body weight, liposuction is the only way to remove excess fatty tissue in specific areas of your body.