How is the Tumescent technique of Liposuction performed?
Liposuction can be performed in the dermatologic surgeon’s office facility, in an outpatient surgical suite or in a hospital. If general anesthesia is not otherwise indicated, its potential complications can be avoided by the use of local anesthesia (often used with light sedation) via the tumescent technique. This breakthrough technique refers to filling the skin with local anesthetic in order to remove unwanted fat more efficiently.

With tumescent liposuction, large volumes of a solution containing dilute lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and dilute epinephrine (a drug to shrink capillaries and prevent blood loss) are injected with minimal discomfort directly into areas of excessive fatty deposits. Once the liquid is injected, a small incision is made in the skin, and a tube connected to a vacuum is inserted into the fatty layer. Using to and fro movements, the fat is drawn through the tube into a collection system. The tumescent method enables the dermatologic surgeon to remove large amounts of fat more uniformly with fewer skin irregularities and less bleeding and bruising.

What happens after surgery?
The local anesthesia injected into the tissue remains for 18 to 24 hours following liposuction surgery, greatly minimizing post operative pain. After tumescent liposuction, patients are usually alert and able to function without nausea, grogginess and the “washed out” feeling associated with general anesthesia. With the tumescent technique, there is minimal bruising, and many patients do not require postoperative medication for pain. You can usually return to a desk-type job within 48 hours; physical exercise generally can be resumed three to seven days after liposuction.

Are there any possible complications?
The tumescent technique of liposuction is a remarkably safe procedure with few significant side effects. A recent study in the Dermatologic Surgery Journal reported that 112 patients who underwent the tumescent procedure had an average of two quarts of fat removed with no significant complications. Clinical studies by other specialists have also demonstrated the safety and efficacy of tumescent liposuction.

What are the limitations of Liposuction?
Liposuction is not intended as a method for weight loss. It is used as a shaping procedure for areas where hereditary fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise have accumulated. The best results from liposuction occur in body areas where there is reasonable muscle tone, where skin has good elastic quality, and where fat is not excessive. In cases where there is a significant loss of tone and elasticity, superior cosmetic results may require a combination of both liposuction and surgical skin tightening to remove the excessive loose tissue.

Your dermatologic surgeon can advise you of the likelihood of the need for additional treatments, depending on the specific condition of your skin.

View a video about Tumescent Liposuction by clicking here