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For decades, physicians have removed unwanted sweat glands from the armpits under local
anesthesia. Intially, the entire area was cut with one large incision. The resultant long,
thick, unsightly scar meant that patients often had trouble raising their arms and were unable
to wear sleeveless garments. In the 1970s, scissors and curettes were used to accomplish this goal. The 1980s saw the advent of tumescent liposuction, and this technique was successfully adapted to treatment of this problem. Tumescent liposuction has a 20 year history in America and is very safe when performed under local anesthesia by a dermatologist in an office setting. |
| With this method, the excessively active, enlarged sweat glands (which are situated in the upper layer of the subcutaneous fat) are suctioned out with a narrow tube called a cannula, through 2 or 3 tiny incisions approximately 3/16" long. Nearly always, we can improve the sweating to the point where conventional antiperspirants are effective. The procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia. Recovery is generally quick, with minimal time lost from work. |
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| One of my patients, a college professor, was aware that, during lectures, his students were placing bets as to whether his underarm sweat stain would reach his beltline before the bell would ring! Another female patient of mine was afraid to wear anything but thick, long-sleeved garments or coats, even in hot weather. Both were severly hampered socially, as well as professionally, by this problem. Following surgery, both were able to return to a normal lifestyle without excessive sweating! |
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| Liposculpture with the Tumescent Technique |
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(1) What is the "tumescent technique?" "Tumescence" means "puffing up an area with liquid." The procedure was invented by a California dermatologist, Jeff Klein, M.D., in the 1980s. It provides a new way to perform the technique under local anesthesia with minimal blood loss and rapid return to work. Dr. Klein was even featured on "20/20" in a positive light in 1996, since the show's producers wanted to make sure that the public was aware of a safe way to undergo liposuction. |
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(2) How is it performed? Under local anesthesia, the fat is suctioned out with tiny tubes called "cannulas." Various surgeons use different types of cannulas: ultrasonic, reciprocating, etc. However, the important thing is the result rather than the exact method utilized. To give an example, you will choose the type of skis that work best for you, and these skis may not be the same as those utilized by another individual-but they give you the best results. |
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(3) Who are the best candidates? Ideal candidates are those close to their ideal weight. We have performed tumescent liposuction on patients ranging in age from 15 to 84. It is not for grossly overweight patients, but ideally for patients who exercise daily, follow a diet, are not smokers, and are not on diet pills, but just can't seem to lose fat from certain areas no matter how hard they work out. |
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(4) Is it painful? You may feel the infiltration of the local anesthesia. However, this is a positive trade off for the extremely high safety record associated with this technique. After the procedure, there may be some soreness, bruising, and swelling, which often lasts for a couple of weeks. However, patients can generally return to work in 1 to 3 days. |
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(5) Will the skin shrink back? The answer is yes, nearly always. In fact, the old "tummy tuck" (or abdominoplasty) has become nearly onsolete, because loose abdominal skin can be treated with body contouring. |
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(6) When can I go back to work? Generally within 1 to 3 days, depending on your job. Exercise can be started immediately. You must wait approximately one week to swim, until the incisions have totally closed. Stiches are not necessary. |
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(7) How long has Dr. Swinehart been performing this procedure? 17 years, with hundreds of photographs visible at www.coloderm.com |
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(8) What about safety of liposuction? I have read that it was dangerous When these four parameters are followed, no deaths have been reported anywhere in the country: (a) Tumescent technique, (b) by a dermatologist, (c) under local anesthesia, (d) without intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. In contrast, under general anesthesia, over 130 deaths have reported (these have occured in the hands of other surgical specialists.) The media does not seem to realize that the risk lies with the general anesthesia rather than with tumescent liposuction itself. |
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(9) Are there drawbacks to the procedure? We, of course, cannot change or fix skeletal abnormalities. Cellulite (dimpling) and stretch marks cannot be corrected. Sun damage or wrinkles cannot be reversed by liposuction. Scars can be undermined but not removed. Not all of the fat can be removed-we must leave a layer to leave the skin looking smooth. Of course, liposuction is not a substitute for diet or exercise and is not for obesity (contrary to public opinion.) |
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(10) Can I review the results? The "proof is in the pudding." You may view hundreds of before and after photographs at www.coloderm.com or in the photograph books in our office. On the website, the photos are categorized by age, sex, and body area. However, be sure to look at the decade above and below you to make sure that someone older or younger does not have your ideal shape. |
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(11) What are the goals of this procedure? One may say that your glass will now be half full, not half empty. You take pride in your appearance. You mow your lawn, wash your car, dress well, and get your hair done-why not be proud of your body? We look at this as personal pride rather than "vanity." Our goal is to help you work out seven days per week, eat well, and to continue to lead a long and healthy life. |
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(12) What about a personal consultation? Consultations for liposuction are free in the office. Even though we have many gratified patients, "a picture is worth a thousand words," and you are a unique individual. At the consultation, you will view videos, see pictures, discuss the pros and cons of the procedure, be examined by Dr. Swinehart confidentially, and find out the exact cost of the procedure. We hope to see you soon in the office! |
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| Insurances Accepted: (Primarily PPO's) |
