Power-assisted or powered Tumescent Liposuction is the latest advance in fat removal. The “power” in the technique refers to the advanced instruments used to perform the surgery. Traditional Liposuction is performed manually whereas power-assisted Liposuction uses a mechanical cannula that efficiently removes fatty tissue with increased precision, less bruising and a faster healing time. According to medical experts and patients alike, power-assisted Liposuction is a gentler technique than traditional Liposuction and is preferred by patients. Dr. Marcia Byrd, M.D. at Byrd Aesthetic & Anti-Aging Center in Atlanta, GA can advise you on the best method to meet your needs.
Tumescent Liposuction is an excellent alternative for removing localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise and is not intended to be a substitute for weight loss; rather, it is a contouring procedure. It is best utilized in a program of exercise and optimal weight maintenance. The best results are obtained in body areas where there is reasonable muscle tone, good skin elasticity, and fat is not excessive. In cases where there is a significant loss of tone and elasticity, the desired cosmetic results may require a combination of both liposuction and surgical skin tightening to remove the excessive loose tissue.
To view before and after Tumescent Liposuction photographs click here.
New Hi-Def Vaser Liposculpturing
Candidates for Tumescent Liposuction
- Physically fit men or women that eat well-balanced meals
- Individuals that are unable to reduce fatty deposits that are well-localized and often seem to involve genetic susceptibility.
- Patients that are not using procedure for weight loss.
Procedure Preparation
Before surgery, a complete medical history is taken and a physical examination is conducted in order to evaluate the body’s condition. During the consultation, Dr. Byrd describes the procedure and what results should be expected. Alternative treatment options, the possible risks and complications that may occur will be explained. Photographs are taken before and after surgery.
Dr. Byrd will also recommend that patients adhere to standard pre-op guidelines to allow for patient safety and maximum post-op results as follows:
- Eat a healthy diet rich in nutrients.
- DO NOT smoke for 2 weeks prior to the procedure.
- DO NOT take pain medication containing aspirin or ibuprofen for 2 weeks prior to your procedure.
- DO NOT take Vitamin E for at least 3-4 weeks before surgery.
- Provide Dr. Byrd with a list of any medications that are taken regularly.
- DO NOT eat or drink after midnight the night before the procedure.
- DO take medication with a small sip of water that morning.
- DO NOT shave or remove hair near the regions to be sculpted the day of surgery to prevent ingrown hairs.
- DO wear loose fitting clothing that opens in the front or pulls over easily to allow for pressure garments and dressings.
- Patients must have a friend or relative drive them to and form the procedure.
About the Procedure
Before the procedure begins, areas of excess fat are injected with a large amount of anesthetic liquid that usually contains a local anesthetic and a drug called epinephrine to shrink capillaries and minimize blood loss. The liquid causes the compartments of fat to become swollen and firm or “tumesced.” The expanded fat compartments allow the liposuction cannula to travel smoothly beneath the skin as the fat is removed.
Tumescent liposuction is designed to be performed as an outpatient procedure. Thus, the potential complications from general anesthesia and a costly hospital stay can be avoided. In addition, since the patient is awake, he or she is able to sit or stand during the procedure, allowing the surgeon to check the status of the patient and progress of the contouring.
For women the most frequently areas treated by Tumescent Liposuction are the outer thighs followed by the abdomen. For men it is the flank or “love handle” region. Other areas commonly treated include: the face, neck, upper arms, upper and lower abdomen, lower back, hips, thighs inner and outer, sides of the knees, and lower legs. It is uncommon to treat all of these areas at one time. If all areas were involved, weight loss may be a better option. Usually there are only a few regions that require Tumescent Liposuction.
Cellulite is a condition that gives the skin a rippled, dimpled appearance. Tumescent Liposuction is not an effective treatment for cellulite. Liposhifting has been found to be the most effective way of removing cellulite. Irregularities from cellulite or previous Liposuction defects can now be treated with a new development called Liposhifting. This procedure allows for fat transfer without ever removing the fat from the body by utilizing new instrumentation called a Micro Graft Fat Cutter, or MGFC.
Aftercare and Recovery
The local anesthesia injected into the tissue remains for about 24 hours following liposuction surgery, greatly minimizing post-operative pain. After Tumescent Liposuction, most patients are generally alert and able to function without the nausea, grogginess, and the washed out feeling associated with general anesthesia. In fact, patients are encouraged to walk immediately after surgery to enhance the healing process. Since there is less bruising and bleeding from Tumescent Liposuction, there is less blood to be absorbed and irritate tissues. The lack of this irritation means that the swelling goes down much faster. Many patients are able to return to work almost immediately.
Physical Activity
- You will need to limit your activity for the first couple of days – no strenuous exercise, lifting or bending over for 3 to 7 days after the procedure.
- Avoid any type of aerobic exercise (any activity that raises your pulse above 90) for at least three weeks to prevent swelling.
- It depends on what you do and the activity level of your job. Resumption of activities depends on the extent of your Tumescent Liposuction procedure, your health, and how you heal. In general, the discomfort lessens significantly in 2-4 days.
Compression Garments
- Stabilizing your tissues in a special garment increases your comfort and ability to get around. Your tissues will be more comfortable after Tumescent Liposuction when they are not jiggling around.
- Compression also helps control swelling and bruising. Our patients wear this for about 2 weeks full-time and then part time for a third week.
- Different styles are available for the various zones treated by the Tumescent Liposuction. Girdle-like pants are used for the buttocks and thighs. An elastic vest is used for the male chest. Hooks and zippers on side openings assist in getting the garments on and taking them off.
Risks
Like all surgery, liposuction carries both benefits and risks. However, tumescent liposuction using local anesthesia is a remarkably safe procedure with few significant side effects. Infrequent minor complications such as skin irregularity, lumpiness, dimpling, loose skin, numbness, infections, and objectionable scarring (rare) may occur and are usually easily corrected.
Atlanta liposuction and lipedema specialist, Dr. Marcia Byrd treat patients for lipedema throughout the United States, Canada, and internationally. They are located in the Atlanta Metro area of Roswell, Georgia. Locally, they service the North Atlanta, GA area including , Alpharetta GA, Milton GA, Woodstock GA, Canton GA, Dunwoody GA, Sandy Springs, GA and more. If you would like to make an appointment to be diagnosed and treated for lipedema, call (770) 587-1711 and schedule a consultation. Be the best you can be and live a full life – there is no reason to wait!