The following questions are more general in nature. Specific qustions can only be answered after evaluation of each patient on an individual basis.

What is Tumescent Liposuction (also known as Liposculpture)?
Liposuction is a surgical technique of removing unwanted body fat through tiny incisions solely for the purpose of contouring the body to achieve a 'more pleasing' appearance. This may be an understatement in some cases since rather spectacular appearances are possible! This operation is done on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia and sedation. It is not a weight reduction procedure!

How safe is the operation?
You may have heard horror stories about liposuction in the past. That included some serious complications such as severe blood loss, dehydration, over hydration,heart failure and lung complications. All of these serious complications have been practically eliminated since the introduction of the Tumescent technique by Dr. Jeffrey Klein. The Tumescent technique involves injection of large amounts of saline with very dilute local anesthetic solution along with epinephrine into the areas to be suctioned prior to the procedure. This technique has eliminted the need for general anesthesia and along with it all the dreaded complications you may have heard of.

In one study published by the medical journal (Hanke CW, Bernstein G, Bullock S, "Safety of Tumescent Liposuction in 15,336 patients," Dermatologic Surgery 1995; 21:459-462) they reported no admissions to the hospital for complications, no blood transfusions and only minor complications all of which were infrequent and treated easily. In other words Liposuction surgery has a very strong safety record!

What are the common problems with liposuction?
You will have to wear a compression garment for at least a week continuously and about 3-6 weeks intermittently to achieve the best results and to avoid complications. This might be rather uncomfortable to some, even though most people have absolutely no problems with this and actually feel much better wearing it. If you do not want to follow this strictly, you should not have the surgery at all!

You will have some watery drainage from the incisions for a couple of days, which would stop spontaneously.

Pain is really minimal and require only over the counter medications. Minor soreness and swelling may last several weeks.

You may expect some bruising although this resolves in a few weeks without any side effects.

Infections are extremely rare.

Occasionaal skin irregularities may occur most of which resolve in about 6 months.

What to expect during the recovery?
Most people are able to return to work, wearing the garment in 3-4 days and rarely 6-7 days depending on other medical problems they may have.

You cannot remove or 'peep' into the garment for 7 days but can take a sponge bath or shower and 'blow dry' the next day on. No tub baths for 7 days. Hot baths increase the swelling.

Alcohol may increase bleeding and smoking suppresses healing.

Resume normal diet and activities without straining the same day after surgery. This actually promotes good healing and minimizes pain and complications. However strenuous activities such as aerobics or weightlifting are to be avoided for 10 days.

Sexual activities can begin when soreness is gone in a few days.

Nearly all patients will notice a dramatic difference in appearance in 1 week and improve significantly in 6 weeks. However final appearance will only be apparent in 6 months.