| |
Liposuction by General Anesthesia |
Liposuction by the Tumescent Technique |
| During surgery |
Patient is usually jostled
about due to usage of larger suction instruments, and
need to move unconscious patient during surgery.
|
Patient is comfortable and awake, usually conversing
with the doctor and nurses; use of specially designed small
cannula permits a more gentle surgery with, smaller incisions.
Patient can easily move into the exact position necessary
for the maximum result.
|
| Cosmetic results |
May produce dimples if fat is removed too close to skin.
|
Swelling and firmness of fatty tissues minimizes the
risk of post-operative irregularities of the skin as does
the use of smaller cannulas.
"Liposculpture."
|
| Blood loss |
Potentially serious blood loss.
|
Virtually no blood loss. Blood loss is minimized due
to vasoconstriction of blood vessels through the use of
epinephrine in local anesthesia; less than 1 tablespoon
of blood loss for every liter of fat removed.
|
| Bruising |
Usually significant, lasting for 3 to 6 weeks.
|
Swelling and firmness of fatty tissues permits removal
of fat with minimal bruising which lasts only 7 to 14 days.
|
| Post-operative soreness
|
Anesthetic effects of general anesthesia wear off in
minutes after surgery. There may be significant discomfort
and pain requiring narcotic analgesics.
|
Local anesthesia does not wear off for 12-30 hours;
thereafter, many of our patients describe their soreness
as being similar to what they feel the day after having
exercised very vigorously.
|
| Side effects/Post-op |
Often patients experience nausea, drowsiness, headaches,
vomiting which may persist for days.
|
Virtually no pain or discomfort. Localized numbness
for many hours.
|
| Elastic support garment
|
Usually required for 4-6 weeks.
|
Required for 1-3 weeks, with brief removal on a daily
basis for showering.
|
| Returning to work |
1-2 weeks
|
1-2 days after surgery.
|
| Light exercise |
3-4 weeks
|
1-2 days
|
| Vigorous exercise |
1-3 months
|
2-3 weeks
|
| Medications |
Pain Medication Needed
|
Plain or extra-strength Tylenol sufficient but not usually
needed.
|
| Infection |
Increased risk of infection
|
Lidocaine
& bicarbonate chloride both reportedly decrease bacterial
germs and I have never seen an infection.
|
| Safety |
Decreased safety
|
Minimal chance of pulmonary embolus as patient is awake
and moving.
|
