In 1987, a US Dermatologic Cosmetic surgeon developed the "Tumescent Technique," which eliminates the risks, prolonged discomfort, hospitalization, and expense resulting from the outdated large cannulas and general anesthetic. The Tumescent Technique has revolutionized liposuction by using only minimally invasive micro-cannulas and safe local anesthesia. It reduces bleeding, discomfort and expense,  eliminates hospitalization, and allows safe outpatient Liposuction.

Who is a Candidate for Liposuction?

Many people suffer from unattractive fat buildup in certain areas. Women tend to accumulate fat around the hips, thighs, abdomen and buttocks. Men have problems with love handles and abdomen. Either might have problems with chin and neck, arms, legs or breasts. These stubborn deposits remain even after diet and exercise. At best, many people would have to become excessively thin in other areas prior to slimming these problem spots.

Liposuction removes fatty deposits which are unresponsive to diet and exercise.

The ideal patient for Liposuction has reasonable skin tone and is not excessively overweight; but others can also benefit from the procedure. Even skin which is severely stretched has an extraordinary capacity to contract after Liposuction, especially when a technique called Superficial Liposculpture is used. Furthermore, overweight individuals who have Liposuction prior to weight loss find themselves properly "contoured" overnight, so they often become more motivated to diet, exercise, and lose the excess pounds after surgery.

Liposuction can give a new shape to people who never dreamed it was possible.

Risks and Benefits of Liposuction

Tumescent Liposuction is minimally invasive, so it is performed as an outpatient. We use tiny cannulas and safe local anesthesia with epinephrine, which shuts off blood vessels, thus reducing discomfort and bleeding, and shortening recovery.

You will be given medicines to relax you prior to the procedure. The areas to be suctioned are then numbed, and the suction instrument (only two millimeters wide) is inserted through a tiny skin incision to sculpt your new shape. You’ll feel pressure and movement but not pain.

The tumescent technique lets us sculpt more accurately. Because you will be awake, you can stand up during the procedure, so we can measure and pinpoint the areas to be suctioned and refined. Such precision is not possible using other types of anesthesia, such as general, IV or epidural.

What is Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction (UAL), and why does the Center not use it?

UAL uses sound waves to literally explode and liquefy fat cells. UAL was popular in Europe until complications such as large skin burns and damaged internal organs were reported. It has largely been abandoned in Europe. UAL is easier on the physician, requiring less effort to get out a specific amount of fat, but claims of better outcome for the patient are unsubstantiated. The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Society of Liposuction Surgery Task Forces have concluded that reliance upon this technology would be premature. It is best reserved for isolated, difficult cases, perhaps where safe and time-proven techniques have been ineffective.

After Your Liposuction

You will wear a snug garment for 14 days after surgery, except for daily showering. For the first day, the tumescent fluid will seep through the micro-incisions, as no sutures are used. You can resume normal activity and exercise approximately one week after your sculpting. A light soreness and mild swelling and bruising are likely for the first week or so.

Your new shape will be visible within the first week, but the result may not be final for up to six months, as the skin and underlying tissues adapt to their new shape. In the unlikely event that you gain weight after your procedure, fat will no longer concentrate in your problem areas, as the excess fat cells have been permanently removed. Rather, any weight gain will be evenly distributed and your new contour is maintained. With realistic expectations (focusing on improvement rather than "perfection") most people are extremely pleased with the results of Tumescent Liposuction. 

"Safety, Simplicity, and Satisfaction."

The Liposculpture Center of Delray Beach, one of South Florida’s few Liposuction specialty centers, was founded and is directed by Ira Schlesinger M.D., P.A. The primary goal of Dr. Schlesinger and the Center is excellence in providing safe, outpatient Tumescent Liposuction.

Dr. Schlesinger brings together the knowledge and expertise of three separate specialties. This broad educational base qualifies him to provide safe, outpatient, minimally invasive, and natural-looking cosmetic surgery. However, of all the procedures he is qualified to perform, Dr. Schlesinger practices predominantly Tumescent Liposuction because it is the safest and most natural-looking, and gives the highest patient satisfaction.

Dr. Schlesinger completed an accelerated seven-year medical program at both Brooklyn College and State University of New York / Downstate Medical Center, then trained in Internal Medicine at Yale University. He completed another residency in Dermatology and then a fellowship in Cosmetic Surgery at the prestigious Burks-Farber Medical & Surgical Institute in New Orleans, Louisiana.

His training  in Internal Medicine enables him to perform surgery with the utmost of safety, because he can recognize and treat a broad array of illnesses that may affect the surgical procedure and post-operative course.

His training  in Dermatology gives him an in-depth knowledge of our largest organ system, the skin, which so comprehensively defines our appearance.

Finally, his Cosmetic Surgery training gives him broad, all inclusive capabilities in cosmetic surgery.