Surgical
Procedures
Body Contouring
Suction Lipectomy/Liposuction
Liposuction is the removal of unwanted localized
deposits of fat cells from the body. Fat cells are extracted from
the body through tiny incisions in the skin. Cannulas (small
metal tubes) are connected to tubing which is attached to
a pump with creates a vacuum. This procedure has been significantly
refined over the past few years, using smaller tubes and also
utilizing ultrasonic energy. Close to 300,000 procedures were
performed in the US last year.
Liposuction may be applied to many areas of
the body, including the neck, arms, abdomen, breast, back, hips,
thighs, and calves. The most common areas in women are the abdomen
and upper thighs and the "love handles" in men.
Smaller volumes (below 1500 cc) may be performed in
the office under local anesthesia and larger volumes (1500
cc to 5 liters) are usually performed in a surgicenter environment
with either sedation or anesthesia. The larger cases (5 liters
plus) are usually admitted to the hospital for observation
overnight.
Techniques
We offer several techniques to accommodate the needs of our patients.
During the initial consultation Dr. Dabb and the patient will
determine which procedure is right for the patient.
Tumescent Technique/“Hyperwet”
Technique - Regardless of the location of the
procedure or the technique used, a wetting solution is first infiltrated
into the subcutaneous layer. With this technique, large volumes
of saline solution, local anesthesia, and adrenaline are injected
into the fatty area being treated.
"Superficial” Suction
Technique - This technique uses very small cannulas
and start superficially and proceeds to deeper levels. This allows
for more even aspiration than earlier techniques with better skin
retraction.
Ultrasonic Assisted Lipectomy(UAL)
- UAL uses a special cannula with a handpiece that generates ultrasonic
energy at the tip of the cannula. This energy implodes the fat
cells before they are aspirated resulting in a more gentle procedure,
with less blood loss, and greater skin contraction. It allows
for larger volumes to be done at the same time, with better skin
contour. UAL is especially beneficial in dense areas, areas with
scarring from previous surgery, and in male gynecomastia. The
Center was the first practice in the region to utilize this technique
and has extensive experience in this approach.
Surgery - The procedure
may be performed under local anesthesia in the office or under
general anesthesia at surgicenter depending on the location and
size of the procedure. A small incision is made, wetting solution
is infiltrated, ultrasonic energy is applied, and the fat is aspirated.
The small incision is closed and a compression garment is applied.
Recovery
- Most patients require a compression garment for
3 weeks. After liposuctions after care is required for best result.
At approximately three weeks, Endermologie is performed for at least
three sessions; this is included in the original surgical package.
Additional Endermologie treatments may be purchased.
Endermologie is a system consisting of a computerized set of
rollers with associated suction. This aggressively massages the
skin and subcutaneous tissue during healing phase, diminishing
edema and controlling scar formation, minimizing the need for
revisional procedures.
This, along with external ultrasound, gives a smoother and more
even result and accelerates the resolution of postoperative swelling
and busing (edema).
Return to Work/Full Activity
- Depends on location and volume of procedure.
Complications -
Depends on location and volume of procedure.
Small volume liposuction and Weight Management
Here at the Center we have developed a "Holistic Approach"
to weight management. The treatment program consists of nutritional
and exercise assessment and repetitive small volume liposuction,
followed by Endermologie.
During the initial consultation options are discussed and a plan
of treatment is outlined. Each individual area is approached at
approximately three-month intervals.
The areas will be done in order of priority; the patient chooses
the timing and prioritization of regions. In the interim, the
practice forms a support structure for the patient to maintain
their nutritional and exercise program by Tanita analysis and
review.
This approach is safe, affordable, has minimal downtime (done
Friday, work Monday) and gives predictable results.
Examples
