LipoSculpture Using Advanced Techniques

What is Advanced LipoSculpting?

This is an advanced technique of "Tumescent Liposuction," which is less risky and less traumatic than traditional liposuction, and studies have shown less morbidity after the procedure when performed with a laser.  The procedure is also referred to as "Lipsculpture" or the "Sculpting" of the body's contours by the removal of unwanted fat through suction.  If a physician refuses to perform the procedure because they say you do not have enough fat, there is a problem. This is what the procedure was MADE for! This is less a volume surgery than a sculpting one. I would say it takes much less skill to simply go in and suck out volumes of fat than it takes to artistically sculpt a beautiful waist or inner thighs. Just make sure you've got the right doctor for the job. It's called advanced for a reason. 

The procedure involves the numbing of the area and dispersal of the fat with a normal saline based lidocaine/epinephrine solution, resulting in an appearance of the skin called "tumescence".  After this solution has been presented into the area of concern, the fat is broken up and the area becomes completely numb; then the solution and unwanted fat are safely removed using a micro-surgical instrument called a cannulae, which is inserted via tiny 3-4 mm incisions.  The procedure is quiet and movements are gentle and slow.  Liposculpture is not painful and does not leave any unsightly scars or lumpy, uneven areas using advanced liposculpting protocols.

Using a Laser as opposed to Suction-Assisted Liposculpting?

Dr. Ashworth uses Suction-Power Assisted Liposculpting in his practice because of the side effects that occur with lasers. In the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, Vol. 26, No 2, 2009 the patients who underwent laser lipolysis experienced a higher rate of post-operative swelling, bruising, pain, and numbness in and around the area's operated on.  Many of the physicians who use lasers to assist in the removal of fat claim "tightening of the skin" and "melting fat" in their marketing; yet these reports are euphemistic and do not accurately describe the action of laser energy on the skin and subcutis.  It has been Dr. Ashworths experience, being one of the first in this community to start practicing Suction-Assisted Liposculpting that this procedure offers less post-operative complications, and a more favorable outcome than any other method in use to date, especially lasers.

To have the most advanced liposculpting in town we needed the most advanced aspirator.  We have acquired the LS2 Power Assisted Aspirator.  This device gives the surgeon even more control over the areas that require removal of fat.  It is designed to be used with the micro-surgical instruments that are used by cosmetic surgeons that have the ability to actually sculpt the human figure.

LS2 POWER ASSISTED ASPIRATOR

Is Dr. Ashworth a plastic surgeon?

No.  Liposculpture is not plastic surgery, it is a minimally invasive surgery.  Liposculpture requires no plastic implants or major reconstruction.  Minimally invasive surgeries, like LipoSculpting, are those that use tiny skin incisions and smaller instruments than those used in traditional liposuction.  Plastic surgeons are trained to reconstruct areas (e.g. facelifts) or perform implants (e.g. breast implants) with patients under general anesthesia. Dr. Ashworth is however an active member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgeons. This organization offers the best in continuing medical education in the most recent techniques in the field of cosmetic surgery.

How is the technique that Dr. Ashworth uses different?

Dr. Ashworth's techniques are more advanced than the liposuction often seen on television or performed in many other centers.  Not only does the LipoSculpture remove fat in one session, but the entire protocol is geared toward promoting skin tightening for better contouring and smoother results than traditional liposuction.  The instruments are smaller and more refined and use very small skin incisions, so there are no stitches.  This is a picture of a commonly used canula at Ashworth Medical as compared to a pen to give one the opportunity of comparison. 

Patients are given oral medications such as valium and lortab to relax and help with moderate discomfort that occurs during the numbing process.  All patients are entirely awake and require only locally infiltrated anesthesia.  Patients remain comfortable and enjoy talking or listening to music.  By using small instruments in a more gentle fashion, most patients do not have any significant bruising and many patients are able to return to work or normal activities 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.  From start to finish Dr. Ashworth has a protocol that has been perfected over hundreds of patient surgeries. 

What areas of the body can be treated?

Almost any area of the body can be treated with this technique.  The most popular areas are the abdomen, love handles, males with fatty tissue on their chest, inner and outer thighs, chin, and back. The Brazillian Butt lift is a sculpting procedure where fat is taken from above the buttock area and also below (at the gluteal cleft).  A specialized garment has been made by Dr. Ashworth that is designed to pull the buttock upwards to compliment the sculpting.  Ofcourse the endermology is also perfomed to pull up and tighten the skin, all of which are implemented to achieve the ultimate goal of lifting the buttocks.

How many areas can be treated at one time?

The number of areas that can be treated at one time depends on your height, weight, and size of the areas treated. If you are overweight or obese, Dr. Ashworth will suggest choosing one of his weight loss plans prior to the procedure. This makes the procedure less invasive by requiring removal of less fat. This will also help to ensure proper healing and more permanent results as the patient learns appropriate ways to relate to food and exercise. Dr. Ashworth's priority is safety, and he will use his professional judgment to determine the number of areas that can be safely treated during any single procedure.

How much fat can liposculpture remove?

Advanced LipoSculpting can remove between 70% to 80% of the fat in a treated area.  The percentage of fat removed depends on the amount of fat present, the fibrosity of the patient's fat (some patients have more difficult fat to remove than others), and the cosmetic goal to be achieved.  A good rule of thumb when estimating the final result that you will achieve through this treatment is to pinch the area you want to have treated and feel how deeply the muscles are beneath the skin. Feeling the muscle is most easily done by contracting the muscle and rubbing your hands over the skin.  The distance between the skin and the outside of the tensed muscle is the thickness of your fat layer.  If you would be satisfied with a 70% to 80% reduction in the fat layer, you would be a good candidate and will be pleased with your liposculpture results.  You do not want too much fat removed or the layer between the muscle and superfiscial skin will be too thin.  This will leave a very uneven appearance and would remove layers of tissue that house and allow elastin and collagen to be nutrified and replenished for a tighter outcome. In the end it will always come down to continuing to exercise and eat right. There is no magic wand, cannulae, or injection that will in and of itself sustain your new look. Dr. Ashworth will sculpt it and it's up to you to maintain it.

Can I drive myself home after the procedure?

Because all patients have oral sedation, you will be required to arrange for a driver or taxi to take you home.  If you are having your abdomen and more than one additional area treated, you must arrange for a family member,or friend to take you home (no taxi allowed).

What if I have questions or concerns after the procedure, or have it on a Friday?

Every patient that has the procedure done receives his personal cell phone number that they can call at any time. For the first 2 days after the surgery on the weekends Dr.Ashworth will personally visit a patients home (if they are local to the area) if they have any concerns regarding how their treated area looks and is healing.

What happens to the skin after removal of the fat?

Dr. Ashworth's technique involves rasping the skin from underneath, which leads to the formation of new collagen and promotes skin tightening.  Immediately after the procedure, the skin is loose; however, within 1 to 2 weeks the skin's natural retraction, and the body's natural healing mechanisms allow the skin tone to return to roughly the same as it was prior to the procedure.  Over the next 6 to 8 weeks, the body heals and new collagen begins to form.  The skin retracts over the new contour and is tighter and more toned than before the procedure.  For patients above age 60 or patients who have lost more than 100 pounds, significant skin retraction may not be possible.  A consultation with Dr. Ashworth can give you a realistic idea of your outcome.

Will there be unevenness or lumpy areas after the procedure?

One of the reasons we avoid uneven areas is the use of endermology.  Endermology utilizes mild suction and traction, which gently pulls and smooths out the treated areas and increases blood and lymphatic flow to speed healing.  This treatment is rarely done with traditional liposuction procedures, or liposculpting practitioners, whether they use power assisted liposculpting or lasers (which I personally do not recommend).  Patients will usually receive 5 to 10 sessions, depending on the size of the area and will be given specific instructions during each session.  For instance if the abs are being done the patient may be asked to lift the legs and tighten the abdomenal muscles as the devicee is rolled over the area.  The cost of endermology is included in the price and is performed once per week.  If endermology is not offered by a doctor performing liposculpture, then a smooth outcome is difficult, if not impossible to achieve.  For patients who are unhappy with their results, or experience assymetry, or feel as though not enough fat was removed your happiness is our top priority.  As long as all of the post-operative instructions were followed the touch-up procedure will never be more than half the cost of the original procedure price. 

ENDERMOLOGY DEVICE

Are consultations free?

Yes.  This consultation is also the time to book and pay for the procedure if the Add-On discounts, or any specials are desired.  Most of your answers should be found on this website as well as all of the prices. See pricing page for details.

When should I return for a follow-up appointment after the procedure?

Dr. Ashworth schedules all patients to return for a 3-4 day and then a 90 day follow-up appointment.  Our office prioritizes prior patients and has an open door policy for any returning patient waiting for a 3 month follow-up or simply to be checked for healthy healing.  Appointments ensure that you will be seen quickly, but any patient who has been treated can stop by during office hours without a prior appointment and meet with Dr. Ashworth or his staff and have any questions or concerns addressed.