Liposuction

There are several different types of liposuction offered at The Graivier Center:

• Tumescent liposuction
• Smart laser liposuction
• Water assisted liposuction
• Ultrasound assisted liposuction

A new exciting technology called Cellulaze has been approved by the FDA to treat cellulite; the dimpled areas of skin that affects approximately 85% of all women.

Tumescent Liposuction
One of the improved liposuction techniques that Dr. Graivier uses in all liposuction cases is the tumescent (or wet) technique. Tumescent liposuction uses much smaller cannulas and focuses on multiple levels of fat. This technique significantly decreases many of the risks associated with liposuction, such as excessive blood loss, contour irregularities and postoperative skin laxity.

The best results are obtained in someone who is near his or her normal body weight, who works out regularly and wants to reduce an area not responding to diet or exercise. Dr. Graivier, however, is able to perform tumescent liposuction on many people who may not have been candidates for this procedure in the past.

Basic tumescent liposuction describes a “wetting solution” which involves the injection of tumescent fluid with local anesthetic and epinephrine. Tumescent solution allows the skin and tissue to hydrate and plump, and decreases blood loss during the procedure while allowing for the safe removal of large volumes of liposuctioned fat.

Once the tumescent solution is infiltrated, a thin liposuction cannula is inserted and used to suction the excess fat. A compression garment is used to ensure uniform tightening of the skin.

Smart Laser Liposuction
Smartlipo TriPlex liposuction is used in areas where skin laxity is more evident and more skin tightening is required, such as the face, neck, arms, abdomen or thighs. Different from liposuction, Smartlipo uses smaller instruments and laser technology to add a skin-tightening element by stimulating the production of collagen and elastin.

First, a tumescent solution is injected into the area to be contoured to help “melt” the fat and stimulate skin tightening. Then a thin laser fiber, called a cannula, is inserted close to the skin layer and delivers laser energy to the areas of fatty deposits. The laser energy stimulates collagen and tissues to contract, leaving skin looking tightened and toned.

The skin continues its collagen-tightening phase over the next three to six months following surgery. The technique can be used along with traditional liposuction, helping to treat small or difficult areas.

Advantages of Smartlipo:

Reduced bruising and swelling
Faster recovery
Less discomfort
Smaller incisions
Treats difficult areas

Recovery time is just several days, with a compression garment placed over the procedure area for several weeks. Patients are asked to refrain from strenuous exercise for three weeks.

Water Assisted Liposuction
Water assisted liposuction is a safe, effective and easy technique with minimal risks, significantly shorter procedure times and less discomfort and recovery for patients.

The gentle separation of fat cells from connective tissue minimizes trauma to the patient and reduces bleeding, bruising and swelling. Unlike traditional liposuction methods, water assisted liposuction injects a stream of saline in front of the liposuction cannula to gently dissect and liquefy the fat from the body while sparing blood vessels, nerves, surrounding tissue and stimulating collagen and contraction of the connective tissues.

Water assisted liposuction is a useful technique in high volume liposuctions and for harvesting large volumes of fat. The gentle power of water-jet helps protect fat for subsequent fat grafting, which increases the size of the buttocks or breasts or for facial fat grafting.

Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction
This technique uses a special cannula that produces ultrasonic waves. As the cannula passes through the tissue, the energy liquefies the fat, which is removed by a suction pump. This is best for larger areas, dense fat and male patients.

The ultrasound can be administered either above the skin (with a special emitter) or below the surface of the skin (with an ultrasound cannula).

Liposuction Recovery
During your liposuction recovery, a compression garment will be placed over the treatment areas to aid in controlling swelling and contouring the treated areas. While pain is usually mild, the patient will experience some discomfort as well as swelling, bruising and temporary numbness.

Because liposuction incisions are small, the scars are also small. Most liposuction scars fade and are barely perceptible over time.

It may take several weeks for the swelling to fully dissipate, but shrinking and tightening can continue for one year. Most activities can be resumed within a few days though Dr. Graivier may suggest that you refrain from sporting activities for several weeks.