What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure which involves the removal of subcutaneous fat from a patient with small tube like instruments known as a cannulas.
Originally, this procedure was performed under general anesthesia using large cannulas. Although this traditional form of liposuction is performed to the present day, many patients opt for the safer technique known as tumescent microcannular liposuction. In this procedure, the patient does not need to be put to sleep or made unconscious. Instead, the surgeon uses a very dilute mixture of lidocaine, which is instilled into the areas to be treated. Fat in those areas is removed through very small holes called addits, which generally range in size from two to four millimeters. The small cannulas used in this procedure are termed microcannulas because they are much smaller than the ones used in traditional lipo procedures.
An important aspect of this form of liposuction is that the patient remains awake during the entire procedure thus reducing the risks associated with general anesthesia. In addition, the recovery time following the procedure is much less. Most patients can return to work in one to two days.
How Does Laser Liposuction Work?
The microcannula liposuction technique can be further enhanced by laser lipolysis. Using this technique, surgeons are able to improve the outcome for the patient. At Southeastern Dermatology, Dr. Doppelt uses the SmartLipo laser to provide his patients with the best outcome. SmartLipo was the first laser approved by the FDA for laser lyposis. Through the use of this laser, the removal process of the fat from a patient becomes much easier and it improves contraction of the skin following the procedure as well. In addition, the results tend to be much smoother than with a traditional liposuction procedure.
Patients have often ask how much weight they will lose from the procedure. Dr. Doppelt explains that it is not a weight loss procedure but more of a body sculpting one.
It’s important that patients know that liposuction can treat virtually any area of their body. The most commonly treated areas include troublesome areas like ‘bra fat’, knees, and male breasts can also be treated effectively with SmartLipo.
Dr. Doppelt has been performing this life-changing procedure for over three years now. If you want to experience that amazing change, contact Southeastern Dermatology now!