Liposuction Questions
Some Important Questions You May Need Answered
No procedure is without risk, no matter how small. Surgical training on ultrasonic liposuction is critical, even when the surgeon is familiar with traditional or tumescent liposuction. Many plastic and cosmetic surgeons are not yet familiar with the use of ultrasonics. Surgeons agree that one procedure will not replace another, and that ultrasonic techniques will serve to broaden the number of candidates now suitable for liposuction.
Question: How do I know whether or not I am a candidate for the ultrasound liposuction procedure?
Traditional tumescent liposuction has been very effective in young patients with mild to moderate amounts of fat. Ultrasonic liposuction has allowed us to expand the number of patients who may enjoy the advantages of body sculpting. This includes patients with larger amounts of fat and less elastic skin tone. It also allows us to treat areas not easily or effectively treated in the past. This would include fibrous areas such as the back, male breast and upper abdomen. A physical examination by a training cosmetic physician who has been trained in, and is familiar with the use of ultrasonic liposuction is required in order to verify whether you are a candidate for this procedure.
Question: What sets ultrasonic liposuction apart from traditional tumescent liposuction?
What makes ultrasonic liposuction so unique is the ability to gently liquefy or emulsify the fat without injuring the adjacent structures. This is a non-mechanical method of dissolving the fat that also appears to tighten the skin. There has been less blood loss, less bruising and decreased tissue trauma observed. Patients also report less post operative pain. Ultrasonic liposuction allows us to also remove fat in areas that were previously difficult to treat with tumescent liposuction, such as the back, upper abdomen and male breast.
Question: What are the possible risks and complications of ultrasonic liposuction?
No procedure is without risk, no matter how small. Surgical training on ultrasonic liposuction is critical, even when the surgeon is familiar with traditional or tumescent liposuction. Most plastic and cosmetic surgeons are not yet familiar with the use of ultrasonic. Surgeons agree that one procedure will not replace another, and that Ultrasonic techniques will serve to broaden the number of candidates now suitable for liposuction.
Overall patient satisfaction is very high. Unexpected outcomes needing hospital treatment are exceedingly uncommon, but as with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications. A list of the risks and complications of liposuction including thermal skin injury is discussed with Dr Rosenbaum prior to any treatment as part of the informed consent procedure.
Question: What medical conditions might exclude me from being a candidate?
This is elective cosmetic surgery and a patient needs to be in good medical condition in order to undergo this or any other elective procedure. A patient should have the ability to heal incisions, adequately fight infections and have no medical contra-indications such as a heart or lung disease. Heavier patients are now candidates for this type of procedure; however obese patients with medical contra-indications may not be candidates. Patients with excessive amounts of redundant skin are not candidates for this procedure alone, and surgical removal of this skin may be recommended.
Question: Is camera equipment utilised in this procedure? If not how can you "see" what you are doing?
The ultrasonic liposuction equipment is highly sophisticated. The fat is dissolved by the ultrasonic waves that are emitted from the end of a cannula. This liquefied fat is then gently aspirated away. While endoscopic techniques have been utilised to inspect the areas in which the fat has been removed, it is not necessary on a routine basis. This is because the results are immediately visible on the surface of the skin.
