| Dr. William T. Parsons is a prominent dermatologic surgeon who has been practicing in the San Antonio area for twenty four years. He has been a pioneer in bringing new and better surgical techniques to South Texas, being among the first to perform Tumescent Liposuction in South Texas.
Dr. Parsons is a Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, Fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and Fellow of the American Society of Lipo-Suction Surgery. |
 Body Contouring through Liposuction
For many patients, liposuction is a dream come true. Though not intended as a weight loss technique, liposuction can literally remove aesthetically displeasing, localized accumulations of fat and sculpt the body into a slimmer profile. These local areas of fat are often pre-programmed by inheritance and are found to be stubbornly diet and exercise resistant.
Though liposuction is a relatively new form of cosmetic surgery, it has nonetheless become one of the most common operations performed for cosmetic reasons in the United States. Since its first U.S. introduction in the early 1980's, many refinements have been made. The most significant improvement is the use of local anesthetic instead of general anesthesia with the Klein Tumescent Technique, the most revolutionary technique in liposuction to date.
The Tumescent Technique was developed by dermatologic surgeon, Jeffrey Klein M.D., in 1985. He first presented his findings in 1986 at the Second World Congress of Liposuction Surgery in Philadelphia. The first scientific publication describing the Tumescent Technique appeared in the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery in 1988. More recently, Dr. Klein's study detailing the benefits of the Tumescent Technique for liposuction surgery was published in the prestigious Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery in November 1993.
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Q: What are the benefits of the Tumescent Technique over more traditional methods?
With this technique, liposuction patients need no general anesthesia and rarely require intravenous sedation or narcotics. Rather, saline solution, containing dilute local anesthetic and adrenaline, is injected into the fatty tissue. There is usually only minimal, if any, discomfort during the process of injection. The vast majorities of patients receive only minor sedation to help them relax and are completely conscious and comfortable during the surgery.
After surgery, patients can get up and walk out of the office themselves and are usually back to their regular routine in a couple of days. This technique allows the use of much smaller cannulas (tubes) to remove the fat, so that bleeding and bruising are also minimized. Patients frequently require only Extra Strength Tylenol or Tylenol with Codeine for post-operative discomfort after having liposuction surgery using the Tumescent Technique.
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Q: What kind of results can I expect?
Although the results of liposuction can be quite spectacular, it is not realistic to expect perfection. Liposuction is the skillful recontouring of the body by removing inches in unwanted areas, rather than pounds. Patients are often advised that while liposuction can enhance one's appearance in clothing, it cannot be guaranteed to improve the appearance of a person who is nude or wearing a skimpy bathing suit. Skin and muscle tone, which play an important role in the overall appearance of a person are aesthetic aspects that liposuction alone cannot influence.
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Q: What areas of the body can be treated?
Fat deposits beneath the chin, on the flanks, hips, abdomen, inner and outer thighs, knees and legs are areas where body contouring with liposuction produces impressive results. The most frequently treated areas in women are the abdomen, hips, thighs, and knees, while in men, the “love handles,” abdomen and enlarged male breasts (gynecomastia) are the most often treated.
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Q: What side effects should I be aware of?
As with any surgical procedure, liposuction is associated with possible side effects such as bruising, swelling, and discomfort in the surgically-treated areas. Although irregularities of the skin are possible following liposuction, this side affect is greatly minimized by the Tumescent Technique. Swelling gradually improves one to three months after surgery, with optimum results being apparent at about six months. Bruising varies from person to person, though any noticeable amount is usually gone within a couple of weeks. Serious complications such as blood clots, infection, or allergic reactions are extremely rare. Prior to surgery, of course, all possible side effects will be discussed with you.
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Q: What can I expect the day of surgery and how can I be prepared?
Upon receiving a schedule surgical appointment, you will be given separate, detailed materials outlining all preoperative instructions that will help you prepare for surgery. We ask that patients plan to arrive at our office about twenty minutes prior to your scheduled surgery time. You must plan ahead and make arrangements for someone to pick you up after surgery, especially if you were given a mild sedative.
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Q: After the fat is removed, can it grow back?
Once puberty is reached, it is believed no new fat calls develop. Fat cells either swell or shrink in size depending on weight gain or loss. When fat cells are removed from a treated area, they do not return. The more fat cells there are in a specific location, the more difficult it is to reduce that area simply by dieting. Liposuction is the only true spot reducer. Long term body weight, however, is not influenced.
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Q: When can I begin activities and exercise?
One of the primary benefits of the Tumescent Technique is the rapid recovery afforded by the use of local anesthetic rather than general anesthesia. We encourage walking as soon as possible after surgery, particularly the next day. Light exercise may be resumed one week after surgery, or occasionally even sooner, though we strongly suggest avoiding vigorous exercise for two weeks. Activities that put excessive stress on treated areas may cause bruising or some discomfort. The majority of patients return to their work and regular routine within a couple days.
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Q: Will my skin contract to fit my new profile?
The degree of skin contraction after liposuction is the same as one would expect after having lost an equal amount of fat in that area by dieting. The skin is a amazing organ, with the ability to stretch and contract to a great degree. A perfect example is pregnancy; most women's abdominal skin contracts to its original condition soon after delivery.
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Q: Who is the best candidate for liposuction?
Those individuals best suited for liposuction contouring are active, healthy persons of average or near-average weight (although those overweight can also benefit), have good skin tone and also have realistic expectations. Age by itself is not significant factor. Liposuction is a good choice for those who have tried just about everything to lose the unwanted fat accumulations and who seek improvement of their body's silhouette.
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