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Micro-Lipo Advances

Today, liposculpture is considered by many as an artistic surgical procedure that can assist in changing one's life. While liposculpture is not an alternative to dieting or a means to treat obesity, the procedure has produced positive results for those whose weight is stable or those participating in healthy lifestyle activities to achieve weight loss of 10-20 pounds. Liposculpture can be most effectively used to treat localized areas of fat.

There have been many advances made in the area of liposculpture such as the "Micro-Lipo" treatment which includes smaller cannulas, safer anesthesia and a greater amount of fat removal. Micro-Lipo is performed using the Tumescent Technique which has become popular and offers a convenient means to achieve results that have been otherwise more complex. The Tumescent Technique has been embraced by dermatologic surgeons, cosmetic surgeons, and plastic surgeons throughout the U.S.

Am I a Candidate?

There is no definite age limit for Micro-Lipo. Regardless of their age and weight, many patients with excess fatty tissue in localized areas prefer to have these areas re-contoured. The best candidates for Micro-Lipo are in good health and have realistic expectations.

How does Micro-Lipo using the Tumescent Technique work?

The word "tumescent" means swollen or firm. Before Micro-Lipo, the area is injected with a solution to allow the fat to be removed more easily and minimize blood loss.

During the procedure, a cannula (hollow tube with an opening near its blunt end) is inserted through small incisions beneath the skin and into the fatty tissue overlying the body's musculature. This cannula removes the fatty tissue creating a honeycombing of the fat. A vacuum pump then evacuates the loosened fat cells underneath the skin surface. The size of the cannula should be small to obtain the best results. Cannula size can range from 1.3 to 4.0 mm in outside diameter to 6.0 mm or larger in size. The smaller the cannula, the smaller the tunnels, and the more even the reduction, resulting in an improved body contour.

Let's Talk Benefits

The benefits of Micro-Lipo using the Tumescent Technique can vary from patient to patient. Yet, when we compare this technique to other forms, there can be more pros than cons.

• No general anesthesia! Bruising is greatly reduced because the local anesthetic solution administered contains epinephrine which constricts blood vessels, reducing bleeding, and therefore bruising. The drainage of anesthetic solution further reduces bruising as it contains blood cells that would otherwise remain under the skin and appear as a bruise. By minimizing bruising or swelling and no general anesthetic, the rate of healing is accelerated.



• Downtime is less! Home rest is necessary for the first twenty-four hours and then light exercise and work schedule may be resumed. If sculpting is more extensive, performed in several areas, or cannula size is large, several days of recuperation may be necessary. A special elastic garment must be worn for three days after surgery. Full exercise can be initiated after 7-14 days.



• Smaller Incisions! Compared to traditional liposuction, very small cannulas are used. The result is smaller incisions. Incisions are not sutured closed and heal with less marking than those sutured in a traditional liposculpture procedure. When possible, they are concealed in natural body creases; such as the end of the buttock fold, the umbilicus, under the chin, or in the pubic hair.



• Positive Looks! Although stretch marks, dimples, and ripples may remain unchanged following surgery, in some cases, cellulite may appear visibly reduced. Excessive skin folds are rare and in fact, many patients who would have previously required surgical excision of skin can have excellent results with Micro-Lipo alone.

And the Cons

As with any surgical procedure, there are rare complications that can surface. It's always best to ask your doctor. Yet, we do know that liposculpture is sometimes associated with temporary side effects such as bruising, swelling, and numbness.

Fat cells are permanently removed and as long as the patient does not gain excessive weight, the new silhouette can be permanent. Patients, after liposculpture, have sometimes found that areas treated by liposcuplture retain the new contour and areas not treated have been new sites for fat development. People with prior weight problems still have to watch their diet and exercise.

Is Tumescent Liposuction Right for you?

You should speak with a surgeon who has experience and specializes in liposculpture, facial and body sculpturing. It is important to find a surgeon who has an artistic touch and sensibility. Speak frankly, ask questions, and explain your expectations.
There's lot to consider:

• The training of the surgeon and number of procedures performed
• The practice's philosophy of patient care
• The success rates
• The surgeon's skill (via actual patients' before and after photos)
• Patient testimonials, and much more.

Substantial research should always be done before embarking on such a decision. The only way to find out is to start researching now, find a surgeon who you are comfortable with and find out if Micro-Lipo using the Tumescent Technique is right for you.