What Is Liposculpture

There is a hereditary predisposition to store fat in specific areas that 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 areas for liposculpture are 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 the neck and so called jowls. The ideal patient is not obese and has good skin elasticity. Interestingly, the skin retracts after liposuction so that larger and elderly patients can expect very good results also. Please also compare to Vaser ® HI DEF Liposculpture which is available now.

Find commonly asked liposuction questions and answers here. View Liposuction Before and After Photos. More information about liposuction.

> Click here for a FREE online consultation

>> Click here now for a FREE copy of Dr Lanzers cosmetic surgery book

Frequently Asked Questions on Liposculpture

• How did you get into Liposculpture?
• How come you have been on television presenting on Liposculpture so many times?
• Does it matter which operating theatre is used for Liposculpture?
• Can people have Liposculpture from interstate?
• Can Liposculpture be combined with other procedures?
• Why Liposculpture?
• more see below

Dr Lanzer is a world renowned expert on Liposcupture and we asked him and his staff a number of common questions.

How did you get into Liposculpture?
In 1992 I convened the first workshop in Australia on the new Liposculpture procedure called Tumescent Liposculpture. I found the Liposculpture procedure was very exciting and dramatic and was very impressed with the results and safety.

How come you have been on television presenting on Liposculpture so many times?
The media heard about the Liposculpture conference and asked me to present it on national television. A patient who had undergone the Liposculpture also came on television and showed her result. What followed was a tremendous interest in the Liposculpture procedure and so many other programs asked me to present. Later I wrote a weekly column for the New Idea magazine on Liposcupture and Laser Surgery.

Does it matter which operating theatre is used for Liposculpture?
The main thing is that the Liposcupture surgeon should be appropriately trained. The infiltrator of the fluid is also an important part of the theatre equipment.

Can people have Liposculpture from interstate?
Yes we specialise in patients who travel from interstate for liposculpture. We offer a private taxi service and after the Liposcupture procedure we can transport patients to an aftercare centre.

Can Liposculpture be combined with other procedures?
Often patients have other procedures at the same time as the Liposcupture. This may include Laser of wrinkles, lifting of facial skin or Laser eye lid surgery.

Why Liposculpture?
Liposculpture is a surgical technique for eliminating unwanted fat from most areas on the body. Utilising a high-powered suction device, the surgeon is able to disrupt fat cells and then remove them. Unlike past procedures for body contouring, Liposculpture leaves no significant visible scarring and recovery is rapid. We live in a society that places a heavy emphasis on our physical appearances. Looking and feeling good, after all, plays a critical role in nearly every facet of our lives. In our careers, in the way others perceive us and in how we see ourselves. As a result, many of us have become fed up with those unattractive "bumps", "spare tires", and sagging stomaches that refuse to disappear regardless of our diet or activity level. This is why Liposculpture has become the most common surgical procedure performed by Dr Lanzer who has performed over 10,000 since 1992. When performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon like Dr Lanzer, it offers a very effective solution for getting rid of those unsightly bulges and giving us a healthier, more attractive appearance.

What is the history of Liposulpture?
1920's: First attempt of fat removal
The first attempt to remove fat for aesthetic reasons goes back to the 1920's.
It was a French surgeon, Dr. Charles Dujarrier, who attempted to remove excessive fat from the knees and calves of a ballerina. He used a curette, a little medical instrument in the shape of a spoon that is intended to scrape the skin clean.
During the operation an important vein was damaged and amputation followed.

1960's: New attempts
After a long period, surgeons are again experimenting to remove fat.
Some of them were trying to remove the fat by cutting away whole bloc's of skin and fat at the same time, the big noticeable scars certainly didn't contribute to this technique.
Other were still using the curette by making small incisions through which they scraped away the fat.

1975: Big breakthrough
Probably the biggest breakthrough in modern Liposculpture comes from Arpad Fischer & his son Giorgio Fischer, two Americans working in Rome at the time. They invented the first real Liposculpture device by developing a cannula (a blunt, hollow tube) which was connected to a suction device. Along with this new device they developed the technique of making several small incisions to insert the cannula. This technique is referred to as the cross tunneling technique and is still used in Liposculpture today. Good results were obtained but the dry liposuction still had disadvantages, mainly the severe blood loss and dents in the treated areas.

1982: Wet Liposculpture
The next big break comes in 1982 when the French surgeon, Dr. Yves-Gerard Illouz, injected a saline solution in the areas to be treated. This reduces not only the bleeding but also makes it easier to remove the fat. This technique is known as "wet liposuction."

1987: Tumescent Liposculpture
In 1987 the Californian Dermatologist, Dr. Jeffrey A. Klein, published and demonstrated the results on his experiments. He discovered that by adding lidocaine and epinephrine, greater amounts of fat could be removed with very little bleeding and less post operative swelling and pain. Also, due to the sedating effect of the lidocaine, the Liposculpture could be carried out under local anesthesia. The injected solution is often referred to as "Klein solution", named after the inventor. This tumescent Liposculpture technique, developed by Dr. Klein is the most used technique in modern Liposculpture. Dr Lanzer convened the first conference for Tumecent Liposculpture in Australia in 1992.

How has Dr Lanzer improved Tumecent Liposculpture?
Dr Lanzer performed personal studies looking at safety issues. He then applied the Liposculpture method on overweight patients that were labeled Mega Liposcupture. Later Dr Lanzer used Liposcupture for breast reduction which he pioneered to the World.

Has Dr Lanzer spoken at conferences on Liposcupture?
Yes Dr Lanzer has presented his experience widely. Besides the Australalian College meetings Dr Lanzer has presented for the American Academy of Dermatologists and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons. There has been particular interest in his Liposcupture safety work, his Mega Liposcupture results and breast reduction by the Liposcupture procedure.

Can you tell me some basic facts about Liposculpture?
To understand Liposculpture you need to know some basic facts about fat and its body distribution. Fat cells are located beneath the skin in virtually all body areas. These fat cells function as a storage facility for the excess calories we consume and which are converted to body fat, as insulation, and to allow free movement between the muscles and skin. In the adult, there appears to be a fixed number of fat cells. It is believed that once puberty has been reached, no new fat cells develop. These fat cells either swell or shrink in size paralleling weight gain and loss. When the fat cells are removed from a treated area, they do not regenerate. For most adults, these fat cells create bulges in various body parts that will never completely disappear with any amount of dieting or exercise. Heredity, instead, plays the most significant role. Fatty deposits tend to be passed down from generation to generation. Once fat cells accumulate in the body, unless they are surgically removed, they are there for life - swelling or growing in size with a weight increase, shrinking with a weight loss. These unsightly bulges may be even more obvious after weight reduction. For men, the bulges most commonly form around the waistline and chest; for women, it's the tummy, hips and thighs. Liposculpture is the safest and most permanent solution for removing fat cells and giving you the best chance of the unwelcome bulges not coming back!

How is Liposculpture done?
Liposculpture Surgery is performed through a tiny skin incision of about ¼-inch. With the patient under anesthesia, a special fat extractor called a cannula is introduced through the skin opening to loosen the offending fat cells and then remove them by strong suction. Liposcupture creates minimal scarring and allows for rapid recovery.

How is facial Liposculpture done?
In facial Liposculpture, a specially sized fat extractor is passed underneath the skin to remove the fat in the chin, neck, and/or jowl areas. Following the fat removal, compression is applied to assist in contouring. In the hands of an able surgeon, no visible scarring occurs. Because of particularly rapid healing in this area, one is able to appear in public within a week of the procedure with no telltale signs of surgery! Dr Lanzer has shown that the Liposculpture method also induces skin retraction so that drooping necks can be retracted and lifted with Liposcupture alone and no face lift surgery. Dr Lanzer often combines face Liposculpture with the face skin Suture lift.

How long is the recovery period?
Recovery from Liposculpture Surgery is remarkably quick and patients can return to work fairly quickly. Minimal bruising occurs and some soreness may be present which is easily controlled with the medication provided. Patients wear special compression garments over the treated areas for a short time. These control swelling and help the skin to shrink and can be worn under normal clothing. With the Dr Lanzer’s Liposculpture technique, results can be apparent immediately, however, shrinkage and improvement continues for months. Exercise may begin two weeks after surgery. Patients are encouraged to stay as active as possible during the recovery period and work with Dr Lanzer’s medical Nutritionist to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

How long will I be off work from Liposculpture?
Anywhere from one day to one week, depending upon the extent of the surgery and other factors.

Is there any adverse effect?
Few long-term adverse effects or consequences have been found to occur from Liposculpture when the procedure is performed by a highly trained and experienced surgeon like Dr Lanzer. Current experience in the world indicates that, when done properly, the procedure is amazingly safe. There may be temporary fluid or bruising under the skin or some irregularity in the skin. Temporary numbness in the skin may also occur from Liposculpture. Infection is extremely rare but prevention antibiotics are given before surgery as a routine.

Where is the surgery performed?
All of our cosmetic surgery procedures are performed in Dr Lanzer’s state-of-the-art Surgery Centre in Malvern. This modern facility is equipped with the most advanced technology on the market today and is well suited to the performance of Liposculpture.

Who is a candidate for Liposulpture?
Essentially all men and women who have one or more bulges of fat, large or small, that they can not effectively eliminate on their own are a potential candidates for liposculpture. This even applies to people that are exercising three to four times a week. Dr Lanzer’s patients range from dancers, entertainers, models and sports professionals with the tiniest "bulges" to those who must reduce their shape for health requirements, and everyone in between. Because all people have their own individual problems and expectations, Dr Lanzer works with each person to develop an effective solution.

What areas of the body are treated by Liposculpture Surgery?
Body contouring through Liposculpture Surgery is ideally suited for removal of fat deposits in the chin, neck, abdomen, waistline, hips, buttocks, thighs and knees. Larger lipomas (fatty skin tumors) and gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men) can also be effectively treated with Liposcupture. Before the Liposcupture Dr Lanzer will draw on the skin showing exactly the areas where the fat will be removed.

Where are the incisions placed?
Tiny incisions for Liposculpture are made in order to insert the canula to extract the fat. These incisions are around the areas where the fat is to be removed. As the incisions are tiny, Dr Lanzer does not suture them and they heal on there own.

What will happen to the excess skin from Liposculpture?
Skin is a dynamic organ which has elasticity and in most cases is able to shrink and re- adapt to the new body contour. Dr Lanzer’s advanced sculpturing technique enhances the ability of even poor quality skin to shrink surprisingly well after Liposculpture.

Is blood replacement necessary for Liposculpture?
Dr Lanzer’s technique virtually eliminates bleeding, he has not had to use blood transfusions during any of his Liposculpture procedures.

Is there an age limit on whom Liposculpture can be performed?
No. Age varies considerably between patients. Dr Lanzer has had many healthy older patients up to there mid eighties on whom he has performed Liposculpture. It is uncommon to perform Liposculpture in the teens, but many have it in the twenties and onwards.

Is there a weight limit for Liposculpture?
In theory no. However, Dr Lanzer is very careful in assessing whom Liposculpture is suitable for. Liposculpture should be used as a kick start to manage a healthy lifestyle. It is a body shaping or sculpturing procedure used to shape and mold offending bulges, and often serves to motivate the frustrated individual to make important changes in their lifestyle. Mega Liposcupture is performed on patients between 80-130 kilograms in weight.

What happens after Liposculpture surgery?
You may be fatigued and a little sore for at least 24 hours. The garment you will wear for the next few weeks will relieve pressure and help reduce any swelling that may accompany surgery. Light activity (walking) is recommended after 24 hours. This should be increased daily and will build stamina. Each day you will feel stronger and it is advised that you listen to your body, as it tells you when to rest and when it is the best time to exert energy. Exercise usually commences two weeks post Liposculpture

How to choose a Liposculpture Surgeon?
Choose a surgeon who specializes in Liposculpture. While there are many Dr’s out there who offer Liposculpture as part of their services it is highly recommended to hire a surgeon who is performing a significant amount of Liposculpture consistently all the time. You want a doctor who can offer a very knowledgeable staff, the best possible results, and an easy recovery. Dr’s who specialise in Liposculpture know a great deal about their industry. Choose a surgeon whose priority is patient safety. You want a Dr who understands that your health and body are very important to you. Choosing a Dr with an impeccable safety record is a must. You want a surgeon who takes pride in safeguarding their patients and making sure that procedures are done with care. With so many stories in the media about unscrupulous Dr’s unconcerned with their patient's health and safety, its important to choose wisely. Those considering Liposculpture should look for a surgeon who makes them feel comfortable and in whom they have confidence. As with your favorite beautician you won't get the same results with every surgeon. Those who simply shop around for the cheapest price, tend to get what they pay for. Unfortunately, Dr Lanzer devotes a good part of his practice to correcting unfavorable results from prior surgery performed elsewhere. Many patients have learned the hard way that unsuccessful results obtained for a low fee may last a lifetime. We have photographic documentation of some of these horrendous results. Dr Lanzer’s patients come from all over the World to benefit from his expertise. Many of these patients are other physicians, dentists, nurses and their family members who are particularly fussy about choosing their surgeon. Dr Lanzer offers a free consultation on Liposculpture and all his cosmetic surgery procedures. He also consults on them over the internet. Patients send in photographs and Dr Lanzer will draw on them showing where he will do the Liposcupture and what type of result one may obtain.