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Liposcullpture for fat removal and body sculpting has been available for over 25 years, and is presently the most popular form of cosmetic surgery performed in the US. This newer, less traumatic and safer technique of tumescent liposuction, has been developed by cosmetic surgeons.

A: Tumescent power liposculpture is a dramatic improvement over traditional methods in safety and efficiency. Many hundred thousands of patients have been successfully treated with this technique which allows for less discomfort, faster post-operative recovery and better cosmetic results. Older liposuction techniques have been associated with some problems, most significantly, general anesthesia which is responsible for most of the serious complications connected with surgical cosmetic procedures.

A: The tumescent power liposculpture procedure is done by first infiltrating sterile fluid to loosen up and soften the fat cells. Lidocain solution helps to limit the discomfort and adrenalin (epinephrine) shrinks the blood vessels to limit the trauma to the subcutaneous blood vessels and decrease bruising and swelling.  Using a small vibrating cannula the fat cells break down easier and faster then with traditional methods.  Small size of the cannula helps to control undesirable contour defects such as bumpiness, lumpiness or grooving commonly associated with the older methods. It also allows for better skin retraction.  After the fluid done it part, excess fat is then vacuumed out of the body through a small, hollow, blunt-ended tube, aka cannula.  Multiple areas can be treated in order to achieve the best result.  Think of Liposculpture as a much more gentle relative of liposuction.

A: Any procedure has its risks.  However, for isolated stubborn fat areas it is one of the safest procedures.  There is no general anesthesia, size of the cannulas is smaller, use of porwer equipment creates less trauma to the remaining tissues.  The end result is a safer treatment with better aesthetic results.

A: There is minimum amount of blood loss and the recovery time is quite short because the procedure causes less trauma and usually minimal to no bruising at all. Older patients are also good candidates. Most patients can return to work in 1-3 days and do limited exercise in 3-5 days.

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Insurance providers generally cover costs for reconstructive surgery but not for cosmetic surgery.  For example, insurance providers will often pay for breast augmentation to reconstruct a breast following a mastectomy; breast reduction to remedy back pain caused by heavy breasts; eyelid surgery to remove sagging skin that blocks vision; nose surgery to allow for a patient to breathe better; or tummy tucks to remedy the vertical separation of abdomen muscles known as diastasis. 

Insurance providers usually do not cover Power Liposculpture.