Every year, thousands of men and women choose liposuction surgery to remove the fatty deposits that just won't respond to diet and exercise. That's why liposuction has become the number one cosmetic procedure in the United States.
One of the most popular forms of liposuction to date has been the Tumescent Liposuction Technique. This safe and effective procedure has been performed in doctors' offices for many years. Large volumes of saline solution, local anesthesia, and adrenaline are infused into the fatty area being treated. The fat is then removed through a small instrument called a cannula. The cannula is inserted into the fatty tissue through tiny incisions placed in inconspicuous locations. The surgeon gently moves it around under your skin, suctioning away the unwanted fatty deposits. The procedure resculpts bulging areas to reveal more attractive contours.
Now, Power Liposculpture (PL) is performed by our doctor for patients in our region. PL is a new technique that complements Tumescent Liposculpture.
What is Power Liposuction?
PL uses a powerized cannula which moves back and forth through the fat tissue in a rapid motion. PL is not ultrasonic. No heat is generated to harm healthy tissues. With PL, less force is required to remove unwanted fat, especially in areas of more fibrous tissue. That makes the procedure easier on both patients and surgeons.
Who can be treated with Power Liposuction?
Both men and women can benefit from Power Liposculpture. Weight and age restrictions have been lifted. Most patients who have localized fatty deposits, are within thirty pounds of their ideal weight, and have been stable at that weight for years are optimal candidates.
Who are the best candidates for Power Liposuction?
The best candidates:
- Have firm, elastic skin and are in good health.
- Have tried diet, exercise and weight loss programs.
- Have disproportionate fat deposits in their body.
- Have realistic expectations.
- Don't expect liposuction to change their lives dramatically.
Which areas of the body are most frequently treated with Power Liposuction?
The most frequent areas treated by PL in men are the "love handles," breasts, abdomen and neckline. In women they include: thighs, hips, buttocks (saddle bags), stomach, knees, lower leg, ankles, jowls, and chins. Some women elect to have their fat recycled. Through a procedure called lipo-augmentation, their fat is transferred to other parts of their body, like their lips, for example.
Is the fat reduction for Power Liposuction permanent?
Yes. It seems that after puberty we do not create new fat cells. When you gain weight, you expand the fat cells that you have. Power Liposculpture permanently removes fat cells to improve your body's contour. Should you gain weight after your PL procedure, it goes to the fat cells that remain in your body. The localized fatty deposits that existed prior to liposculpture can no longer balloon up out of proportion to the surrounding areas.
Does Power Liposuction remove cellulite?
Although many patients do notice an improvement in the appearance of cellulite after the fat cells are removed, liposuction is not a treatment for cellulite.
Will I need a second Power Liposuction procedure?
For most patients, only one procedure is necessary. Power Liposculpture appears to reduce the number of patients requiring touch-up procedures in the future.
Cosmetically speaking, successful liposuction is measured in inches rather than pounds. The weight removed is not as important as the improvement in your body's contour. Most important is the patient's improved self-image and self-acceptance.
Dimples, ripples and stretch marks remain unchanged following liposuction. The changes following liposuction are 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 removal by having excellent results with liposuction alone.
What will my recovery from Power Liposuction be like?
After our physician performs Power Liposculpture, you will wear a snug elastic dressing, girdle, or body stocking over the treated area for the next several weeks. You will go home after the procedure and rest for at least 24 hours, after which you may gradually increase your activity as tolerated. Most patients return to work 2 days after surgery.