Tumescent liposuction is liposuction performed using a local anesthetic infiltrated under the skin to numb the treatment area.
This can be ideal for people want to avoid being “asleep” for surgery, or want to avoid the long recovery time and risks of general anesthesia. Also, some people want small areas treated, like the face, under the chin, neck, upper arms, and knees, which are often unable to be treated by traditional liposuction.
Tumescent liposuction can be done using many techniques, including the most advanced laser and VASER technologies.
A great benefit to laser-assisted or VASER liposuction is that the collagen is stimulated in the treatment area, which can provide lifting & tightening. This can help prevent the loose skin that is often seen following traditional liposuction.
With laser-assisted liposuction, the laser causes small blood vessels to coagulate on contact, resulting in less bleeding, swelling and bruising – and a much faster recovery than conventional liposuction. With VASER liposuction, the fat is treated while leaving the surrounding tissue relatively unaffected. This also allows a very rapid recovery with minimal downtime. In many cases, you can return to your regular activities the same day.
Because the incisions needed are small, scarring is minimal. The body takes some time to fully process the melted fat and to stimulate collagen to tighten the skin; therefore, although you will see many immediate benefits, you should expect to see the full results of laser-assisted liposuction 6 months or more following your procedure.
What's different about how Dr. Chavez performs these procedures compared to many other physicians?
1) Dr. Chavez uses different technology
2) Dr. Chavez uses a different approach
Different Technology:
Dr. Chavez is currently the only physician in New Mexico who employs what many believe to be the most advanced technologies in liposuction:
1) Power-Assisted Liposuction (to “de-bulk” the area),
2) Laser Lipolysis (to smooth the superficial layer and tighten the skin), &
3) Low-Level Laser (to liquefy the fat to allow it to come out easier, and to enhance the healing process to even further minimize post-procedure pain, bruising, and swelling.)
4) VASER Liposelection: In areas of fibrous tissue (such as the back, upper abdomen, chest, and flanks), Dr. Chavez may choose to use the VASER instead of or in combination with the above techniques. The VASER uses internal ultrasound to break down fat. Dr. Chavez will discuss your particular case with you, and answer any questions you may have regarding these techniques.
Different Approach:
Dr. Chavez does the procedure using local (tumescent) anesthesia, with no heavy sedation. This allows the client to be awake during the procedure, with no IV or “groggy” recovery. Many clients love this benefit, however, clients who are anxious about being “wide awake” during the procedure, may not be the best candidates for this approach.
Dr. Chavez also tends to view liposuction quite conservatively, feeling that her goal is not to remove all fat, rather to help clients’ bodies look in proportion to other areas of their body. Because of this, Dr. Chavez may not remove as much fat as some other physicians. Dr. Chavez will discuss this with you during the consultation, to try to ascertain if you will be satisfied with the results of this approach.
Who should not undergo these procedures?
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not suitable candidates.
What are the costs for Laser Lipolysis, Power-Assisted Liposuction, and/or VASER Liposuction?
The cost depends on the size of the area being treated, and a firm quote cannot be given until we evaluate the areas during the initial consultation (no charge.) However, as a general guideline, the prices are as follows (for combined Power-Assisted Liposuction and Laser Lipolysis or VASER Liposuction):
1st treatment area (in one treatment visit): $3950
2nd treatment area (in one treatment visit): $3450
3rd treatment area (in one treatment visit): $2950
4th treatment area (in one treatment visit): $2450
The prices include several low-level laser treatments (Zerona) following the procedure to dramatically reduce any discomfort, bruising, and/or swelling. Using Zerona, clients have very little downtime and often resume activities immediately.
At times, clients who have a treatment may want additional treatments done on the same area in the future (a "touch up"). This is generally done approximately six months following the initial treatment. The price for this is 50% of the original treatment cost.
We also have a non-invasive laser that can melt fat. Please see information under "Non-Invasive Laser Lipolysis".
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