What is liposculpture?
Liposculpture, or liposuction as it is also known, is a procedure which removes localized deposits of fat in order to re-contour and sculpt areas of the body. Liposculpture is commonly used to treat the upper arms, hips, abdomen, buttocks, thighs, knees, chin, cheeks and neck.

Who is a candidate for liposculpture?
Candidates for liposculpture include men and women who are looking to improve the appearance of unwanted fat. It's also important that liposculpture candidates be in good physical health, psychologically stable and have realistic expectations. The procedure is ideal for individuals who are of normal body weight but have stubborn areas of fat that have proven diet- and exercise-resistant.

What is fluid injection?
Fluid injection is a newer liposuction technique in which a medicated solution is first injected into the fatty areas prior to its removal. The fluid is comprised of intravenous salt solution, lidocaine and epinephrine and it makes the fat easier to remove. In addition, fluid injection tends to involve less blood loss and post-operative bruising. Varying amounts of the solution may be used. Tumescent liposuction uses large volumes of fluid equaling as much as three times the amount of fat to be removed. The super-wet technique, on the other hand, uses an amount of fluid that is about equal to the amount of fat being removed.

What is ultrasound assisted lipoplasty?
Ultrasound assisted lipoplasty, or UAL, is a liposuction technique that uses a special cannula which produces ultrasonic energy. This energy first liquefies the fat, facilitating its removal.

What occurs during a consultation for liposculpture?
During the consultation for liposculpture, your will meet with either Dr. Duboys or Dr. Sirota. After carefully examining the condition of your skin and where your fat deposits lie, the doctor will discuss your expectations and the possibilities available to you. All details of the liposculpture procedure will be explained and any questions that you have answered. .

Where is liposculpture performed?
At Associated Plastic Surgeons & Consultants, Dr. Duboys and Dr. Sirota perform liposculpture in their in-office operating room, a state-of-the-art facility that is fully approved by the American Association for the Accreditation of Surgery Facilities (AAAASF) for class A/B/C surgical procedures.

What form of anesthesia is liposculpture performed with?
Liposculpture may be performed with different forms of anesthesia including general anesthesia, regional anesthesia, or local anesthesia on its own or combined with sedation.

How is liposculpture performed?
Liposculpture begins by making a small incision in the treatment area. A narrow tube known as a cannula is inserted through the incision and manipulated to disrupt the fat. The fat is then suctioned out. With fluid injection, a newer liposculpture technique, a fluid containing intravenous salt solution, lidocaine and epinephrine is first injected into the fatty areas, facilitating its removal. With UAL, ultrasonic energy is first used to liquefy that fat before removal.

How long is the surgical time for liposculpture?
Liposculpture takes an average of one to two hours to perform, though the exact amount of time will depend on the number and size of areas being treated.

Are there scars after liposculpture?
The incisions made for liposculpture are very small and strategically placed. As a result, any scars tend to be imperceptible.

How much pain is associated with liposculpture?
There is usually some discomfort following liposculpture. Specifically, patients may experience some temporary burning or other pain. Prescription medication can help to manage this.

What sort of recovery is there after liposculpture?
Drainage tubes may be applied after surgery and are typically removed within a couple of days. Patients are typically required to wear a compression garment for several weeks after the liposculpture procedure. Swelling is common and the compression garment will help to control this. Other side effects may include pain, burning, bleeding and temporary numbness. Patients will see a noticeable difference soon after surgery, though it may take up to three months for the swelling to subside and allow the final result to be evident.

How soon after liposculpture can patients return to work?
Most patients are able to return to work and most other normal activities within several days after undergoing liposculpture. More extensive procedure may involve a longer recovery.

Are the results of liposculpture permanent?
If patients follow a healthy diet and get regular exercise after undergoing liposculpture, the results can be long lasting.