Liposuction Surgical Procedure

Surgery Site–When the volume of liposuction is very small and/or the number of areas few, the procedure is usually performed as a day-patient (that is coming in on the day of surgery and returning home that same day). Under some circumstances, however – even with these criteria – we will recommend an overnight stay. For larger volume liposuctions, where many areas are involved, or when other surgical procedures are performed simultaneously, we usually advise staying overnight or even several nights.

Surgery Techniques –Once you are asleep, the first step in the process of liposuction – as our doctors normally performs it – is the injection of fluid into the fat. In this "tumescent" or superwet technique, the fluid reduces the amount of bleeding and provides some anesthesia to the areas. It also separates the compartments of fat and makes the extraction easier. Then, Drs. Grossman and Capraro use exclusively both "tumescent" liposuction [Suction Assisted Liposuction or SAL] and VASER® LipoSelectionÒ. The VASER® is a form of low power ultrasonic liposuction device.

Dr. Grossman, who has a vast experience in performing liposuction, having begun shortly after its introduction into the United States, has used and tested virtually all of the liposuction techniques and devices while looking for the technology that can help produce the best outcome for his patients. Among the technologies that he has used are: earlier ultrasonic devices (LysonixÒ and Contour GenesisÒ from Mentor Corporation), Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) devices, and liposuction using variously designed multi-hole cannulas.

In fact, Dr. Grossman was instrumental in the introduction of the VASER® in Denver, working with its inventor, Dr. William Cimino, on the devices use for his patients. In the VASER® technique, special slender solid metal probes are attached to ultrasonic wave generator that emits sonic energy which rupture the fat cells allowing them to be more easily suctioned away. We believe that this method results in less trauma, bleeding, and bruising and post-operative pain and may create some degree of skin shrinkage. It also allows Dr. Grossman and Dr. Capraro to sculpt with a lot more finesse than with any other liposuction method.
As mentioned, Dr. Grossman has been performing liposuction since it was first introduced in the United States in the early 1980’s.  In his and Dr. Capraro’s routine technique, a number of tiny incisions (so small that when they heal, they are barely perceptible) are made, through which hollow metal tubes (cannulas) attached to suction can be inserted. But first, skin protectors are inserted, the area in question is treated with the VASER®,, and then the liposuction cannulas are inserted for removal of the liquefied fat. These cannulas vary in size with the largest being about the diameter of a pencil and the smaller ones the diameter of spaghetti. As the cannula is moved in-and-out of the fat, it removes cores of fat and previously VASER®-liquified fat until the desired shape has been attained.

Where the fatty area is very tough and fibrous – such as in the back, flanks, breasts, and hips (especially in men) – or where there are very large volumes to be removed, the VASER® ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL) may be used even more intensively. The VASER® , however, has its own set of risks and is used as an adjunct to standard tumescent liposuction, not a replacement. We believe that this method results in less bleeding and bruising, creates some degree of skin shrinkage, reduces post-operative discomfort associated with traditional liposuction, and may accelerate healing. Following the surgery, the tiny incisions are closed with dissolving stitches, sealed with a drop of medical grade superglue, and covered with a water-proof dressing. Then your placed in a compressive garment (http://designveronique.com), really a type of girdle, appropriate to the areas that have been liposuctioned.