Tumescent
Pre-operative and Post-operative list for Tumescent Liposuction
Consent form for Tumescent Liposuction
Commonly Asked Questions
1. What is tumescent liposculpture?
The first practical approach for Liposuction was developed by Fischer in Italy
during the early 1970’s.
The big breakthrough occurred in 1987 when Jeff Klein, a dermatologist and pharmacologist
developed the tumescent technique. Large volumes of an extremely diluted local
anaesthetic fluid is infiltrated through a nick in the skin into the fat.Long,
thin, blunt ended cannulae (hollow tubes) are attached to a suction pump. These
are introduced through minute incisions and passed repeatedly through the fat.
2. What are the advantages of tumescent liposculpture?
• Numbs the area so that the procedure does not necessarily require a general
anaesthetic, and post surgery discomfort is reduced.
• Seals the blood vessels so that there is little or no bleeding, resulting
in safer liposuction and less bruising. There is no need for intravenous ‘drips’ or blood transfusions.
• Softens the fat so that it comes out smoothly and evenly allowing much greater
amounts of fat to be removed safely.
• The fluid used is anti-bacterial so that infection is extremely rare.
• Safer liposuction techniques have resulted in many more patients requesting
this treatment.
• Causes a better tightening of the skin especially combined with the superficial liposuction technique.
• Liposuction is now used for breast reduction instead of surgical cutting.
3.
What conditions are treatable with liposculpture?
A) Liposculpture
There is a heredity predisposition to store fat in specific areas which tend
to be stubborn and unresponsive to dieting and exercise.
Women tend to accumulate fat around their hips, thighs, lower abdomen and neck.
Men store excess fat around the flanks and abdomen. The procedure can be performed
on patients who have localised areas of fat, such as on the areas mentioned
or can be performed in multiple areas to aid in generalised weight and fat reduction.
The most common area for liposuction is the outer thighs (‘saddle bags’),
hips, buttocks, abdomen in females and lower abdomen, flanks and breasts in
males. Using very fine cannulae liposuction can also remove fat from full cheeks
and so called jowls.
The ideal patient is not obese and has good skin elasticity. Interestingly,
the skin retracts after liposuction so that both very fat and elderly patients
can expect very good results.
B) Mega-liposuction
Liposuction is now used as an aid in weight reduction where over 10 litres of
fat is removed in a few sessions. This procedure called Mega-liposuction has
best results if combined with a healthy diet and exercise program. Dr Lanzer
recently demonstrated these results on "Good Medicine" with Jennifer
Kyte and in many cosmetic magazines. He has performed thousands of liposuction
procedures.
C) Liposuction breast reduction
See the Breast Reduction section of this website.
D) Others: Lipomas,
sweaty armpits
Liposuction can be used to reduce sweating from under the arms. The procedure takes about 30 minutes and usually returns sweating levels to the normal range.The results may be long lasting.
4. Do I need to be asleep during liposculpture surgery?
You can have the procedure under a local anaesthetic (injections) where you may feel slight pain on the skin edges or nothing more than a sensation of swelling. Many patients prefer deep sedation or a general anaesthetic.
5. How long does the procedure take?
Dr. Lanzer has perfected his technique with his experience of thousands of cases
and often the liposuction will be complete in 1 hour.
6. Where is the surgery performed?
The surgery is usually performed in an accredited theatre in conjunction with
a specialist anaesthetist.
You may choose admission as 'a day case' or elect to stay at the hospital. Private Health insurance covers you for your accommodation.
Dr. Lanzer and his associates also perform liposuction in his out-patient theatre
in Toorak.
7. Is it painful?
There is no pain during surgery however there is normally some tenderness or
pain after the surgery. This normally subsides within the first few days post
surgery.
Panadol may be taken - (no aspirin allowed)
8. What happens after the operation and will I have any dressings?
Ice should be applied for the 1st 24 hrs (15mins on + 15mins off) after surgery
whilst awake. You will have dressings on the areas treated and there will be
oozing of liquid for about 24 hours after the procedure.
A firm garment e.g. girdle, liposuction garment or gym shorts are worn after
liposuction. Ideally they should be worn continuously for two weeks after the
procedure and then for half the time for a further two weeks.
9. Alternatives?
Dieting, exercise and weight loss may improve or remove your problem.
Lipectomy is the cutting out of loose skin and fat e.g. from the stomach, but
has significantly more risks. Endermologie may improve cellulite and produces
best results when used after liposculpture.
10. Is there an age limit?
Skin types and patients cosmetic desires vary with age. Due to the new changes
in liposuction techniques it can now be performed in all age groups, with very
satisfactory results.
11. What problems should I experience after surgery?
Complications with the early methods included excessive bruising, swelling,
pain and a need for general anaesthetic.
With the newer techniques, bruising and swelling is minimised but can range
from none to marked, and generally subside within the first couple of weeks.
Occasionally, patients develop a temporary deep bruise under the skin, especially
on the stomach or neck.Weeping of fluid from the incision sites should be expected
- This is normal. Numbness - is usually temporary.
12. When can I resume work?
You can resume work within 1 week. Occasionally patients get back to work within
1-2 days.
You should not resume heavy exercise for two weeks.
13. How long do the effects of the liposuction last?
The effects are usually permanent however if you put weight on later, the fat
cells can return in that area, although the fat tends to accumulate in other
areas first. Many patients find that liposuction is a psychological boost that
gives them more incentive to lose weight and in some patients, weight loss seems
easier post liposuction.
14. Do I need to take any medication?
You will need to take a course of antibiotics to guard against infection; they
commence the day before the procedure.
15. What is superficial liposculpture?
Dr Lanzer uses a technique to remove all the fat under the skin thereby causing
a tremendous skin retraction.
16.
Are there any risks?
As with any surgery, there are risks. Please read the attached consent form
carefully and make sure you ask Dr Lanzer any questions you are uncertain about.
Infection is the most serious risk but is extremely rare due to the antiseptic
tumescent fluid, pre-op antibiotics and sterile techniques. Loose skin, temporary
numbness, and irregularities may occur.
17. Can the fat be reused?
Yes, fat can be injected into body depressions, facial wrinkles, facial prominence
(eg.cheeks and lips).
18. What is the cost of the surgery?
Dr Lanzer and his staff will explain as costs vary according to areas and size, please call Dr Lanzers Rooms on 1800 444 333 or 03 9826 6644.
Full payment is to be made 10 days before surgery.,
19. How experienced is Dr Lanzer?
Dr Lanzer is one of the first doctors to have performed the Tumescent Technique
in Australia. He has organised conferences, to teach other doctors and has had
extensive training overseas. He has personally performed thousands of liposuctions
and will be glad to show you photos of them. He was featured in 1992 when he
convened a conference on this new technique which was filmed for the Steve Vizard
and Ray Martin Shows. In 1998 he was featured using the new Mega-liposuction
technique twice on Good Medicine and again in 2000 on liposuction breast reduction.
Dr Lanzer was a guest speaker of the Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons in San Diego
in 2001 where he presented a paper on "The Safety factors of large volume
liposuction" and the "new technique of breast reduction by liposuction."
Dr Lanzer is one of the chosen specialists to be part of a worldwide study to assess the safety of liposuction. His technique (which explains his safety method) was recently published in the International Journal of Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology.
Dr
Lanzer was:
• The first to arrange a conference in Australia to teach the new Tumescent Liposuction technique(1992)
• Was the first to present the new Tumescent Liposuction Technique to public - ‘Steve Vizard’ and ‘A Current Affair’ (1992)
• The first to highlight the Mega-liposuction procedure in Australia - Good Medicine (1998)
• The first to use the "new" Liposuction alone technique in Australia for breast reduction (2000)
Pre-operative and Post-operative list for Tumescent Liposuction
Patient Instructions
Pre-operative
1. Consent forms to be signed.
2. Blood tests (H.I.V. / Hepatitis / bleeding profile / Full Blood count)
3. Pre-operative photographs
4. After care appointment made
5. No aspirin for at least two weeks before surgery
6. No alcohol for 48 hours
7. Have a bath in Microshield on the night before and the morning of the procedure.
8. Arrange for somebody to pick you up after the procedure unless you are staying
in the hospital.
9. Purchased a compression garment.
10. Payment required 10 days before the operation.
Medication - ORAL
You will be prescribed Keflex (antibiotic) to be taken before the day of surgery.
These are to guard against infection. Take one capsule four times a day for 5 days or 2 capsules twice daily.
Dressings & Post-Operative
• After you have had the surgery, there will be oozing of liquid for about 12
- 24 hours. In some cases this may be extensive. Do not be concerned as this
is normal.
• If you are a day case procedure, please bring towels and plastic for the car.
• You will be required to wear a pressure garment continuously for 2 weeks after
the procedure and for half the time for a further 2 weeks.
• Results may be visible immediately but swelling will be present initially.
Full results can take 3-6 months.
• Apply ice (15mins on + 15mins off) for 24 hours
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Take panadol (not aspirin) for pain
• Massage after a few weeks may enhance healing and the results
• Keep fit and eat well
If you are unclear about any points regarding your surgery please feel free
to call Dr Lanzer or his nurses any time on +613 9826 6644.
Consent form for Tumescent Liposuction
• Printfriendly version of the consent form (Opens in a new window)