| Dr. John M. Cassel is a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Here the doctor has answered some common questions that Bizymoms visitors have about Liposuction.
Q. What is ultrasonic liposuction?
A. Ultrasonic liposuction is a spinoff technique related to traditional liposuction that utilizes a special cannula that electronically vibrates at an ultrasonic frequency, delivering a large amount of heat and energy to the targeted fat compartment. It has the advantage of allowing the surgeon to work with less force. There is a significant learning curve with the device, and severe complications have been reported including burns, infection, seroma, hematoma, and unexpected scarring, grooves, and ridges. It was widely used when initially introduced about ten years ago, and has fallen off in favor of more traditional techniques.
Q. Can the fat removed by liposuction come back?
A. Generally, when fat is removed by liposuction, it does not come back. Although fat cells can enlarge and reduce in conjunction with diet, the net reduction of the cell population in liposuction makes it difficult for the remaining cells to keep up with the surrounding untouched zone.
Q. Is it true that other areas get fat after liposuction?
A. When fat is removed by liposuction, the population of fat cells decreases significantly. But with a stable weight, one can expect to maintain the coutour indefinitely. In the face of generalized weight gain, however, the surrounding normal tissue has a tendancy to increase more dramatically than the area originally liposuctioned, which cannot gain as much volume in the absence of the fat cells removed by the liposuction. Therefore, there will appear to be a depression of the liposuction zone relative to the fullness of the untouched zone, renering the appearance of increased fat surrounding the liposuction.
Q. Is liposuction surgery painful?
A. Properly done, liposuction takes place in the deeper compartments of fat beneath the skin. Although nerves pass through the area, the specialized pain receptors are present only in the ends of the nerves at the skin level. Therefore, liposuction is relatively pain free in the postop and recovery phase. A comfortable compressive garment should be worn to help with pain and swelling during this time.
Q. How can we contact Dr. Cassel if we have further questions?
A. I can be reached at my office number, (305) 596-1010. My website, plasticsurgery4u.net, has a great deal of information about plastic and reconstructive surgery, and information about my training and qualifications. My email is drcassel@plasticsurgery4u.net |
