Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical technique that improves the body’s contour by removing excess fat from fatty deposits located between the skin and muscle. Accumulations of fat, which are often hereditary and frequently impossible to eliminate by exercise or dieting, can now be removed permanently. Body contouring is the term used to describe any surgical procedure that improves the shape and tone of your underlying tissue that supports fat and skin.

The body fat of an adult tends to increase gradually over the years. After the age of 30, an individual tends to add fat according to a genetically predetermined pattern. This fat distribution is usually resistant to diet and exercise. Although dieting and exercise can reduce the size of fat cells, they do not decrease the number of fat cells in a specific region. Liposuction permanently removes fat cells, which do not regenerate. If a patient gains weight after liposuction, the fat will be distributed proportionally throughout the body, but will not accumulate preferentially in the treated areas.

The most frequently treated areas in women are the abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, calves, ankles, and beneath the chin. In men, who represent about 15% to 20% of liposuction patients, the most frequently treated areas are the love handles, abdomen, and breasts (gynecomastia).

As with any surgical procedure, liposuction is associated with certain common side effects such as bruising, swelling, and temporary numbness. Although serious complications are extremely rare, the most common are skin irregularities, ripples, or asymmetric contours. To minimize these risks, Dr. Robert Tomas uses the micro-cannula tumescent technique and the SmartLipo laser system, which coagulates blood vessels and encourages uniform skin contraction.

Infections are extremely rare, regardless of whether or not the anesthetic technique is that of general anesthesia or local anesthesia. However, lidocaine, the local anesthetic used in the tumescent technique, is a chemical relative of cocaine, and it is a powerful local anesthetic. Lidocaine is also an antibacterial agent. The large volumes of dilute lidocaine solution injected into the fat before tumescent liposuction kill bacteria, thereby dramatically reducing the risk of post-operative infection.

Because of the significant decrease in swelling and decrease in inflammation and pain after surgery, patients are able to return to normal physical activities much sooner. There is no limitation on walking. Most patients can return to light work within 1 to 2 days, and vigorous physical exercise can be resumed within 1 to 2 weeks.

A very small cannula, or tube, approximately 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm in diameter containing a laser fiber is inserted into the skin. The cannula is moved back and forth delivering the laser's energy directly to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and easily drain away. The laser energy also interacts with the dermis, resulting in collagen shrinkage and tissue coagulation, which tightens the skin naturally.

If you have areas of fat that will not respond to diet and exercise, then you are a candidate for SmartLipo. Ideal candidates are in good health, close to their normal body weight, and have realistic expectations. Patients with mild skin laxity also benefit greatly from the skin-tightening effects of the laser.

SmartLipo™ can be a great adjunct to traditional liposuction procedures and it is ideal for treating small areas of the face, neck, jawline, arms, breasts (gynecomastia), and areas of loose skin.

For most patients, typically only one treatment is required. The session may last from 45 minutes to several hours depending on the number of areas being treated.

After the treatment, you will have minimal pain or bruising. We recommend 1-2 days of rest, but most patients can return to normal activities almost immediately. You may be instructed to wear a compression garment for a short period to support the healing tissues and optimize skin contraction.

The procedure will improve the body’s shape and may improve cellulite to a certain degree by tightening the overlying skin. However, SmartLipo is not designed as a primary treatment for cellulite.

Results can be seen immediately with continued improvement over several months as the body processes the released fat and new collagen is formed, tightening the skin.

Yes! Adults do not create new fat cells. When a person gains weight, the fat cells expand. The SmartLipo procedure permanently destroys the fat cells in the treated area, producing lasting results as long as you maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle.

Yes. The Florida state laws only allow liposuction of 1000 cc with the abdominoplasty procedure. If you need more fat removed, Dr. Robert Tomas can perform SmartLipo first, followed by an abdominoplasty in a staged approach to maximize safety and results.

The main advantages of SmartLipo™ are: 1) Minimal Downtime – patients return to work in 1-2 days; 2) Minimal Discomfort – feels like a vigorous workout, with minimal bruising; 3) Less Traumatic – the laser coagulates blood vessels immediately; 4) Skin Contraction – laser energy shrinks collagen, tightening the skin over the new contours.