What is Liposculture? Is LIPO for You?
Liposculpture is a safe, effective technique for trimming, shaping and contouring problem areas such as the abdomen, inner and outer thighs (saddle bags), upper arms, waist (love handles, particularly in men), and jowls. Emmanuel Loucas, MD, a Fellow of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, Director of the New York Liposculpture Center and the liposculpture specialist at Advanced Dermatology P.C. and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery and its Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery in New York recommends liposculpture as an ideal solution for people who are active, maintain a regular exercise regimen but just can’t seem to get rid of those stubborn, fatty and difficult areas.
“Liposculpture is not for people who may be overweight or obese, but for people who exercise regularly and want to contour their bodies and streamline problem areas,” he says. “It is a very effective procedure and can last almost forever if the patient continues to be active, and maintain an ideal weight.”
Liposculpture was developed in the 1980’s by a dermatologic surgeon and has proven to be safe, low risk and extremely effective. Dr. Loucas uses the tumescent technique, which has proven to be very safe. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and often the patient participates in the process, sometimes standing and assisting the surgeon in determining the desired result, in essence defeating gravity. The procedure itself takes about half a day, after which the patient is given a special girdle-like garment and returns home. The garment must be worn for the initial one to two weeks of recovery and then intermittently after that. The patient can perform light activities and often returns to work in three to five days. A return to normal activities including exercise can often be expected two weeks after the procedure is done. After the initial recovery period Dr. Loucas recommends a return to exercise.
“Exercise increases muscle tone and improves skin tone over the treated area, creating a smooth appearance,” he added. “With the tumescent procedure, and under local anesthesia, there is a very low risk of infection and rarely are there any complications,” Dr. Loucas said. The incision is very small, one to three millimeters and a combination of Lidocaine and epinephrine is used, which anesthetizes the area and constricts blood vessels. Patients have little to no discomfort.
“Since the results are long lasting, most people are very happy,” Dr. Loucas said.