South Florida Plastic Surgery Associates - Don R. Revis, MD

Liposuction

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to sculpt the body, removing unwanted collections of fat. Areas where liposuction may be performed include the neck, arms, tummy, love handles, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, calves, and ankles. During the past decade liposuction has gone through a revolution so that today it is a much safer procedure and the results are greatly improved with less discomfort, bruising and swelling. More than 450,000 liposuction procedures were performed in 2007, making it the most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States.

Liposuction should not be perceived as a method of weight loss. However, it can remove troublesome areas of fat that do not respond to a sensible diet and exercise routine.

Standard liposuction may also be referred to as suction assisted lipoplasty (or SAL). Liposuction may also be performed with the use of ultrasonic energy to assist in breaking down the fat that is to be removed (ultrasonic assisted lipoplasty, UAL, or VASER LipoSelection). In many patients this is advantageous, particularly in treating male breast enlargement (Gynecomastia), areas that have previously undergone liposuction, and in patients with marginal skin elasticity. Please visit our VASER Ultrasonic LipoSelection page to read more about this exciting technology. You may also hear of power assisted lipoplasty (or PAL) which involves the use of a cannula that rapidly vibrates at the tip. Dr. Revis will discuss each of these with you to determine the best approach for your individual situation.

SmartLipo is yet another type of liposuction commonly in the news today. SmartLipo can achieve the same results as the VASER but uses a different mechanism. SmartLipo uses a laser to accomplish the same thing the VASER accomplishes with ultrasonic energy. VASER use a high frequency ultrasonic soundwave and SmartLipo uses a beam of laser light to liquify the fat prior to its removal. Dr. Revis prefers to use the VASER because it eliminates any safety concerns surrounding the use of lasers in the operating room.

Liposuction is among the plastic surgery procedures with the highest patient satisfaction ratings. Many patients experience an immediate improvement in their self-esteem and discover a greater self-confidence. In addition, many find greater access to different clothing styles and fashions and are less self-conscious at the gym, around the pool, or at the beach.

If you think you might be a good candidate for liposuction, this page will give you a basic understanding of the procedure and the results you can expect. The cornerstone of Dr. Revis' approach is to individualize treatment to your specific circumstances and goals and to ensure that you have an adequate understanding of the issues involved so that you are able to make a fully informed decision. This will help you achieve the appearance you desire with the least invasive procedure available, thus creating a mutually rewarding experience. Dr. Revis invites you to visit his office for a complimentary consultation to discuss the procedure in greater detail. You are also invited to email Dr. Revis with your questions, or we can mail you more detailed information regarding the procedure.

As you consider plastic surgery, one of the most important decisions you will make is choosing your surgeon. Our pledge to you is to provide the latest, state of the art cosmetic plastic surgery in a safe and professional environment. Dr. Revis is a recognized specialist in the field of cosmetic plastic surgery and is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. He is also an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and has also been named among "America's Top Surgeons" by the Consumers' Research Council of America.

Our goal is to provide you with the ultimate patient experience. Our well-trained staff will help you understand your procedure, our financial policies, the scheduling of your surgery, and your post-operative care. We are available to assist you during our regular office hours, Monday through Friday. Dr. Revis is also available 24 hours a day to post-surgical patients; he will give you his cell phone number after surgery so that you will always be able to reach him with any questions or concerns you might have during your recovery.

The Consultation

During your initial consultation, Dr. Revis will inquire about your medical history, prior procedures, medications, allergies, and your motivations for seeking plastic surgery. It is very important that you be thorough when providing your medical history, as this information helps to prevent complications during your care. When asked about medications, be sure to include any vitamin or herbal preparations, as these can affect your blood pressure and clotting ability. Honesty regarding your use of tobacco and alcohol is also very important, as these may have a profound impact on your recovery period and your ability to heal following your procedure.

After reviewing your medical history, Dr. Revis will discuss your concerns, priorities and motivations for pursuing plastic surgery, as well as your fears. After examining you, Dr. Revis will be able to offer advice and options to help you achieve the appearance you desire. He will explain the advantages and disadvantages of the different options you have before you.

At the completion of your consultation, our Patient Coordinator will give you a written estimate of the cost of your procedure. At this time, you will also have the option to schedule your procedure if you so choose. The decision to undergo surgery is a very important one, and the final decision should be given very careful consideration. Dr. Revis realizes the importance of this decision, and at no time will you be pressured to make a decision. You are also encouraged to bring your spouse, significant other, family member, or a friend to your consultation.

Where Your Procedure Will Be Performed

Dr. Revis has been granted staff privileges at our local hospitals and outpatient surgery centers. In the interest of the safety of his patients, he only performs surgery in fully accredited facilities with the proper services and staff. Dr. Revis usually performs liposuction at Broward General Medical Center or Imperial Point Medical Center (fully accredited hospitals) or the Imperial Point Surgery Center (a fully accredited ambulatory surgery center). The staff of these facilities are very experienced in the care of plastic surgery patients in general and specifically in the care of Dr. Revis' patients.

Types of Anesthesia

Anesthesia is an essential part of any surgical procedure and must be performed safely. General anesthesia is the deepest form of anesthesia. You are asleep, feel no pain, and will not remember the procedure. This form of anesthesia is usually not required for liposuction unless the patient specifically requests general anesthesia.

Intravenous sedation, called twilight sleep, is a combination of local anesthetic administered at the surgical site by Dr. Revis and intravenous sedation administered by the anesthesiologist. You breathe for yourself, but you are in a deep sleep throughout the procedure. You should feel no pain, and you will not remember the procedure.

An intermediate form of anesthesia, the laryngeal mask airway (LMA), is a relatively new technique. This technique is similar to twilight sleep in that you are breathing on your own, but the method of sedation differs. With an LMA, you actually breathe anesthetic gases administered by the anesthesiologist, rather than receive intravenous sedation via your intravenous line. These anesthetic gases cause you to sleep during the procedure. At the completion of the procedure, the gases are turned off and you wake up from your sleep. You will feel no pain, and you will not remember the procedure. This is the most common type of anesthesia used by Dr. Revis because he feels that the effects of this type of anesthesia leave your body the fastest, allowing you to feel better faster with very little likelihood of post-operative nausea.

The prevention of post-operative nausea and vomiting is also a focus of Dr. Revis' approach to liposuction and body contouring. To improve your overall experience and ensure you feel better faster following your procedure, he has developed a technique that has resulted in a very low incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting. You will be given an intravenous dose of Zofran at the beginning of your operation. Zofran is a new drug which is currently the best medication available to prevent nausea and vomiting. Dr. Revis feels it is a very important component of his overall approach to make sure that your experience is as pleasant as possible.

Dr. Revis will discuss all of these options with you more thoroughly at the time of your consultation, and please ask him about anything you do not understand.

Details of the Procedure

Liposuction usually takes one to three hours to perform, depending on the total area to be treated and whether or not you are having additional procedures performed simultaneously. After you are properly anesthetized, Dr. Revis will make tiny (3 millimeter) incisions in the areas to be suctioned. A dilute solution containing saline (salt water), epinephrine (to decrease bleeding and subsequent bruising), and lidocaine (a local anesthetic to decrease pain post-operatively) is infiltrated in the areas to be treated.

A cannula (a slender, hollow metal tube attached to suction) is then passed repeatedly through the areas and serves to break up and remove the fat deposits. If you are undergoing ultrasound-assisted liposuction, the cannula has an ultrasound probe at the tip. The ultrasonic energy assists in the liquefaction of fat, making it easier to remove.

Afterwards, the incisions are carefully closed to minimize your scar. A sterile dressing is applied to the incisions, and a stretch garment (compression garment) is placed over the areas that have been treated.

Products To Help You Heal

Silagen Made with 100% pure medical grade silicone, Silagen 100% Pure Silicone Gel for Scars is a clear, fast drying gel that will help flatten, soften and smooth scars. It also helps reduce redness, discoloration, itching, and pain.

SinEcch Arnica Montana is a natural product from Sweden which has been shown in clinical studies to reduce post-operative bruising and swelling. Begun the evening prior to surgery, this product is continued for four days post-operatively.

These products are available for purchase in our office. Please ask us about these products and others if you have any further questions about whether or not these would be beneficial for you during your healing period.

After Your Procedure

Liposuction is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, unless you are having other procedures performed at the same time. However, if you live alone or are from out of town, you may choose to stay in the hospital overnight. If you choose to go home following your procedure, you will recover from surgery in the recovery room for approximately one hour, and then you will be able to go home in the company of a friend or family member. We also have a private duty nurse available to care for you in the comfort and privacy of your own home if you so choose.

The antibiotics that were prescribed during your preoperative visit (usually Augmentin) should be taken twice daily beginning on the evening prior to surgery. Continue this medication for five days post-operatively or until it is gone. The pain medication prescribed by Dr. Revis during your preoperative visit (usually Lortab or Vicodin) should be taken fairly regularly, every four hours or so, during the first 24 hours (when you are not asleep, of course). Most patients find that they are able to transition to Tylenol after three or four days. It is not safe to drive a car within 24 hours of taking pain medication, as your reflexes and alertness may be altered.

You should plan to take it easy following your surgery. No strenuous activities, heavy lifting (over 20 pounds), aerobic exercises, swimming, contact sports, tennis, or golf should be planned for three weeks. As Dr. Revis monitors your recovery, he will advise you when it is safe to resume specific activities.

You should plan to wear the compression garment for three weeks following surgery, depending on the rate of your recovery.

The Results You Can Expect

Your final result will not be apparent immediately following surgery, but will become apparent over the first several weeks. This is because your body will still be absorbing some of the fluid injected at the beginning of the procedure. In fact, you will probably weight more the evening following surgery than you did the morning of surgery.

A very mild swelling usually takes several weeks to subside. Any bruising that may occur usually disappears within one to two weeks. You should be able to resume your normal daily activities the day after surgery, and you should be able to resume all of your physical activities within three weeks of surgery.

Liposuction Before & After Photos

Please call (954) 630-2009 for further information or to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Email: DrDonRevis@hotmail.com