Frequently Asked Questions on Liposculpture/Liposuction

Typical Liposculpture/Liposuction results by Dr. Barry Miller

Some examples of Dr. Miller's Unprecedented Results
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*These are typical Liposculpture & Liposuction patients results by Dr. Miller. Results may vary.

Why Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical technique for permanently eliminating unwanted fat from anywhere on the body. Utilizing a high-powered suction device, the surgeon is able to disrupt fat cells and then remove them. While not yet a treatment for generalized obesity, this technique is ideally suited for the removal of "cellulite" (localized fat deposits). Unlike past procedures for body contouring, Liposuction leaves no significant visible scarring and recovery is rapid.

It's no secret that we live in a society that places a heavy emphasis on physical appearance. Looking and feeling good, after all, plays a critical role in nearly every facet of our lives. In our careers. In the way others perceive us. In how we see ourselves.

As a result, many of us have become fed up with those unattractive "love handles", "spare tires", and sagging derrieres that refuse to disappear regardless of our diet or activity level. This is why Liposuction has become the most common surgical procedure in America. When performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon, it offers the permanent solution for getting rid of those unsightly bulges and giving us a healthier, more attractive appearance.

Tell me the history of Liposuction/Liposulpture.

Liposuction was developed through the efforts of European surgeons in the late 1970's and improved by members of the American Society of Liposuction Surgery in the early 1980's.

Since 1985, Dr. Miller has been the only surgeon in the World to limit his practice exclusively to Liposuction Surgery. Dr. Miller has perfected new techniques of anesthesia, precise sculpturing, and postoperative compression. In 1991 Dr. Miller first presented "The Miller Technique of Advanced Lipo-Sculpture" at the Tenth World Congress on Liposuction in Philadelphia to prominent surgeons from all over the globe. In 1992 he spoke at the 8th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery in Los Angeles. In 1993 he presented two additional papers at the World Congress on Liposuction Surgery in San Antonio. His specially designed Liposuction instruments are now used by scores of surgeons from around the world.

How does the Miller Technique of Lipo-Sculpture differ from traditional Liposuction?

In traditional Liposuction, a layer of fat is intentionally left under the skin in an effort to minimize postoperative skin irregularities created by the surgeon. This means that patients with smaller fat deposits are not considered candidates by most Liposuction surgeons, who are fearful of creating adverse results in these difficult cases. Dr. Miller's particular expertise lies in his "Fine Tuning" approach to sculpturing which is required by such challenging patients as entertainers, models and bodybuilders.

With traditional Liposuction, in addition to the greatly increased likelihood of skin irregularities, many patients complain that they do not see a noticeable change in their shape following the procedure. They often feel that not enough fat has been removed. Dr. Miller frequently performs Lipo-Sculpturing on people who are unhappy with results from prior conventional Liposuction performed elsewhere. Traditionally, there has been a limit as to how much fat can safely be removed at one time. This has generally been about one and a half quarts. However, with the Miller Technique, which eliminates bleeding, much larger amounts can be safely removed. In fact, all the fat that needs to come out can be removed in one procedure.

With the Miller Technique of Lipo-Sculpture, virtually all the deep fat is first removed. Then, using his specially designed instruments, Dr. Miller employs a very advanced process of superficial sculpturing. He tediously reshapes the superficial layer of fat, removing as much fat as necessary to bring the problem area into proportion with the surrounding thinner areas. Surprisingly, although he is able to remove fat much closer to the skin than is possible with traditional Liposuction, Dr. Miller has so thoroughly perfected his technique that the possibility of his creating skin irregularities is all but eliminated. As you might expect, such meticulous attention to detail is extremely time consuming and physically demanding on the surgeon. Whereas surgeons performing traditional Liposuction frequently perform several quick surgeries in one day, Dr. Miller's intensive approach generally allows him to concentrate on just one case in a given day.

Recently, there has been talk of a new technique of so-called "Superficial Liposculpture". Dr. Miller has thoroughly investigated this technique and determined that it typically leaves even more fat in the deep layer than does traditional Liposuction, while concentrating primarily on the superficial layer. Although some results have been good, they are not as dramatic as in Dr. Miller's technique.

Based on all scientific and medical publications and presentations to date, Dr. Miller consistently has the very best and most dramatic results in the World.

Can you tell me some basic facts about Liposuction/Liposculpture?

To understand Liposuction you need to know some basic facts about fat and its body distribution. Fat cells are located beneath the skin in virtually all body areas. These fat cells function as a storage facility for the excess calories we consume and which are converted to body fat, as insulation, and to allow free movement between the muscles and skin. In the adult, there appears to be a fixed number of fat cells. It is believed that once puberty has been reached, no new fat cells develop. These fat cells either swell or shrink in size paralleling weight gain and loss. When the fat cells are removed from a treated area, they do not regenerate.

For most adults, these fat cells create bulges in various body parts that will never completely disappear with any amount of dieting or exercise. Heredity, instead, plays the most significant role. Fatty deposits, like a family heirloom, tend to be passed down from generation to generation.

Once fat cells accumulate in the body, unless they are surgically removed, they are there for life - swelling or growing in size with a weight increase, shrinking with a weight loss. These unsightly cellulite bulges, in fact, may be even more obvious after weight reduction.

For men, the bulges most commonly form around the waistline and chest; for women, it's the tummy, hips, thighs, and derriere.

Liposuction is the safest and most permanent solution for removing fat cells and making sure the unwelcome bulges don't come back!

How is Liposuction/Liposculpture done?

Liposuction/Liposculpture Surgery is performed through a tiny skin incision of about ¼-inch. With the patient under anesthesia, a special fat extractor (called a cannula) is introduced through the skin opening to loosen the offending fat cells and then remove them by strong suction. This procedure creates minimal scarring and allows for rapid recovery.

How is Facial Sculpturing done?

In facial sculpturing, a special metal fat extractor is passed underneath the skin to remove the fat in the chin, neck, and/or jowl areas. Following the fat removal, compression is applied to assist in contouring. In the hands of an able surgeon, no visible scarring occurs. Because of particularly rapid healing in this area, one is able to appear in public within a week of the procedure with no telltale signs of surgery!

How long is the recovery period?

Recovery from Liposuction Surgery is remarkably quick and, for the most part, relatively pain free. Minimal bruising occurs only rarely and some soreness may be present (easily controlled with the medication provided). Patients wear special snug binders or compression garments over the treated areas for a short time. These control swelling and help the skin to shrink smoothly and can be worn under normal clothing.

With Dr. Miller's technique, marked results will be apparent immediately!; However, shrinkage and improvement continues for up to six months or more. Exercise may begin shortly after surgery. Patients, in fact, are encouraged to stay as active as possible during the recovery period.

How long will I be off work?

Anywhere from one day (the day of surgery) to one week, depending upon the extent of the surgery and other factors.

Is there any adverse effect?

Few long-term adverse effects or consequences have been found to occur when the procedure is performed by a highly trained and experienced surgeon. Current experience in the world indicates that, when done properly, the procedure is amazingly safe. There may be temporary fluid or bruising under the skin or some irregularity in the skin. However, this almost always resolves with time. Temporary numbness in the skin may also occur.

Where is the surgery performed?

At Cosmetic Surgery Int'l, LLC, patients undergo Liposuction Surgery as outpatients in our modern surgical suite, with the procedure performed under general or local anesthesia, or under I.V. sedation.

As stated by one large medical insurance company, "Hospital care is the most expensive kind of care....Outpatient surgery means returning home the same day, sleeping in your own bed, and being with your family. You'll recover faster, and because you won't have room and board charges, your costs will be a lot less."

Who is a candidate for Liposulpture?

Essentially all men and women, in good health, who have one or more bulges of fat, large or small, that they can not effectively eliminate on their own are a potential candidate. Unlike the limited patient types that can be helped by most other surgeons, our patients range from entertainers, models and bodybuilders with the tiniest "bulges" to those who must reduce their shape for Military requirements, and everyone in between.

Because all people have their own individual problems and expectations, Dr. Miller works with each person to develop an effective solution.

What areas of the body are treated by Liposuction Surgery?

Body contouring through Liposuction Surgery is ideally suited for removal of fat deposits in the chin, neck, abdomen, waistline, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, and ankles. Larger lipomas (fatty skin tumors) and gynecomastia (breast enlargement in men) can also be gratifyingly treated.

Where are the incisions placed?

Tiny incisions are made in order to insert the blunt extractor. Dr. Miller is especially concerned with concealing incisions. They are often hidden in skin creases so as to heal with minimal scarring. For the abdomen, the incision is concealed in the pubic hair or belly button.

What will happen to the excess skin?

Skin is a dynamic organ which has elasticity and, in most cases, is able to shrink and re-accommodate to the new body contour. Dr. Miller's advanced sculpturing technique enhances the ability of even poor quality skin to shrink surprisingly well.

Is blood replacement necessary?

Because the Miller Technique virtually eliminates bleeding, we have not had to use blood transfusions.

Is there an age limit?

No. Chronological and physiological age varies considerably between patients. We have had many healthy older patients, up to 82 years young!

Is there a weight limit?

In theory, no. However, at this time Liposuction Surgery is not meant as a primary weight reduction treatment or for generalized obesity. It is a body shaping or sculpturing procedure used to shape and mold offending bulges, and often serves to motivate the frustrated individual to make important changes in their lifestyle. There is evidence, however, that removal of fat cells during Liposuction Surgery may lead to a reduction in appetite and a continuing loss of weight. Long term, in-depth, scientific studies are now being conducted. Liposuction is not magic, even though some patients might disagree!

What happens after surgery?

You may be fatigued and a little sore for at least 24 hours. The garment you will wear for the next few weeks will relieve pressure and help reduce any swelling that may accompany surgery. Light exercise (walking) is recommended after 24 hours. This should be increased daily and will build stamina. Each day you will feel stronger and it is advised that you listen to your body, as it tells you when to rest and when it is the best time to exert energy.

How to choose a Liposuction Surgeon?

As Dr. Pierre Fournier, a pioneering French Liposuction Surgeon, has often said with great insight, "Liposuction is very easy, but Lipo-Sculpture is very difficult."

The procedure itself appears deceivingly simple, requiring only a small incision, a tubular instrument, and a suction device. Yet, the success of the procedure depends upon the surgeon's training, experience, aesthetic sense, sculpturing ability, knowledge of anatomy and tissue healing, and overall judgment. The time and care taken to "fine tune" the procedure is of utmost importance.

It is strongly recommended that patients choose their surgeon with the same care they would show in making any major medical decision. After all, the range in the abilities, the experience, and the training of surgeons performing Liposuction is every bit as great as with heart or brain surgeons. It has been clearly shown in scientific studies that a surgeon who specializes in a particular procedure generally obtains the best results with the lowest risk. There is no surgeon who is considered the best in all procedures. In the complex world of surgery, specialization is of paramount importance in obtaining consistently excellent results. As the only Outpatient Surgery Center in the World specializing exclusively in Liposuction from 1985 to 1999, we've done over 7,000 liposculpture procedures.

Those considering Liposuction should look for a surgeon who makes them feel comfortable and in whom they have confidence. As with your favorite hairdresser, you won't get the same results with every surgeon. Those who simply shop around for the cheapest price, tend to get what they pay for.

Sadly, Dr. Miller devotes a good part of his practice to correcting undesirable results from prior surgery performed elsewhere. Many patients have learned the hard way that disastrous results obtained for a low fee may last a lifetime and certainly are no bargain. We have photographic documentation of some of these horrendous results.

Our patients come from all over the United States and many other countries around the World to benefit from Dr. Miller's expertise. Many of these patients are other physicians, dentists, nurses and their family members - those who are particularly fussy about choosing their surgeon.

Frequently Asked Questions on Liposculpture & Liposuction

How is Facial Sculpturing done?