Liposuction General Information

Liposuction Surgery in Florida

Through tiny incisions, no more than the width of a pencil eraser, a tiny stainless steel tube or "cannula" is used to sculpt the fat in treated areas. The small cannula reduce trauma and allow greater precision and control.

At our facility in Aventura, just north of Miami, Florida, we use a method known as tumescent liposuction, a state-of-the-art technique in which large volumes of saline with local anesthesia and medications are used to reduce bleeding. Tumescent liposuction allows the removal of more fat with less bleeding. It is a safer procedure,  producing superior results. Because diluted anesthesia remains in the fat after liposuction surgery, postoperative discomfort is greatly reduced and easily controlled with medications.

Dr. Sam Gershenbaum also believes that this advanced liposuction technique of superficial liposculpture, combined with the tumescent technique is a primary reason for his exceptional results.  Dr. Gershenbaum performs superficial liposculpture where fat is meticulously sculpted or "planed down" just under the skin surface, allowing the skin to contract and redrape over the newly contoured frame. A thick layer of fat connected to the undersurface of the skin will prevent optimal skin retraction.

Liposuction surgery is also performed in the deeper layers as well, when larger amounts of fat are being removed. Because much of the work is done just under the skin layer, which has elastic properties, superficial liposculpture allows greater skin retraction, as well as the ability to feel and correct contour irregularities.

Ultrasonic liposuction is another method that uses ultrasonic energy waves transmitted to the tip of suction cannula to emulsify, or break down, the fat cells before suctioning. It is associated with a higher complication rate and is not able to be used for superficial liposculpture because of potential damage to the skin.

Since fat (adipose) occupies volume without much weight, patients will often experience a significant difference in their contour and measurements, yet actual weight is minimally affected. One liter of fat weighs only 1.5 to 2 pounds.

Treatment of "cellulite" is a common question, although it has no precise medical meaning. Most people use the word to refer to dimpling and irregularities that occur on the surface of the thighs. While liposuction is not a cure, it will remove fat and reduce contour. However, it is important to know that liposuction surgery will not remove irregularities, ripples, waviness or dimpling of the skin.

Miami liposculpture surgeon Dr. Sam Gershenbaum prefers liposculpture patients to be at their normal weight.  Dr. Gershenbaum believes he can better contour problem areas that may not be  adequately treated if the patient has been on a diet that  will not be maintained. Dr. Gershenbaum always emphasizes healthy eating and exercise.

Liposculpture surgery is performed at our facility in Miami, and depending on the extent of the surgery, may be performed under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, epidural or under general anesthesia.  The procedure usually takes one to two hours per area.

Following liposuction surgery, half-inch foam padding is applied to the treated areas, which significantly reduce bruising.  An elastic binder or girdle is applied over the foam padding. The foam padding is removed after four days. The remaining support garment is worn continuously for one to two weeks, and then may be removed during sleep for up to two additional weeks. Sutures (stitches) are removed seven to ten days after the surgery. Bruising (discoloration) will, in most cases, subside two- to three-weeks. 

Although dramatic contour changes can often be seen with the removal of the foam padding in four days, postoperative swelling can remain for four to six months.  Discomfort is usually minimal, and is easily controlled with oral medications. Light exercise often starts after one week with more strenuous exercise beginning at two weeks.

In Miami, and throughout the country, liposuction has become one of the most commonly performed procedures. As with most cosmetic surgery procedures, complications are unlikely when performed by a skilled and competent surgeon. Complications such as bleeding, anesthesia risks, infections, scarring, permanent numbness, and fluid accumulation under the skin are all reduced by the expert skill and precision Dr. Gershenbaum brings to our center in Aventura, just north of Miami.

Contact our cosmetic surgery office just north of Miami for more information on liposuction.