Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT IS SA BODY SCULPTURE?
SA bodysculpture uses a modified combination treatment solution. This is an advanced technique of permanently removing excess fat deposits in areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is called tumescent (which means “to swell”) because the physician fills and swells the fatty areas to be removed with large volumes of special solution before the procedure. This solution completely numbs the area due to the effect of local anesthetic, therefore general anesthesia or heavy intravenous sedation is not required. At the same time, a substance called epinephrine constricts the blood vessels, reducing bleeding to negligible amounts. Fatty deposits are then removed using small straw-like tubes called cannulas connected to a large bulb type syringe. It is called bodysculpture because the trained physician is able to artistically sculpt the body into a new shape using delicate instruments. Besides the obvious increased safety of the procedure being performed totally under local anesthesia there are other significant benefits. You can cooperate with the physician by changing position so the areas can be more easily seen and multiple areas can be treated during the same session. Plus the finer instruments that are used in the tumescent bodysculpture technique allow the physician to target specific areas with accuracy and control never before possible.
IS BODY SCULPTING PAINFUL?
There is minimal discomfort during the administration of the anesthetic. Prior to the start of the procedure you are given some oral medication to relax and make you more comfortable. The procedure itself is basically painless and many patients compare it to a deep massage. The anesthetic effect usually lasts about 24 hours.

WHAT IS TUMESCENT ANESTHESIA?

This is the fluid that is injected into the tissues to make it numb before the physician suctions out the fat. The solution is composed of several main ingredients –

  1. Saline - this makes the fat more liquid and easier to suction,

  2. Lidocaine - this temporarily numbs the nerves in the fat and skin so the you will not feel pain during suctioning.

  3. Epinephrine - this constricts blood vessels so that there is minimal blood loss.

  4. A combination of poly –vitamins such as Vit B12 and Vit C to nourish, promote healing and to help to tighten the skin.

 The tumescent fluid also reduces pain after the procedure because it remains in the body approximately 24 hours.

WHY DON’T ALL DOCTORS USE THE TUMESCENT?

TECHNIQUE IF IT TRULY IS THE SAFEST & MOST PRECISE?

There are several answers to this question - the answers are generalities and do not necessarily apply to every physician who chooses not to use the tumescent technique.

  1. Tumescent bodysculpture takes about twice as long to perform because the physician has to inject the anesthesia slowly so that you remain comfortable and pain free. The physician who chooses to use the tumescent technique sacrifices a little more of his time to ensure that you are having the procedure performed in the safest way possible.

  2. Many physicians are not comfortable performing a procedure on an awake patient. Although there are many skilled physicians in the traditional technique, this new form of bodysculpture (and anesthesia) is a newer technique and usually requires extra training.
HOW MUCH FAT CAN BE REMOVED?
Up to 4 liters in one session. This is the same amount as with traditional liposuction.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE ?
People who are generally in good shape, but have localized, resistant areas of fat are ideal for this procedure. It is also common to treat overweight patients. Patients just need to have realistic expectations.

WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?
Almost any area on the body where there is fat. The most common areas for women include the abdomen, waist, thighs, hips, buttocks, neck, arms and knees. In men, the most commonly treated areas include the “love handles”, abdomen, breasts, neck and chin.

WILL FAT COME BACK?
The process of reconstructing or repairing parts of the body, by the transfer of tissue, either in the treatment of injury or for cosmetic reason.

RISK OF ANY SURGERY

As with any procedure, bodysculpture has certain common side effects such as bruising, swelling and temporary numbness. Although irregularities of the skin are possible following the procedure this is minimized with the micro-cannulas used. Because of the slow resolution of post-surgical swelling, the ultimate results following bodysculpture surgery may not become fully apparent for 12- 16 weeks, Nevertheless, patients usually see a noticeable improvements within three to four weeks after the procedure.

SYNERGIE ELITE 7030 & BODYSCULPTURE

As with any surgical procedure, bodysculpture will cause trauma to the tissues. The trauma will result in inflammation, swelling and bruising. All this causes a build up of toxins in the tissues which the lymph system will be unable to drain properly. This will become evident by areas of irregularities, induration and loss of sensation. The use of the Synergie equipment will stimulate more circulation to the surgical area. This will drain the lymphatic system thereby eliminating the built-up toxins. Using the Synergie 7030 postoperatively will enhance the healing process, by smoothing and tightening the skin