MICROLIPO

MicroLipo is a liposuction technique that uses small cannulas for fat removal through tiny incisions in the skin while the patient is awake. Tumescent liposuction is a technique where the anesthesia is provided by the fluid put into the area being treated.

Microcannula tumescent liposuction is an advanced technique of permanently removing excess fat deposits in areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is called tumescent (which means “to swell”) because the physician fills and swells the fatty areas to be removed with large volumes of a special solution before the procedure. This solution numbs the area due to the effect of local anesthetic, therefore general anesthesia or heavy intravenous sedation is not required. At the same time, a substance called epinephrine constricts the blood vessels, reducing bleeding to negligible amounts. Fatty deposits are then removed using small straw-like tubes called cannulas connected to suction. With microcannula liposuction, the cannulas are very narrow and small, as small as 2 millimiters in size. Even with the small size of the cannulas, the procedure is very efficient at removing fat and sculpting the body. With microcannula liposuction, instead of incisions being made in the skin, tiny punches are made in the skin for placement of the cannulas. This can result in a small almost invisible dot instead of a line after healing completes. This can be an advantage for those who have skin types which can hyperpigment with healing.

It is safer to perform liposuction under local anesthesia than under general anesthesia. The recovery is faster and you can get back to normal activities more quickly. Another benefit is that you are alert and therefore can cooperate with the physician by changing position so the areas can be more easily seen. The finer instruments that are used with microcannula liposuction technique allow the physician to target specific areas with accuracy and control never before possible.

IS IT PAINFUL?
There is minimal discomfort during the administration of the anesthetic. Prior to the start of the procedure you are given oral medication to relax and help make you more comfortable. During the procedure, you may feel pressure as the fluid is infused in to the area of treatment. It is not painful. The anesthetic in the fluid is effective for approximately 24 hours. Heavy pain medication is usually not required.

WHAT IS TUMESCENT ANESTHESIA?

This is the fluid that is injected into the tissue to make it numb before the physician removes the fat. The solution is composed of three main ingredients. The first component is saline, salt water that makes the fat more liquid and easier to remove. Lidocaine(a numbing medicine often used by dentists) is added to temporarily numb the nerves and skin so that you are comfortable during the procedure. The last ingredient is epinephrine or adrenaline, which constricts the blood vessels so that there is minimal blood loss. The tumescent anesthesia also reduces pain after the procedure by remaining active for about 24 hours.