About Liposculpture

Unlike traditional liposuction, tumescent liposculpture results in more precise results. Liposculpture and liposuction are terms often used interchangeably. This procedure is the removal of unwanted fat through suction and/or lipo lasers. The procedure involves numbing of the fat with a sterile saline based solution of lidocaine to completely numb the area. The solution is called tumescent fluid. After the areas are numbed the fat and tumescent solution is removed with suction through a tiny instrument called a micro cannula. The procedure is gentle and slow. Some patients comment it reminds them of a massage. In general, liposculpture does not leave scars and is not painful.

Tumescent liposuction was invented by Dr. Jeffrey Klein, a dermatologist, in 1985. Performed properly, it has been recognized as the safest form of liposuction as it avoids the risks of general anesthesia. Dr. Klein’s tumescent technique allows liposuction to be performed totally by local anesthesia while using much smaller cannulas.

Liposuction lasers can be used to attempt to further tighten tissue beyond what might be possible with liposuction alone. These lasers SmartLipo®, CoolLipo® and SlimLipo® cannot by themselves remove enough fat unless the area treated is very small. Therefore any physician using these lasers must be experienced in micro liposuction to obtain optimum results. At Monterey Liposculpture we have the latest equipment including the CoolLipo® laser and Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL). We feel strongly that the experience and skill of the liposuction surgeon is paramount. That is why only experienced board certified dermatologists and surgeons perform this procedure at our center.

A Letter from Dr. Dannaker (PDF)
Before Liposuction Instructions (PDF)
After Liposuction Instructions (PDF)

Traditional Liposuction vs. Liposculpture

	Traditional Liposuction	Tumescent Liposculpture
Cost	Costs are typically high and must include physician, operating and recovery room and anesthesiologist fees.	Usually much less than traditional.
Pain	Use of large instruments results in need for prescription pain medication.	Quick recovery. Most patients are able to return to light duty the next day.
Anesthesia	Uses general anesthesia either IV or gas. Patient is unconscious.	No IV or injections are required. Only local anesthesia is necessary. Patient is awake.
Recovery	Recovery is typically much longer, one to two weeks is typical.	Fast recovery. Most patients return to normal activities immediately.
Scars	Incisions require stitches because of larger instruments required.	No stitches necessary. Instruments are so small that the tiny entry points heal quickly.
Return to Work	Typically must take off one to four weeks from work.	Return to normal, non strenuous work the very next day.
Bruising	Use of larger instruments typically results in significant bruising.	Often disappears within several days. Most patients experience no to very mild bruising.
Anesthesia Risk	All the risks of general anesthesia.	General anesthesia not necessary.
Outcome	Use of larger instruments and fast speed of procedure more often lead to contour and skin irregularities.	Smooth results with a minimum of tissue trauma or bruising typical.
Skin Tightening	Minimal tightening expected. Often need for tummy tuck or arm incision to tighten.	Significant tightening especially with combination of laser with lipo.
Compression Garment	Must be worn for one to two months.	Typically worn for only three days.
Procedure Location	Performed in hospital or surgical suites.	Performed in our office in Monterey.