The techniques to perform liposuction have changed significantly since the time of its inception. One of the improved techniques that Dr. Graivier uses is the tumescent (or wet) technique. Tumescent liposuction uses much smaller cannulas and focuses on multiple levels of fat coming closer to the surface of the skin than at any time previously. 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.
During tumescent liposuction, large volumes of a much diluted local anesthetic are injected into the areas to be liposuctioned. This anesthetic solution causes the skin and tissue to swell. The anesthetic is usually Lidocaine with a mix that includes Epinephrine, which forces the blood vessels to constrict. This significantly lessens the amount of bleeding during the procedure and provides prolonged pain relief after the procedure. A small amount of Sodium Bicarbonate is also added to prevent infection.
A ¼- to ½-inch incision is made near the areas to be suctioned, and a very thin (approximately 4 mm diameter), straw-like cannula is inserted through the incision to suction the fat in multiple planes. To get a good of how tumescent liposuction works, visualize what a sponge looks like with multiple small holes throughout. This is what the fat looks like after liposuction. In the past, the use of larger cannulas and the dry technique looked more like Swiss cheese, with large holes that were much more susceptible to surface divots and irregularities.
Dr. Graivier’s expertise is the key to this procedure. The artistry is in knowing how much fat to take, where to stop, how to make the areas of fat loss blend into the surrounding areas, and which areas of the body should and should not be suctioned. Areas of cellulite can be addressed (although not completely corrected) by fine tuning the collagen mesh (connective tissue) beneath the skin and injecting fat beneath these areas to prevent reformation.
Following surgery, the patient wears a postoperative girdle 24 hours a day for two weeks. After the first 24 hours, the patient may remove the girdle to shower. After a two week period, the garment should be worn for at least 12 hours per day for an additional two weeks. This garment is similar to a heavy object being placed on top of that sponge and allowing it to settle into a nice even, flat contour. Immediately afterward, the patient will see a slimmer, improved body contour, but it takes about three months to see the final results. A patient can gain weight after liposuction, but the area that was suctioned should not get significantly fatter. If you overeat, you will gain weight in other areas, and possibly regain the weight in the suctioned areas. So be good to yourself: maintain your new figure with a healthy diet and exercise.
