PureLipo™ FAQs

What is PureLipo™?
PureLipo™, also known as SA BodySculpting in recognition of Dr. Albert Sant Antonio, the developer of the technique, is an advanced "tumescent" liposuction procedure performed without general anesthesia, using very small instruments to permanently remove excess fat from nearly any area of the body. It is called tumescent (which means "to swell") because the physician fills and swells the fatty areas to be removed with large volumes of a special solution containing local anesthetic. The fat is then removed with blunt-ended straw-like tubes called cannulas, which are much smaller than those used in traditional liposuction. Because the tumescent solution completely anesthetizes the area, no general anesthesia or heavy intravenous sedation is required. Bodysculpting allows the trained physician to artistically sculpt the body into a new shape using these more delicate instruments. In addition to the increased safety of local anesthesia, PureLipo™ offers other significant benefits. Because you are awake during the procedure, you are able to interact and cooperate with the physician and change positions so problem areas can be targeted more effectively. Multiple areas can be treated during the same session. The finer instruments also allow the physician to target specific areas with increased accuracy and control. Unlike traditional liposuction, there is minimal downtime, minimal bruising and no need for strong pain medications.

How is PureLipo™different?
The PureLipo™ technique is far more advanced than the traditional surgical liposuction often seen on television, or even the various other forms of "tumescent" procedures currently being practiced. The PureLipo™ protocol of using very small instruments, a more gentle suction process with the "syringe" system, and the actual procedure itself delivers superior body contouring and promotes skin tightening for "smoother" results. As a result of the use of such small instruments, there are no sutures (stitches) from the procedure. Bruising and discomfort following the procedure are minimized and most patients are able to return to work and near normal activity within 48 hours. The entire procedure (walk in/ walk out) is typically about three hours.

What is local tumescent anesthesia?
The tumescent technique for local anesthesia involves the injection of large volumes of diluted local anesthetic fluid into the fat beneath the skin, causing the area to become swollen and firm. This technique eliminates the need for general anesthesia and also eliminates the bleeding associated with traditional surgery. The tumescent technique results in a procedure that is safe and less painful, with minimal post-procedural recovery time and superior cosmetic results.

What areas can be treated and how much fat can be removed?
Almost any area on the body where there is fat can be treated. The most common areas for women include the abdomen, waist, thighs, hips, buttocks, neck, arms and knees. In men, the most commonly treated areas include the "love handles," abdomen, chest, neck and chin. Up to 4 liters of fat can be removed in a single session which is the same amount as with traditional liposuction.

Is PureLipo™painful?
There is minimal discomfort during the initial administration of the tumescent solution. The procedure itself is basically painless and many patients talk on the phone or with the team, listen to music or even nap throughout the process. The use of the tumescent technique, small instruments, tiny insertion sites and the more gentle fat removal process using the syringe versus powered suction greatly reduces post procedure bruising and discomfort.

Is PureLipo permanent?
The body's shape and contour following PureLipo is permanent for the most part. Fat cells that are removed by PureLipo do not grow back. As long as you do not gain excessive weight, the shape and contour is permanent. If you gain weight after PureLipo, the figure will be a larger version of the new shape. Although one can expect some changes with aging, as long as there is no weight gain, the result is permanent.

Is Dr. Criner a plastic surgeon?
No. PureLipo™ liposculpture is not plastic surgery; it is a minimally invasive office procedure. PureLipo™ requires no plastic implants or major reconstruction. Plastic surgeons generally perform surgeries to reconstruct areas (e.g. facelifts) or perform implants (e.g. breast implants) with patients under general anesthesia.

How did Dr. Criner learn to perform PureLipo™?
Dr. Sant Antonio, the physician who has perfected the technique and who has successfully and safely performed thousands of these procedures, personally trained Dr. Criner. A physician from Dr. Sant Antonio's office, who has also performed nearly a thousand PureLipo™ procedures, now works with and assists Dr. Criner in Johns Creek.

Why don't all physicians use the tumescent technique?
There are many answers to this question, however, one of the most obvious is the fact that the tumescent technique, with the use of small instruments and no powerful suction pump, results in a procedure that takes about twice as long to perform as traditional liposuction while costing much less. This new form of bodysculpture (and tumescent anesthesia) is a technique that requires training separate from traditional liposuction.

Is PureLipo™expensive?
PureLipo™ is an "office" procedure, which eliminates the high cost of general anesthesia and the use of an operating room. Therefore, it often costs thousands of dollars less than other forms of liposuction. While wholly dependent on the number of areas treated in a single session (most patients treat multiple areas), the average price is less than $5,000. Third-party financing options are available through the center.

How can I determine if this procedure is right for me?
You are encouraged to contact our office to schedule a free consultation.