Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Memphis, PLLC

Liposuction improves body shape and contours by suctioning undesired localized "diet and exercise- resistant" fat deposits. Although liposuction is not a substitute for dieting and exercise, liposuction can remove stubborn areas of fat that would not respond to traditional weight-loss methods.  Fat may be removed from under the chin, cheeks, jowls, neck, upper arms, breast, chest, abdomen, buttocks, hips, inner and outer thighs, knees, calves, and ankles. 

A beautiful form is better than a beautiful face; 
it gives a higher pleasure than statues or pictures; 
it is the finest of the fine arts.
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) 
US philosopher, poet, essayist

Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction, commonly known as "UAL," is a liposuction technique that uses sound waves to "liquefy" unwanted fat. Although it is not a substitute for traditional liposuction, UAL can be an effective tool for removing fat from fibrous body areas, such as the male breasts or the back, or for removing larger volumes of fat in a single procedure.
LipoSelection with the VASER (for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) is currently the most advanced UAL machine on the market. It preferentially removes fat while largely undisturbing adjacent nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. As a result VASER liposuction is usually associated with smoother results, less postoperative swelling and pain and and faster recovery.
Ultrasound, as an energy source, is tissue selective - meaning it can be directed to targeted fatty tissue, leaving surrounding tissue largely undisturbed. During the procedure, we woul make a tiny incision in the treatment area and insert a thin probe that emits ultrasonic waves. The energy delivered to the area actually breaks down the fat into a liquid that is removed with suction and massage. The VASER  technology is so sensitive and precise that plastic surgeons can perform the LipoSelection procedure even in the most delicate areas, such as inner thighs, arms, chin and neck.
Plastic Surgeons and patients report that LipoSelection only by VASER offers the following benefits:

• Smooth and predictable results
  
• Contouring so precise that it can be used in sensitive areas such as the inner thighs, arms, neck and chin
• Treatment with the VASER System has been reported to result in low to minimal pain and low to minimal swelling and bruising.

The Tumescent Liposuction Technique greatly diminishes post-operative bruising, pain and swelling and discomfort by pre-surgically infusing the areas of fat to be removed with a solution of salt water (saline) containing both a local anesthetic and adrenaline (a vasoconstricting agent) to cause temporary shrinkage of the circulation in the treated area. Through a tiny incision (as small as one-eighth of an inch), a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies deep beneath the skin. The scars from liposuction are small and strategically placed to be hidden from view. The cannula is pushed and pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out. The suction is provided by a vacuum pump or a large syringe, depending on the surgeon's preference. If many sites are being treated, your surgeon will move from area to area, working to keep the incisions as inconspicuous as possible.

Improved liposuction techniques, such as UAL and  Tumescent Liposuction Technique, now allow removal of greater amounts of fat than ever before. This, however, gave rise to the commonest misconception regarding liposuction - that it can help large people lose significant amount of weight.  The truth is that liposuction is not a treatment for obesity and could prove to be very dangerous if attempted. Although large volumes of fat can be suctioned,  the procedure is more risky and would require a stay in hospital to monitor major fluid shifts. Dividing an operation into two or more stages is a far safer alternative. 

Another misconception is that liposuction can "cure" Cellulite.  It cannot - but neither can the hundreds of million-dollars-earning-Cellulite cures currently on the market.  Cellulite can be masked by vigorous tissue massage and swelling (as produced by a variety of massagers) and improved with a thigh lift, but, unfortunately, it cannot be erased with a simple, risk-free treatment.

The time required to perform liposuction will vary considerably, depending on the size of the area, the amount of fat being removed, the type of anesthesia and the technique used.  The procedure takes 1 - 2 hours or more depending on the extent and volume of the fat removed.  You will need to wear a supportive garment over the treated area for a few weeks to secure firm compression, promote skin shrinkage and to minimize swelling. The operation is usually done under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgical facility.  It may be combined with other procedures.

Patients usually go home the same day after surgery.  After surgery, you will probably experience some fluid drainage from the incisions, some temporary bruising, swelling, numbness, soreness, and burning sensations. You may be able to go back to work: 1 - 2 weeks. More strenuous activity: 2 - 4 weeks.

Major complications are unusual.  Liposuction is normally safe, as long as patients are carefully selected, the operating facility is properly equipped and the physician is adequately trained.  However, it's important to keep in mind that even though a well-trained surgeon and a state-of-the art facility can improve your chance of having a good result, there are no guarantees. Though they are rare, complications can and do occur.  Liposuction carries greater risk for individuals with medical problems such as diabetes, significant heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation, or those who have recently had surgery near the area to be contoured.  Risks increase if a greater number of areas are treated at the same time, if the operative areas are larger in size or if  a large amount of fat and fluid are removed.  

The combination of these factors can create greater hazards for infection, delays in healing, the formation of fat clots or blood clots, which may migrate to the lungs and cause death, excessive fluid loss, which can lead to shock or fluid accumulation that must be drained, friction burns or other damage to the skin or nerves or perforation injury to the vital organs; and unfavorable drug reactions.  There may be bleeding, bruising, swelling, excessive fluid losses (with large volume fat removals) which may lead to shock if not monitored and replaced.  Imperfections in the final appearance are not uncommon after lipoplasty.  The skin surface may appear  irregular, asymmetric or even "baggy" with areas of skin rippling, or contour irregularities, especially in the older patient.  Numbness and pigmentation changes may occur. Sometimes, additional surgery may be recommended.

To be a good candidate for liposuction, you must have realistic expectations about what the procedure can do for you.  The best candidates for liposuction are normal-weight people with firm, elastic skin who have localized areas of excess exercise-resistant fat. You should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in your expectations. Your age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin.

As regards the current cost of Liposuction, our fees are extremely competitive, not only within our own metropolitan Memphis area, but also in comparison with fees charged elsewhere in the United States. 

If you would like to learn more about liposuction and see what it can do for you, please, call (901) 752-1412 to schedule your consultation.

• You may see other Before-and-After images of Liposuction on these American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) web pages.
• You may get more information about Liposuction at the web site of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
  
• You may see several examples of Before-and-After photographs of VASER Liposelection on the VASER web site.  

Peter A. Aldea, M.D.       Patricia L. Eby, M.D.
Certified and Re-Certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery
Members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons
Fellows of The American College of Surgeons

Cosmetic Surgery Specialists of Memphis, PLLC
6401 Poplar Avenue, Suite 360, Memphis, Tennessee 38119

Telephone (901) 752-1412