What is PureLipo?
PureLipo is a tumescent liposuction procedure that provides effective body sculpting and removal of fat in a single session, which can be performed in an office or medspa setting without general anesthesia. A specially formulated fluid, containing ingredients that provide local anesthesia and blood vessel constriction for reduced bleeding and bruising, is used to facilitate the permanent removal of areas of fat, and can be effectively used on most areas of the body. As a minimally-invasive procedure used to enhance natural contours by allowing for precise body sculpting with a thin cannula, PureLipo is a popular procedure that has high customer satisfaction ratings.
How does PureLipo work?
The use of large amounts of tumescent fluid comprised of salt water, epinephrine and a local anesthetic is what sets PureLipo apart from conventional liposuction treatments. Each ingredient serves a distinct purpose in this procedure, which results in the permanent removal of fat cells. The salt water allows for dilution of the epinephrine and local anesthetic, and also plays a key role in easing the removal of fat by encouraging the plumped up fat cells to separate from the dermis and muscle. The epinephrine reduces bruising and bleeding by constricting blood vessels located in the treatment area, and the long-lasting local anesthetic allows for patient comfort during the procedure without the need for general anesthesia, while also reducing the reliance on pain medication after the procedure.
After the introduction of this tumescent fluid, fat cells are removed by using a thin cannula (tube) that is inserted into the treatment area through a small incision.
What areas of the body does PureLipo treat?
PureLipo is most often performed on the upper arms, abdomen, waist, back, neck, buttocks, face, breasts and inner and outer thighs; however, it can be performed effectively on most areas of the body.
What are the advantages of PureLipo over other treatments?
When compared to traditional liposuction treatments, PureLipo provides several clear advantages, including:
• Avoiding the risks associated with general anesthesia
• Less downtime before returning to regular activities
• Fewer instances of ridges or dimpling
• Reduced bleeding and bruising
• Can be performed as an out-patient procedure in a medspa or office
• Allows for removal of up to 4 liters of fat during a treatment session
• Minimally-invasive procedure
• Greatly reduced chance of scarring
• No damage to the dermis
Who is a candidate for PureLipo?
Good candidates for PureLipo are patients who are in overall good health and who have fat deposits that have not responded well to diet and exercise.
How is PureLipo performed?
PureLipo is performed on an outpatient basis in a medspa or office setting and generally takes about two hours. The patient is given an oral medication and a local anesthetic, which is included in the tumescent fluid that is injected into the treatment area. Because general anesthesia is not necessary, the patient will be awake and aware throughout the procedure and is able to speak to the doctor or adjust their body position, allowing the doctor to more easily reach different areas. The area to be treated is cleaned, followed by the injection of the salt water solution. Once the fluid is in place and the local anesthetic has had adequate time to begin working, the PureLipo provider inserts a small tube, known as a cannula, through in incision to remove fat cells using suction. Because this procedure allows the doctor to remove fat precisely, he or she is able to improve the body’s contours as fat is removed.
What is the recovery like?
During recovery, patients can expect some minimal bruising, swelling for a few weeks and fluid drainage. Compression garments must be worn to minimize swelling and promote saline solution drainage; however most patients can return to normal activities after two to three days of rest after receiving PureLipo.
What will my results be like?
Patients can expect to see significant improvement in the contours of the treatment area and can enjoy the permanent removal of fat deposits. Most patients can expect to begin to see results approximately four weeks after treatment, once the swelling has subsided, and will usually realize full results within about four months.
What are the risks?
Any liposuction procedure comes with the common risks of infection, scarring or bleeding; however, PureLipo has a solid record as a safe procedure that results in few side effects and high patient satisfaction.
Is PureLipo approved for use in the U.S.?
Yes, the implements, ingredients and procedures used in performing PureLipo are approved to be used in the United States.
Is PureLipo covered by insurance companies?
Cosmetic procedures that are considered elective treatments, or are not deemed medically necessary, are generally not covered by medical insurance companies. PureLipo typically falls under this category and; therefore, will likely not be covered by medical insurance providers. Many providers offer in-house payment plans to assist patients in managing the costs of cosmetic procedures, and patient financing is readily available.
How much does PureLipo cost?
The cost of cosmetic procedures, such as PureLipo, is determined by a number of factors, including geographical region, the number and size of areas to be included in the treatment and individual provider fees. As a more affordable option than traditional liposuction procedures, PureLipo generally costs less than $5,000 for one treatment session.
Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.
By Dermanetwork.org Staff
Updated: September 24, 2009