ANDREW T. LYOS, MD, FACS
LIPOSUCTION
Liposuction has become an even more valuable and far-reaching tool in plastic surgery. Dr. Lyos says that recent advances in technology and improvements in techniques have dramatically increased the uses of the procedure. In addition to saddlebag reduction, liposuction can correct annoying features such as double chin or puffy neck and jowls and work more effectively on the unsightly bulges if the hips and buttocks. The upper arms, calves, knees, and ankles can be reduced successfully.- The newest procedure - tumescent liposculpture - allows Dr. Lyos to remove large volumes of fat in an outpatient procedure. During tumescent liposculpture, the surgeon injects the area with a special solution causing the fatty tissue to tumesce or swell up. The injected solution contains a local anesthetic that numbs the area being treated and temporarily shrinks blood vessels, minimizing blood loss and lessening bruising and swelling. Ultrasonic assisted liposuction is a further refinement in the procedure, allowing for even more body redefinement and shaping. This method literally melts the fat before it is removed, reducing bruising and creating a smooth exterior surface.
- Tumescent liposculpture is usually an outpatient procedure, with individuals discharged several hours after the procedure is complete. It can be performed under local anesthesia, but with removal of large amounts of fat, most people prefer a general anesthesia. The down time is minimal with most people returning to their routines within five to seven days. Differences are noticed immediately, with 95 percent of the final results achieved in four to six weeks.