Safe Liposuction and Fat Transfer PDF

Preface

This book provides the reader with information on how and when to perform safe liposuction and fat transfer. The tumescent technique of local anesthesia, introduced by Dr. Jeffrey Klein, a dermatological surgeon, is the safest way to perform liposuction.

Safe Liposuction and Fat Transfer is meant for the neophyte as well as the experienced liposuction surgeon. The book discusses study and training, design of a surgical suite, techniques of liposuction surgery and tumescent anesthesia, and safety and risk management. Complications and repair of defects are also presented, as are dietary guidelines and nonsurgical fatremoval procedures. The related topic of fat transfer is discussed in detail along with the various techniques used today worldwide.

Tumescent liposuction is the standard of care for safe liposuction and fat transfer. This technique allows liposuction to be performed in an ambulatory setting using only local anesthesia. The tumescent technique is the infiltration into the fatty tissue of a large volume of fluid with a dilute anesthetic, lidocaine. There are many reasons why tumescent liposuction is the best and safest way to perform liposuction. These include: minimal blood loss, making transfusions unnecessary; no need for general anesthesia and its accompanying risks; minimal postoperative pain, as the anesthesia is long-lasting; and a limit to the amount of liposuction and the number of ancillary procedures that can be done at one time based on the safe amount of tumescent solution (lidocaine) that can be used at one time. In addition, the ability of the awake patient to move during surgery makes it easier for the surgeon to get to the fat pockets more exactly; lessens the occurrence of thrombophlebitis, which can lead to a pulmonary embolus; and reduces the risk of perforation of the abdominal or thoracic cavities. There is decreased chance of infection because of the antibacterial nature of the tumescent solution; it is possible to use smaller cannulas with concomitant smaller incisions; and the tumescent solution provides fluid replacement. The patient recovers from surgery much more quickly and can return to work in 1–3 days and to nonjarring, noncontact activities and exercise immediately. 

Safe liposuction and fat transfer is our goal as liposuction surgeons and this book discusses how to achieve that goal.