Liposuction & Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Despite relentless efforts over the years to find a quick fix to improve the body, liposuction remains one of the safest, quickest and most successful means of body image enhancement. At Cosmetic Surgery of Philadelphia, Richard L. Dolsky, MD uses liposuction techniques such as ultrasonic and tumescent liposuction are most often used to treat the face, abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs and knees. Liposuction, like abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) has given our patients some of the most spectacular cosmetic surgery results. We are proud to be innovators in the field of cosmetic surgery and equally proud to offer the most advanced techniques available. From ultrasonic liposuction to tumescent liposuction, our facility offers the expertise and technology every patient deserves.

Liposuction involves the suctioning of excess fat cells in areas of the body that have proven unresponsive to diet and exercise. Liposuction should not be used to aid in weight loss. Please click here to read our newsletter about the latest advances in liposuction, including Smartlipo.

People from around the globe continue to seek our esteemed doctor’s expertise in liposuction. Dr. Dolsky was the first cosmetic surgeon to perform liposuction in the Delaware Valley. After traveling to South America, he introduced ultrasonic liposuction to our practice.

If you are interested in exploring ways to enhance your body through ultrasonic liposuction, tumescent liposuction or abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) contact our team today.

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ULTRASONIC LIPOSUCTION

In 1996, Dr. Dolsky left Philadelphia to learn about the new ultrasonic liposuction being used in England, France and Italy. Upon his return, he chaired a national task force to study and investigate this new technique. Since 1996, Dr. Dolsky has taught hundreds of other physicians the ultrasonic technique of liposuction. He recently served as an investigator in the Mentor/FDA Ultrasonic Liposuction Study.

During ultrasonic liposuction, Dr. Dolsky uses high frequency sound waves to liquefy fat cells. The ultrasound works primarily on the fatty cells and does not injure blood vessels and nerves. Although highly effective in many cases, ultrasonic liposuction is not an appropriate option for every patient. The patients who experience the greatest benefit from ultrasonic liposuction are those with very fibrous tissue or loose skin, as well as patients in need of large volume fat removal. Male patients may benefit from ultrasonic liposuction as a treatment for male love handles and excess abdominal fat.

Contact our office to schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Dolsky.

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TUMESCENT LIPOSUCTION

Tumescent liposuction is one of the most important advances in liposuction surgery. In tumescent liposuction, large volumes of dilute local anesthetic and adrenalin infiltrate the fatty tissues. Tumescent liposuction has two purposes - in some areas of the body, it provides anesthesia, and in all areas of the body, the adrenalin constricts blood vessels and significantly reduces the blood loss associated with techniques used before 1987. In addition, the tumescent technique allows Dr. Dolsky to remove larger amounts of fat and patients have a shorter post-operative recovery period. Depending upon the patient's age, health status, and weight, up to eight quarts (or two gallons of fat) may be removed during the procedure.

Liposuction is conveniently performed on an outpatient basis.

For additional information on liposuction, contact our office.

Master of Liposuction

At the World Congress of Liposuction, held October4-6, 2002 in Westminster, Colorado, The American Society of Liposuction Surgery honored and named Dr. Richard Dolsky as a Master of Liposuction. Ten surgeons from around the world were given this honor. Read more on our media page.

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ABDOMINOPLASTY

Abdominoplasty, also known as ‘ tummy tuck,’ is performed in a Philadelphia area hospital under general anesthesia and involves the surgical removal of excess skin and fat in the lower and upper abdominal area. Abdominal muscles are also tightened during the procedure. Since the surgery requires the repositioning of skin, the belly button must also be repositioned. Depending on the extent of the abdominoplasty, you will stay one night in a Philadelphia area hospital and can expect to return to work within ten to fourteen days, with a full recovery in six weeks.

Abdominoplasty can produce dramatic results in people who suffer from excess fat in the abdominal region but are otherwise in reasonably good shape. Women suffering from stretch marks and scars due to previous pregnancy can also achieve substantial aesthetic improvements through abdominoplasty (tummy tuck). Our staff will offer an unlimited amount of support before, during and after your procedure.

The best candidates for abdominoplasty are patients in basically good health and who have a full understanding of the benefits and potential risks of the procedure. Patients should be aware that abdominoplasty is not a scar-free procedure. Persons intending to lose a substantial amount of weight or women planning on becoming pregnant should inform the doctor of their intentions before scheduling abdominoplasty at our facility.

Abdominoplasty is not intended as a tool to aid in weight loss, nor is it meant to replace healthy eating habits and regular exercise.

Spotlight on the Avelar Tummy Tuck Pioneered in the 1990's by Brazilian surgeon Juarez M. Avelar, this procedure uses smaller incisions and combines abdominoplasty with tumescent liposuction. In the Avelar technique, tumescent liposuction done under local anesthesia removes fat while keeping blood vessels intact. The fat removal is less traumatic and the surgery to remove excess skin is merely an incision, instead of a large flap as in the traditional technique. Overall, there's less trauma and fewer chances of complications. Most patients can return to normal life in one to two weeks instead of the month needed to recover from a traditional Tummy Tuck. There are two kinds of Avelar LipoAbdominoplasty: Full Avelar - An incision is made around the navel and around the lower abdomen. The upper abdominal skin is left intact. Both the upper and lower abdominal muscles can be tightened if needed.   Mini Avelar - Here only the lower abdominal muscles are tightened. The skin is stretched downwards and repositioned, while liposuction removes excess fat from both the lower and upper abdomen. Hidden sutures are used to close a shorter cosmetic scar. Advantages of the Avelar Tummy Tuck Less stressful - it's an outpatient procedure that doesn't require an overnight stay. Tumescent liposuction is done under local anesthesia only. No drains are needed. Exercise may be resumed earlier, because the abdominal muscles may not need to be tightened. More fat can be removed with liposuction than in standard full abdominoplasty.

Avelar Tummy Tuck
This is a combined liposuction-abdominoplasty that allows for the removal of excess fat and skin without large-scale cutting. Tumescent liposuction is used to remove fat. By keeping blood vessels intact, there's less wounding and bruising. This involves the smallest incision of all of the tummy tucks.

It Depends On the Shape You're In
A physical exam will tell me more about which kind of tummy tuck is best for your unique needs. When you come in for your consultation, I'll go over all your options. I'll tell you what I see as the optimum solution for you.

To learn more about abdominoplasty with Dr. Dolsky, please contact our office today.

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