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LOCAL OR GENERAL ANESTHESIA FOR  LIPOSUCTION?

Surgeons differ in their opinion as to the proper anesthesia to be used for liposuction procedures.  Some prefer to use general anesthesia for all of their liposuction procedures.  Other liposurgeons recommend the use of local anesthesia.  Most liposurgeon specialists prefer a combination of local anesthesia and intravenous sedation “twilight anesthesia”.

General anesthesia adds risks and cost to a liposuction procedure.  An anesthesiologist will have to be hired, adding an average of $1000 to the cost of the procedure.  General anesthesia also substantially increases the risk of a liposurgery.  General anesthesia stresses the heart and the lungs.  It also substantially increases the risks of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli (blood clots to the lungs).

Modern liposuction procedures like Smartlipo and Tumescent liposculpture were designed to be used with local and intravenous anesthesia, not general anesthesia.

Some surgeons use only local anesthesia for all of their procedures.  This promotes a fast recovery time, with the patient up and moving within 15-30 minutes after surgery.  Patients will experience some discomfort with local anesthesia only and liposurgery procedures may take 2-3 hours to perform when several body areas are treated.

Most liposurgeon specialists prefer a combination of intravenous sedation and local anesthesia.  This allows maximum patient comfort with minimal patient risk.  Patients may leave the surgery center about an hour after liposurgery and return home with someone to transport and stay with them for a period of time.

Note:  When utilizing intravenous sedation or general anesthesia, a doctor must use an accredited surgical center.  This is a law.  The accreditation of the surgery center guarantees that the doctor and staff have training and experience in the use of anesthesia as well as many safety issues such as emergency equipment, backup power systems, and sterilization techniques.  Local anesthesia may be performed in an office setting without a surgical center license.  For your safety, you should make sure you are having your lipo procedure performed at an accredited surgery center.

Kelly O’Neil, M.D.

Dr O’Neil is a cosmetic surgeon in Temecula, California with offices in Orange County and Sherman Oaks.  His practice specializes in liposculpture and fat transfer procedures.

CAN I HAVE MY BREASTS ENLARGED WITH MY OWN FAT?

Breast augmentation with autologous (the patient’s fat) fat transfer has been performed by cosmetic surgeons for many years.  It is just a matter of finding a surgeon with expertise and experience with this technique.

Most U.S. surgeons prefer saline or silicon gel implants for breast enlargement.  They are easier to use and require less work for the surgeon.  Fat transfer breast augmentations require knowledge and expertise in proper technique for removing the fat and for re-implantation.  In Taiwan, more than half of all breast augmentation procedures are done with fat transplantation but in the U.S. it is less than 5%.

There are two techniques employed in fat transplantation breast enlargement surgeries. The standard procedure is to remove a modest amount of fat with liposuction from another part of the body, (abdomen, hips, thighs, etc).  The fat is then separated from any fluid or blood, condensed with a centrifuge and reinjected into the breast.

It is relatively painless and can be performed with local and intravenous anesthesia.  Three or four surgical sessions are usually required.

Alternatively, a newer technique utilizing a Brava breast expansion device, allows for most patients to be treated in one session.  The fat is removed from the patient under low pressure, centrifuged to concentrate and remove impurities and reinjected back into the breasts.  Use of the Brava device allows for a larger volume of fat to be injected into the breasts.  The Brava device must be worn for 3-4 weeks before and after the procedure in most cases.

Dr O’Neil is a cosmetic surgeon in Temecula, California.  His practice specializes in liposculpture and fat transfer procedures, serving surrounding communities including Fallbrook, Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Perris, Hemet, South Corona, Riverside, Corona, Menifee and Sun City.  Please contact our office with any questions or to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Kelly O’Neil, M.D.

The BRAVA Breast Enhancement and Shaping System

The BRAVA Breast Enhancement and Shaping System was first introduced as a mechanical device to be used for non-surgical breast enlargement or enhancement.  Results, as one would expect, were quite modest.  BRAVA worked best when used very regularly.

More recently, BRAVA is being used as part of a protocol for breast enlargement with the patient’s own fat.  Fat is removed from a part of the patients body with a liposuction technique utilizing low suction pressures.  The fat is reinserted into the breast in multiple planes and layers.

The BRAVA Breast Enhancement device is worn by the patient for 3-4 weeks before and after the breast enlargement procedure.  Its purpose is to allow for better fat survival and longevity.

The BRAVA device expands the breast tissues making for a better environment for the fat cells to survive and grow.

Dr O’Neil is a cosmetic surgeon in Temecula, California. His practice specializes in liposculpture and fat transfer procedures, serving surrounding communities including Fallbrook, Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Perris, Hemet, South Corona, Riverside, Corona, Menifee and Sun City. Please contact our office with any questions or to schedule a complimentary consultation.

Kelly O’Neil, M.D.

The O’Neil Skin and Lipo Medical Center in Temecula, CA is headed by Dr. Kelly O’Neil, a noted Cosmetic Surgeon. Dr Kelly O’Neil has been in practice in Temecula for over 30 years helping thousands of patients look better and younger. Dr. O’Neil’s practice specialty is nonsurgical facial rejuvenation, also called a nonsurgical facelift. He is particularly interested in less invasive cosmetic options. “My goal is to help people enhance their appearance through safer and less expensive procedures. I want them to look as natural as possible.”

Norma is the surgical centers registered nurse. She assists Dr. O’Neil in the surgical suite as well as performing some of the less invasive cosmetic procedures. She has been with the O’Neil Skin and Lipo Medical Center for 15 years and loves her job. “It is particularly satisfying to watch Dr. O’Neil make his improvements on patients. I have seen some patients who looked 20 years younger.” said Norma.

Louise has been with the O’Neil Skin and Lipo Center for 15 years. She handles marketing and public relations. Her duties include public educational Seminars on selected cosmetic surgery topics. She helps patients with personal needs and questions pertaining to their procedures. Louise helps educate patients on what to expect during and after their procedure. She is always available to help them with any problems should they arise.

Sue has been with the O’Neil Skin and Lipo Center for 17 years. She is one of the centers two patient coordinators. She handles the details of patient scheduling as well as patients fears or concerns. Sue has been one of the centers patients and understands how it feels to be a patient. She also handles all internet inquires and assists in patient follow up. You will find her friendly, courteous, and extremely helpful.

Gina is our other patient coordinator and has been with us for 6 years. Gina is in charge of our internet solutions and coordinates a multitude of business functions. She if very knowledgeable about our procedures, professional, and helpful in solving patient questions or scheduling issues.

O'Neil Skin and Lipo Center Staff

Cosmetic Surgery Educational Seminars

Seminars are given by Dr Kelly O’Neil, a Cosmetic Surgeon, to educate potential aesthetic patients about new advances and technologies in Facial Rejuvenation. Nonsurgical procedures and techniques are explored and compared to conventional surgical procedures.

In the last 5 years Cosmetic and Plastic surgery procedures have dropped 25-30% while, at the same time, nonsurgical cosmetic procedures have risen over 100%. Patients prefer nonsurgical procedures because they are less invasive, safer, and less expensive. Also, there are no scars involved. When properly performed; non-surgical cosmetic procedures are usually more natural looking as well.

Examples of non-surgical modalities to be discussed are Botox, Fillers (Restylane and Juvederm), liquid face and handlifts, chemical peels, ultrasound skin tightening, nonsurgical facelifts, lasers (fraxel), and radio frequency (Thermage, Titan). Dr O’Neil will demonstrate and explain why non-surgical technologies are superior to surgery for the removal of facial wrinkles and sun damage.

Modern techniques of body contouring such as Smartlipo and Tumescent Liposculpture will also be discussed as well as how to tighten skin or body areas such as abdomen or arms without surgery.

The following locations are sites for our upcoming seminars.  Seminars begin at 2:30pm and last until 4 pm.  During the seminar, Dr. O’Neil will speak on his procedures and show a “Before and After” slide presentation on his Skin Rejuvenation, Body Contouring and Liquid Facelift.  Following the seminar, he will offer brief, complimentary consultations for those interested in scheduling a procedure.  This is a great opportunity for you to meet Dr. O’Neil and visit with past patients who have had work done by Dr. O’Neil and who will share their experience and their new look with you.

If you are a past patient, you may pass this along to a friend if you cannot attend.  If your friend books a procedure, Dr. O’Neil will send you a gift certificate for complimentary Botox or Dermal filler (up to $750 value).  Don’t wait, call Sue, email us sue@oneilskinandlipocenter.com or fill out the contact box below to RSVP for yourself and a friend.

UPCOMING SEMINAR LOCATIONS 

02/07/12                     Crowne Plaza Hotel/Beverly Hills

02/16/12                     Classic Club/Palm Desert

02/21/12                     Seacliff Country Club/Huntington Beach

03/01/12                     Braemar Country Club/Tarzana

03/06/12                     Hyatt Regency/Newport Beach

03/15/12                     Rancho Los Palmas Resort & Spa/Rancho Mirage

03/20/12                     Beverly Hills Country Club/Los Angeles

04/03/12                     Woodland Hills Golf Club/Woodland Hills

04/12/12                     Indian Wells Golf Club/Indian Wells

04/17/12                     Sun City Indio Community Assoc./Indio

04/24/12                     The Westin/Long Beach

05/08/12                     Springhill Suites by Marriott/Temecula

05/15/12                     Renaissance Club Sport/Aliso Viejo

05/22/12                     To Be Determined/Sherman Oak

Dr. Kelly O’Neil, O’Neil Skin and Lipo Medical Center

Dr. Kelly O’Neil, a cosmetic surgeon located in Temecula, CA welcomes you to his blog.  For those of you who don’t know him, he has been practicing cosmetic surgery in the Temecula Valley since 1981.  Dr. O’Neil helped raise three lovely daughters here in the valley.  They are all now married and the oldest (Laurie) just recently had the first grandchild, a boy (Robert).  The other two (Alicia and Katie) are working on starting families of their own.  All three daughters have earned their Master’s Degree.  Needless to say he is quite proud of them.

When Dr. Kelly O’Neil first decided to become a Doctor he thought he wanted to be a Family Physician and “do it all!”  He changed his direction after doing some externship’s with a couple of practicing cosmetic surgeons.   He was amazed at what these doctors could accomplish for their patients and how pleased and happy their patients were with the results.  For some, these improvements were life changing.  For others, it made them more confident and gave them great satisfaction.

Dr. O’Neil’s early cosmetic practice was dominated by nonsurgical facial rejuvenation techniques.  This was in the 1980’s and early 1990’s before nonsurgical procedures became so popular.  Fortunately, he was able to help thousands of patients look better and younger.  The fact that these treatments where less invasive and less expensive compared to surgery, was popular with his patients as well.

Dr. O’Neil says, “I love my work!”  He says it is extremely rewarding and he feels very fortunate to have been able to help so many people.

His practice has expanded over the years into many new areas and techniques.  He has worked hard to keep the practice confined to “less invasive” or “non-surgical” cosmetic procedures.  He has found that these procedures are safer and less expensive to the patient.  But most importantly, Dr. O’Neil has chosen procedures which provide maximum results and still look natural.  This approach has brought the most patient satisfaction.

We now offer ultrasound treatments, body sculpting and Smart lipo (laser), as well as Botox and Fillers, like Restalyne and Juvederm.

Nonsurgical and less invasive treatments are the direction Cosmetic Medicine is heading.  In the last 5 years Cosmetic Surgeries are down 25% but non-surgical procedures are up 100%!

Our goal at the O’Neil Skin and Lipo Medical Center is to achieve maximum improvement with a natural look, accomplishing this in the least invasive way.  Usually that means without surgery.

If you are one of our patients, Dr. Kelly O’Neil invites you to share your experience on our blog.  New readers should check out some of his blog articles.  He has tried to make them easy to understand and as informative as possible.

Please contact Dr. Kelly O’Neil with any comments or questions 951-296-1690.

Medical Treatment For Fat Removal, Temecula

Cryolipolysis, also called coolsculpting by Zeltiq, is the latest medical treatment for removing unwanted fat.  Cryolipolysis utilizes a non-invasive cooling devise to break down subcutaneous fat cells.  The body gradually, over three to four months, breaks down the damaged fat cells and reabsorbs them.  The result is a reduction of inches in the treated area and improved body contouring.

It has been found that subcutaneous fat cells are more susceptible to the effects of cold than other surrounding tissues and that body fat may be reduced without damage to other tissues with this coolsculpting device.  Results of cryolipolysis have proven to be long lasting and no adverse effects to blood cholesterol have been noted.

A Coolsculpting session typically takes about 1 hour.  No anesthesia, needles or cuts are required.  It is considered an alternative to other body contouring techniques, such as tumescent liposculpture, liposuction or Smart Lipo (laser lipolysis).  There may be some redness or mild bruising in the treated area which usually resolves in a few days.  Cost is similar to other liposculpting procedures and usually runs around $3,000 per treated area!

Cryolipolysis is primarily designed for patients who are only modestly overweight, as shown in the adjacent before and after photo.  If the fatty layer is too deep the coolsculpture device will not be able to cool the deeper layers and inadequate fat removal will occur. This will result in the need for repeat procedures.  Cryolipolysis is not designed to remove large volumes of fat.  Larger fat volumes or thicker fat layers will be better treated with modern body contouring procedures like Tumescent liposculpture or Smart lipo.

Cryolipolysis is designed to slenderize a body area that is modestly overweight.  If true body contouring is required, tumescent liposculpture or Smart lipo may be the best choice.  Also, if multiple body sites are required, Smart liposculpture may be more cost effective.  But if the offending fat is modest, and only one or two body areas are to be treated, Coolsculpting is a safe non-invasive technique for fat reduction.

Kelly J. O’Neil, M.D.

What is a Lifestyle Lift?

 A “Lifestyle Lift” is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to improve the appearance of the lower face and neck.  It is most effective on the jowl area and the submental (under the chin) area of the face and neck.  It is designed to improve the chin and jawline profile and to give you a firmer and tighter neck.

Like other types of facelifts, a “Lifestyle Lift” requires some surgical incisions to be made around the ear area.  In this way, redundant skin may be removed and tightened.  Only “Lifestyle Lift” participating doctors may advertise using the name “Lifestyle Lift” but other cosmetic surgeons perform similar surgical procedures using terms like a “lower facelift”, “small facelift”, “S-lift”, “mini lift” or “neck lift”.  Results will vary depending on physician experience and expertise.

Complications with “Lifestyle Lifts” are similar to other small face/neck-lift procedures.  They are rare but include bruising, hematoma, infection or unevenness.  Your particular physicians experience will make a huge difference in your risk.  But generally speaking, these types of surgical procedures are safe and well tolerated.

Some surgeons will require General anesthesia but often the surgeon will opt for intravenous sedation coupled with local anesthesia to provide comfort for the patient during the procedure.

“Lifestyle Lifts” only modestly improve facial wrinkles and will have little or no effect on mouth and lip lines.  Laser or chemical peels as well as Botox and fillers can be added to the lift to enhance wrinkle improvement.

Kelly J. O’Neil, M.D.

Doctor O’Neil is in private practice in Temecula, California serving surrounding communities including Fallbrook, Murrieta, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Perris, Hemet, and Sun City .  He is a cosmetic surgeon and specializes in non-invasive cosmetic procedures as well as body contouring procedures.  See his website for additional information.