Tumescent Liposuction
When we diet and exercise but still cannot rid ourselves of certain fat deposits, we face a frustrating dilemma. Liposuction offers an alternative for targeting those stubborn areas of fat that simply do not respond to diet and exercise, and can help us achieve a more lean appearance. The tumescent liposuction technique is an innovation which improves upon more traditional liposuction techniques.
If you make the decision to pursue liposuction or other fat removal procedures, it is important that you do your homework. Body contouring is not just a science, but an art, and the results of a liposuction procedure can be affected by the surgeon's technique. Drs. Smoot, and Smoot, La Jolla and San Diego, California area cosmetic surgeons, have performed countless such procedures. Combined, they have over 70 years of cosmetic surgery experience and understand the artistry behind their practice.
Tumescent liposuction and its benefits
Tumescent liposuction uses diluted local anesthetic and other medications to fill up the fatty skin layer before eliminating areas of excess fat. This causes tissue to swell up and increase in firmness, giving the surgeon a high degree of control. General anesthesia is not needed, eliminating associated complications. The outcome is that bulging areas are sculpted into more shapely contours.
An outpatient surgery, tumescent liposuction spares the patient costly hospital bills. Since the patient is awake during the procedure, the surgeon can request a change of positions which leads to better results on targeted fatty areas.
Tumescent liposuction is a safe procedure, and allows removal of deep and surface fat layers with low discomfort levels. Rapid recovery, enhanced cosmetic outcomes, a lower number of skin irregularities, and reduced bleeding and bruising are all benefits of tumescent liposuction over traditional liposuction.
Are there risks?
As with all surgical procedures, liposuction does have risks as well as benefits. Tumescent liposuction carries with it very few side effects when a qualified surgeon performs the procedure. Occasionally, minor complications such as skin irregularities, lumps, dimples, looseness of the skin, infections, numbness, and scarring rarely occur and are generally easily repaired. Research has shown that the incidence of these complications is strongly correlated with obesity, so it is beneficial to lose weight first through diet and exercise, then consider liposuction.
When is liposuction appropriate?
Liposuction is most useful for eliminating isolated fatty areas that are unresponsive to diet or exercise. It should not be used as a quick route to weight loss; instead, it is a shaping method, and is best used with exercise and a healthy diet. The best outcomes are achieved in areas with good muscle tone, adequate skin elasticity, and fat that is not excessive. If elasticity and tone are both significantly reduced, the surgeon may need to perform skin tightening procedures, such as an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), to eliminate loose tissue.
Tumescent liposuction is an excellent procedure for a variety of body regions, including: the face, neck, chin, breast, abdomen, hips, love handles, back, outer and inner and thighs, buttocks, ankles, knees and calves. Tumescent liposuction is also used for non-cosmetic issues such benign fatty tumors, enlarged male and female breasts, and underarm sweating.
What can I expect before surgery?
Your doctor's office will take a complete medical history and perform a physical examination to determine your condition and readiness for liposuction. During this consultation, the surgeon will explain the procedure and describe anticipated results. Any alternative treatment options will be reviewed, along with potential risks and complications. Photographs are often taken prior to and after surgery.
If you or a loved one is making a decision on a liposuction procedure that will best meet his/her needs, please contact the offices of Dr. John Smoot, and Dr. Wendell Smoot, to schedule a tumescent liposuction consultation, or call 800.715.5052; we can help you determine what approach is right for you. Financing options for your cosmetic surgery are also available.
Wendell Smoot, M.D.
John Smoot, M.D.
Reza Sadrian, M.D.
Carol Hollan, M.D.
9850 Genesee Ave. #300, #380
La Jolla, CA 92037
Phone No: (858) 587-9850
Fax: (858) 622-2066
If you live near La Jolla or elsewhere in San Diego and would like to learn more about abdominoplasty or liposuction, contact our practice today.
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