Body Contouring: 3D Superficial Liposuction

See also: Things to know about Liposuction, Tatler, May 2004

What qualifications are recommended to perform liposuction surgery?

A Cosmetic Plastic Surgeon is usually a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (DABPS) and a Member of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS) as well as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Surgeons who perform liposuction are usually active members of the Lipoplasty Society of North America (LSNA).

Prof. Kirwan has completed accredited training by ASAPS, ASPRS and LSNA in Suction Assisted Lipoplasty (SAL) and Ultrasonic Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL). Prof. Kirwan has received additional training in "Three Dimensional Superficial Lipo-Sculpture" (3D-SLS) with Dr. Marco Gasparotti in Rome, Italy and in Suction Assisted Lipoplasty with Dr. Yves-Gerard Illouz in Paris, France.

Read Prof. Kirwan's paper "Three-Dimensional Liposculpture of the Iliac Crest and Lateral Thigh

What is 3D-SLS?

3D-SLS is liposuction of fat in the superficial and intermediate layers. It is associated with a more contoured look and greater skin retraction.

How is 3D-SLS different from conventional liposuction?

3D-SLS removes fat in the superficial as well as the intermediate layers to better sculpt the body contour. Conventional Suction Assisted Lipoplasty (SAL) and Ultrasonic Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL) remove fat only from the deeper layers of fat. If the superficial fat remains, the outer layer is heavier and may fall after deep suctioning, forming rolls and bumps.

Why is it called Three Dimensional?

3D-SLS removes fat in all layers and allows delicate contouring of the body, not just a simple reduction in volume. It also means that you will look good in and out of clothes! Conventional liposuction (SAL) and Ultrasonic Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL) are similar in concept to deflating a balloon. Fat is suctioned to reduce the overall volume of an area. Because they both work in the deeper layers, they are unable to simulate the delicate curves of the buttocks, hips and outer thigh.

Can 3D-SLS be performed in other parts of the body?

Yes, the concepts of 3D-SLS apply to most parts of the body.

What other advantages are there of 3D-SLS?

Some patients with a moderate amount of loose skin will benefit from this technique because the skin will contract and tighten. In SAL and UAL, loose skin may be worse after surgery.

Is 3D-SLS gentler than conventional SAL and UAL?

3D-SLS is performed with smaller cannulas (suction tubes) so that there may be less bruising and bleeding. Unlike UAL, there is no heat generated at the end of the cannula. 3D-SLS can be performed close to the skin without risk of a skin burn.

Will I have fluid collection or fat drainage several days after surgery?

In 3D-SLS, all of the fat is suctioned out of the wound at the time of surgery. Fluid collections and fat drainage are common after UAL because of liquefied fat in the wound.

What is the safe maximum volume of fat to be removed at a single time?

Six pounds of fat can be safely removed at one time with rapid recovery and return to most daily activities within a week. Larger amounts of fat removal may prolong the recovery. If greater than ten pounds is removed, careful monitoring of the patient should be done in a hospital for twenty-four hours after surgery.

Do you use the tumescent technique?

I perform liposuction with the super-wet technique (SWT). Studies show that the SWT with injection of anesthetic and saline solution to the same or double the volume as the estimated fat removal, reduces blood loss and bruising. Sedation and monitoring by an anesthesiologist or anesthetist ensures your comfort and safety.

Tumescent surgery involves injection of large volumes of fluid to anesthetize the area to be suctioned. It is usually done without sedation or monitoring by an anesthesiologist or anesthetist. The large amounts of fluid injected, can affect the heart and cause serious complications.

Surgery in an AAAAPSF facility using SWT is safer than driving home!

When should I have liposuction to improve my appearance?

Liposuction is helpful when you have reached your ideal weight and are exercising on a regular basis but still have areas that fail to improve. These are most frequently the outer thighs and hips for women and love handles and the tummy for men.

If I have liposuction, will the fat come back?

Once the fat is removed it will not come back. However, if you put on weight after surgery, the remaining fat cells in the operated as well as the non-operated areas will enlarge and reduce the final result. If you lose weight after liposuction the effect of the liposuction will be further enhanced provided the weight loss is not
excessive.

Can I be too old for liposuction?

Age is not the limiting factor provided you are in good health. If your skin is stretched and loose from pregnancy or weight loss, then liposuction may not help. In these situations, it is more effective to remove the extra skin, itself. This is especially true in the arms, tummy, inner thighs and buttocks. Your surgeon can explain the best procedure to improve your appearance.

When will I see the results?

Approximately 60% percent of swelling is resolved by three weeks, eighty per cent by three months. The skin and fat will contract and re-contour for up to a year after surgery. No further surgery is recommended to further improve the contour before one year after surgery.