Before and after liposuction of the waist.

BODY LIPOSUCTION LIPOSUCTION Suction-assisted lipectomy is a technique to remove unwanted fat deposits from specific areas of the body, including the chin, neck, and cheeks; the upper arms and above the breasts; the abdomen, buttocks, hips, and thighs; and the knees, calves, and ankles. Liposuction is not a substitute for weight reduction, but a method of removing localized fat that doesnÕt respond to dieting and exercises. Liposuction is an excellent technique for removing localized fat deposits i.e. Saddlebags, Love Handles, Knobby Knees, Turkey Neck, or Pear shaped Bodies. TUMESCENT LIPOSUCTION This is the most popular type of liposuction.  It works great for one or two areas.  It is limited by potential toxicity of the local anesthesia.  The technique was developed by Schleich in 1892 and has recently been popularized for liposuction since general anesthesia and its risks are avoided.  Large amounts, 1-3 liters, of dilute local anesthesia (lidocaine or Xylocaine) with a small amount of adrenalin or epinephrine are injected into the tissues.  The resulting swelling of the tissues combined with the constictive effects of the adrenalin minimizes blood loss and bruising.   For multiple areas or major liposuction, deep sedation or general anesthesia are used in addition to the infiltration techniuqe. ULTRASONIC LIPOSUCTION is another technique to remove fatty tissue although it works best for large liposuciton or male breast reduction.  It is more expensive and can burn the local tissues including nerves or skin so Dr. Denkler prefers the safer micro-cannula liposuction. RISKS Risks are higher if multiple areas are done on the same day.  The media and the medical literature have reported on deaths from local anesthetic toxicity, pulmonary emboli, bowel perforation, and massive infections. Bleeding and infection are the most severe risks although the risk is less than one percent.  They can be more effectively prevented through sterile technique and use of antibiotics.  The need for autologous blood donation before surgery is remote.  Serum collections (seroma) have a 2% risk. Cosmetic revisions may be necessary and occur in 10 to 15% of the cases.  There may be high or low spots and these are treated with further liposcution or lipoinjection.  There is no charge for revsions in the first year if weight is kept stable. Dr. Denkler has performed hundred of liposucitons and has the ability to perform it in the hospital or an accredited surgicenter. Single area liposuctions require about a week off work and in certain cases may only require  a long weekend to recover. Safety: Liposuction is very safe, although it carries the risks of bleeding, infection, and anesthetic complications. All of these are rare, although cosmetic complications such are over or under-resection of fat are somewhat common and may require a revision.