Liposuction

Introduction

Dr Lanzer’s experience 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 some ten thousand 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 which he pioneered. He is an author in a world textbook on Safety of Liposuction. Dr Lanzer was a guest speaker at 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 is the chosen key investigator for an overseas company working on fat reduction devices.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent Liposuction has undoubtedly been the most revolutionary and innovative procedure in the field of Cosmetic Surgery in the last ten years: its primary aim is to remodel any part of the body, such as chubby flanks, bulging stomachs, voluminous lower backs and thighs. There are now far fewer downsides to the procedure than there were in the past.
Tumescent Liposuction is a surgical procedure that enables excess fatty tissue localised in some parts of the body, such as the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, arms, chin, cheeks and neck, to be removed without causing obvious cutaneous scars. The main advantage of the innovation of the procedure is that fatty tissue can be re-modeled and removed in what has been shown to be a fairly safe way. It is like keyhole surgery to remove fat.

Liposculpture

Read about Liposculpture here. Liposuction Articles please click here.

Mega Liposuction

Liposuction is now used as an aid in weight reduction where over ten 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 demonstrated these results on “Good Medicine” with Jennifer Keyte on Today Tonight, on The Body Specialists and in many cosmetic magazines. He has performed thousands of liposuction procedures. Dr Lanzer has his a consultant dietician who works in his rooms giving dietary advice for those wanting to help with their weight loss and maintenance plans.

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. It also can remove fat lumps called lipomas.

Why

• When the flanks are too chubby and develop “love handles”
• When the stomach is too voluminous
• When fat has accumulated in “congenital” areas and fails to respond to diet, slimming exercises and weight loss
• When the fat is concentrated on the stomach, flanks, hips, buttocks, thighs, ankles, chin, cheeks and neck
• When a kick start to a weight loss programme is needed
• When summer is approaching and one wants to get into shape for the beach
• When the neck hangs or has lost its sharp angle
• For male boobs and female breast reduction.

Dr Lanzer was:

• The first to arrange a conference in Australia to teach the new Tumescent Liposuction technique (1992)
• The first to present the new Tumescent Liposuction Technique to the Australian 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)
• Described liposuction in males ‘A Current Affair’ (2005)
• Described liposuction in families / four sisters ‘Today Tonight’ (2007)
• Described liposuction in twins ‘A current Affair’ (2008)

Advantages of the Tumescent Method

• 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 in males and females as an alternative to surgical cutting (see page 46 & 49)

Procedure Technique

First Dr Lanzer will mark out the areas on your body to be suctioned. This allows for an accurate targeting of fat. Next a large amount of fluid is infused into the target treatment areas, before the suction is performed. This fluid consists of saline solution, local anaesthetic (lidocaine) and adrenalin (a vasoconstrictor); the term “tumescent” actually refers to the “turgid” state of the tissues into which the solution has been infiltrated.

This technique makes for much easier fat drainage, less or no blood loss, better anaesthesia during the procedure and afterwards, and fewer post-operative bruises. The excess fatty tissue is then removed. This is achieved by means of a cannula connected to a suction device (vacuum or large syringe); the cannula is introduced into the fat situated under the skin through small incisions (2-3 mm) made close to the target treatment area; it is then pushed through the fat until it reaches the area in question. The cannula is then moved about so that the fat is broken up and suctioned simultaneously.

Recovery

Some patients will take one week off whilst others return to work in a few days. Fluid will come out of the small nicks during the first 24 hours, absorbent dressings will be applied to these areas underneath your compression garment. Our staff will remove the dressings for you after 24 hours. It is helpful to apply ice over the top of the garment and padding for the first 24 hours. You need to wear the pressure garment full time for two weeks then reduce it to half for the next two weeks. Strenuous exercise is not recommended for the first two weeks.

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Commonly asked questions?

1. Do I need to be asleep during liposculpture surgery?

The procedure can be performed whilst lightly asleep (general anaesthetic) or awake under local anaesthesia. Patients have varying preferences and you should discuss the two options with Dr Lanzer. If you are asleep then you will meet Dr Lanzer anaesthetist who has worked with him for over 15 years and performed thousands of procedures together.

2. 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 one hour. When performed under local anaesthetic the procedure takes longer as we need to allow time for the fat to become numb.

3. Where is the surgery performed?

The surgery is performed in Dr Lanzer’s Day Surgery Centre at Malvern. Dr Lanzer can arrange for nursing transport to your home or a nursing care centre. Immediate recovery is under our beautiful heritage dome!

4. 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). If you elect for local anaesthesia by itself it is possible some areas particulary on the edges may be sore.

5. What happens after the operation and will I have any dressings?

Ice should be applied for the first 24 hrs after surgery over the top of your compression garment whilst awake (20 min on 20 min off). You will have dressings on the areas treated and there will be expected oozing of liquid for about 24 hours after the procedure. Our staff will remove these dressings for you the following day. A firm garment eg: 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. Dr Lanzers staff will arrange the appropriate garments for you.

6. Alternatives?

Dieting, exercise and weight loss may improve or remove your problem. Ultrashape and Lipodissolve may also remove fat. (Page 75 & 76) Lipectomy is the cutting out of loose skin and fat, for example from the stomach (tummy tuck). Liposuction is often performed in conjunction with Lap banding.

7. Is there an age limit?

Skin types and patient’s 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. Dr Lanzer has performed surgery on patients in their 70’s with good results.

8. Is there weight loss?

Patients may not necessarily lose weight but just change shape. When used as a kick-start sometimes dramatic weight loss may occur. Dr Lanzer offers a face-to-face consult with his clinical dietician Mark Surdut. By combining a healthy lifestyle with liposuction one can enhance the results.

9. What problems could 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 are 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 which can be removed by massage. Weeping of fluid from the incision sites should be expected to last two days - this is normal. Numbness is usually temporary. Please read the full consent form.

10 When can I resume work?

You can resume work within one week. Occasionally patients get back to work within two days. You should not resume heavy exercise for two weeks.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. What is superficial liposculpture?

Dr Lanzer uses a technique to remove all the fat under the skin thereby causing a tremendous skin retraction. This method is often used to produce the “6 pack” look.

14. Are there any risks?

As with any surgery, there are risks. 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.

15. Can the fat be reused?

Yes, fat can be injected into body depressions, facial wrinkles & facial prominence (eg: cheeks and lips) and backs of hands.

16. What is the cost of the surgery?

Dr Lanzer and his staff will explain as costs vary according to areas and size. Full payment is to be made 10 days before surgery.

17. Can Liposuction/Liposculpture be used instead of going on a diet?

Liposuction/Liposculpture is not a procedure for loosing weight, but is used for remodeling the body and eliminating accumulations of fat. The fat does not weigh very much even after removing a considerable amount you may only lose a few kilograms.

18. Isn’t there the risk that, where the fat has been removed, the excess skin will sag?

For this reason, Dr Lanzer prefers Liposculpture, that is, superficial Liposuction which, apart from reducing the cushion of fat, increases the skin tone. The skin contracts because many holes are made in the fat by the procedure which then contract and stick together.

19. Is it really necessary to wear a compression bandage after the surgery?

We recommend that you wear a compression garment as this is useful for reducing bruising and swelling therefore decreasing the risk of post operative complications. The garment also helps retract the skin back to the bodies surface.

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