Ultrasonic-assisted tumescent liposuction is helping many of our patients achieve the body shape they've always wanted, especially when repeated exercise and diets don't work. Tumescent Liposuction, a technique created by a dermatologist, removes unwanted fat from the body through a tiny cannula (instrument) about the size of a 'sippy straw'. Treatment is done in a comfortable, relaxed environment without the need for general anesthesia, and recovery time is as short as two days for most patients. We believe Tumescent Liposuction is the safest method of treatment available - and one that fits your busy lifestyle.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction surgery is performed to actually remove unwanted localized deposits of fat cells from the body. The procedure is meant for body contouring. It is not a treatment of obesity. A suction tube is inserted through a tiny incision placed in an inconspicuous location on the skin. With a high pressure vacuum, fat cells are extracted through this tube. The result is a resculpting of bulging areas into more attractive contours.

What is the Tumescent Technique?

With the Tumescent Technique, large volumes of saline solution, local anesthesia, and adrenaline are infused into the fatty area being treated. This enables Dr. Schlessinger to maneuver a small instrument called a cannula, connected to a suction machine, superficially under the skin. The cannula is inserted into the fatty tissue through tiny incisions. Dr. Schlessinger gently moves it around under your skin and suctions away the unwanted fatty deposits to reveal more attractive contours.

Who are the best candidates?

The best candidates for body sculpting:

• have firm, elastic skin and are in good health
• have tried to eliminate bulges through diet, exercise and weight loss
• have distinct areas of localized fat that are disproportionate to the rest of their bodies
• have realistic expectations and are only slightly to moderately overweight
• understand that liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss

How will my skin look after surgery?

Liposuction will improve the ability to wear and look good in clothes, but dimples, ripples and stretch marks will not improve and sometimes are even accentuated following liposuction. Your new figure will be similar to what you would expect if you could lose an equal amount of localized fat through diet and exercise alone. The use of smaller cannulas allows the fibrous connections between your skin and body to remain. These connections will contract over time. As a result, excessive skin folds are so rare that many patients avoid the necessity for surgical skin excision such as the tummy tuck by having excellent results with liposuction alone. Sometimes a small tuck can be done to improve skin after liposuction. Charges and the likelihood of this can be discussed at the time of your consult.

What will my recovery be like?

You will go home after the procedure and rest for a few hours, after which you may gradually increase your activity as tolerated. After 2 to 5 days you may resume normal activities. You will need to wear a snug elastic dressing, girdle, or body stocking over the treated area to aid healing. These are provided free of charge. Dr. Schlessinger purchases these garments from the inventor of the tumescent technique, Dr. Klein. Some patients prefer to have a second pair on hand and this extra pair may be purchased for a small extra charge if so desired at the time of surgery.

What areas can be treated by Liposuction?

The most frequent areas treated by liposuction in men are the "love handles", breasts, abdomen, chin and neckline. In women they include: thighs, hips, buttocks, stomach, knees, lower leg, cheeks, and chin. Some women elect to have their fat recycled through lipo-augmentation.

How are the benefits of Liposuction measured?

Cosmetically speaking, successful liposuction is measured in size rather than pounds. The weight removed is not as important as the improvement in your body's contour. Most important is our patient's improved self-image and self acceptance.

Is the fat removal permanent?

Yes! Except in extreme cases, it seems that after puberty we do not create new fat cells except in extreme cases. When you gain weight, you expand the fat cells that you have. Tumescent liposuction permanently removes fat cells to improve your body's contour. Should you gain weight after liposuction, it goes to the fat cells that remain in your body. The localized fatty deposits that existed prior to liposuction can no longer balloon up out of proportion to the surrounding areas unless significant amounts of weight are gained or minimal exercise is done, allowing muscle to turn to fat.

Will I need a second procedure?

Most likely one procedure will be sufficient. However, some patients require a fine tuning procedure at a future date.

Will Liposuction get rid of cellulite?

Liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite, although many patients do notice a change in the appearance of cellulite after fat cells are removed and when used in conjunction with a technique we provide, Silhouette Liponic Sculpting.

Why should I consider Tumescent Liposuction at Skin Specialists?

Dr Joel Schlessinger studied tumescent liposuction with the dermatologist who developed it. He is the only physician in the area who has. The new tumescent technique, as practiced at Skin Specialists, offers significant improvements over earlier methods.

• It has proven to be less painful, and has minimized post-operative recovery time. Most patients are back to work within one or two days.
• It is considered the safest method, as only a local anesthetic is necessary, allowing for a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere during the entire procedure.
• It allows for the removal of larger amounts of fat with smoother, more natural results.
• There is virtually no blood loss.

If you're interested in additional information about this revolutionary technique, email your questions to Dr. Schlessinger at Skindoc@LovelySkin.com

To set up an appointment, either email us for an appointment or give us a call at 402-334-SKIN (7546) or toll free at 1-800-757-7546.

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