Read March 2009 Article - Health and Wellness
"Liposuction Is It Right For You - Dr. John P. Landi"

Tumescent Liposuction is a minimally invasive office procedure requiring no surgical incisions. You are given a mild oral sedative which you will take the night before and one hour before the procedure. There is no need for fasting.

At the time of the procedure pictures of the area to be treated are first taken, then the area is cleaned with a sterile antiseptic solution. Next, tumescent anesthesia (which is a very dilute local anesthestic) is inserted into the areas. This usually takes about 45 minutes. The tumescent is next allowed to settle for 1 hour and then the liposuction is begun. Very small pinholes (adits) are made in the skin through which special graduated suction cannulas are inserted to perform the liposuction. The entire procedure usually takes about 3 hours. Following the liposuction specific compression garments are applied to be worn for sevveral days.

These garments help the skin during the healing process to conform to the new reduced body contours. Secondary procedures may sometimes be recommended to reduce excess skin.

PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Dr. Landi, will carefully explain the Liposuction Procedure you will undergo. You will be given speecific instruction that may include:

• Pre-surgical considerations, diagnostic testing and medications
• Day of surgery instructions and medications
• Specific information related to the use of sedation and pain managment
• Postoperative care and follow-up

Possible risks of Liposuction include uneven contours, rippling or loose skin, nerve damage, irregular pigmentation, infection at the surgical site, fat clots, excessive fluid loss or fluid accumulation.

These and other risks will be fully discussed prior to your procedure and consent. It is natural to feel some anxiety whether due to excitement for the anticipated outcomes or preoperaatives stress.

Discuss these feelings with Dr. Landi or his staff.
WHERE DO I BEGIN
A consultation with Dr. Landi is the first step to learn how Liposuction can improve body contours by removing excess localized fat deposits. A consultation is designed to fully educate you about Liposuction in a non-pressured environment, and will include a discussion of:

• Your goals and an evaluation of your individual case
• The options available in Tumescent Liposuction
• The likely outcomes of liposuction and any risks or potential complications
• The course of treatment recommended by your surgeon
• Dr. Landi will also answer any specific questions you may have.

The success of your procedure, safety and overall satisfaction require that you:

• Honestly share your expectations.
• Fully disclose health history, current medications, the use of vitamins, herbal supplements, alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.
• Commit to following all of Dr. Landi's instructions precisely.

• Cheecks, chin and neck
• Upper arms
• Breast or chest area
• Back
• Abdomen and waist
• Hips and buttocks
• Thighs
• Inner knee
• Calves & Ankles

Liposuction can, however, permanently reshape body contours where excess fat deposits create areas that are disproportionately large in an otherwise balanced figure. Ideal candidates for Liposuction are adults of any age within 30% of their ideal weight and with firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone.

Good candidates are defined as:

• Healthy individuals who do not have a life threatening illness or medical conditions that can impair healing
• Non-smokers
• Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body conturing

Special considerations may be necessary for individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or previous surgery to the treatment area.
FOLLOWING SURGERY
Once your procedure is completed, a compression garment or elastic bandage may cover treatment areas. These assist to control swelling and compress the skin to your new body contours.

Before you are released following surgery, you and accompanying family member, friend or caregiver will be given specific instructions that may include:

• How to care for the surgical site
• Medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the potential for infection
• Specific concerns to look for at the surgical site or in your general health
• When to follow up with Dr. Landi

Dr Landi will provide specific postoperative instructions based on the technique and extent of your procedure. These will include instructions on the use of any compression garments, expected return to activity and appropiate care of incisions. Follow all instructions carefully since this is essential for a sucessful outcome. In general, a return to light normal activity is possible as soon as you feel ready and is encouraged to prevent blood clots and other complications.

Initial wound healing may take from 5 to 10 days. Healing will continue for several weeks as swelling continues to dissipate.

Follow Dr. Landi's instructions and attend follow-up visits as scheduled. You will be encouraged to control your weight, as significant weight gain can reverse your results.
RESULTS AND OUTLOOK
It may take several months for swelling to fully disappear, and usually 3 months to reach your final result. As it does, your new countours and enhanced self-image should continue to develop.

The fulfillment you feel from the initial results of liposuction should continue as long as you maintain your weight and practice a healthy lifestyle that includes eating well and regular physical activity.

Following liposuction, your slimmer and betterrproportioned body should more accurately reflect the healthy and active life you lead.

But despite good health and a reasonable level of fitness, some individuals may still have a body with disproportionate contours due to localized fat deposits. These areas may be due to heredity factors rather than a lack of weight control or fitness.

If you are bothered by excess fat deposits located anywhere on your face or body that does not respond to diet or exercise, Liposuction may be right for you

In general, Liposuction slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing localized or regional excess fat deposits, improving your body contours and proportion, and ultimately, enhancing your selffImage