Liposuction remains one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure in the United States today. Liposuction is the only proven method to produce permanent spot reduction and contour improvement in areas affected by excess fatty deposits. Liposuction is not; however, an appropriate method for achieving weight loss, although it can, and often does, help motivate patients to improve their diet and exercise patterns postoperatively. In women, liposuction is most commonly performed to treat saddlebags (outer thighs), hips, and the abdomen. The inner thighs, circumferential thighs, knees, arms and calves can also be treated. More often than not, patients choose to have two or more areas treated during one procedure. In men, "love-handles" (lower flanks), the lower abdomen and chest are treated most commonly.
Dr. Crawford performs all liposuction using the tumescent technique. The tumescent technique of liposuction has become, according to most experts, the new gold standard in liposuction. This liposuction technique involves the injection of a dilute solution of lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a drug which controls bleeding) prior to performing the actual suctioning of the fatty tissue. The suctioning is performed using a 3 to 4 millimeter cannula (metallic rod) inserted via a tiny puncture in the skin. This technique effectively reduces blood loss, allows for increased fat removal and improved sculpting, and speeds recovery. Most of the plastic surgeon's patients return to work within 3 days following their procedure.
