Tumescent Liposuction

What is Tumescent Liposuction?
The concept of liposuction is surprisingly simple. Liposuction is a surgical technique that improves the body’s contour by removing excess fat from deposits located between the skin and muscle. Liposuction involves the use of a small stainless steel tube, called a cannula (from the Latin word for reed, tube, cane). The cannula is connected to a powerful suction pump and inserted into the fat through small incisions in the skin. Fat removal is accomplished as the suction cannula creates tiny tunnels through the fatty layers. After surgery, these tiny tunnels collapse and thus result in an improved body contour.


How does the procedure work?
Tumescent Liposuction is a procedure in which a dilute solution is injected into the fatty areas before the fat is removed. The fluid is a mixture of intravenous solution, lidocaine and epinephrine. It shrinks blood vessels, and provides anesthesia during and after surgery. The fluid injection also helps make it easier for the fat to come out. 

Is Tumescent Liposuction safe?
Tumescent Liposuction is safe, but complications can occur. There is a chance of infection, delays in healing and skin irriation. 

Are there any possible side effects?
Although uncommon, there are a few side effects that may occur including skin depressions, brown spots, and temporary lumpiness. 

Will there be any downtime?
One needs to plan on going home and taking a one hour nap after the procedure. Then it is okay to get up and rest at home. About half our clients go back to work the next day. Either way, seldom do people sit around the house. 

What are the results?
The results range for different people depending on their skin looseness; however, results are generally less fat in designated portions. If fat is regained after surgery, it is more commonly spread evenly across the body as opposed to collecting in the problem zones that previously existed. 

What can be expected post-treatment?
Healing is a gradual process. Walking for exercise should start the day after treatment. Some swelling is normally seen for several weeks but gradually fades. Lumpiness often happens after three to four weeks, but is temporary.

Who are candidates for Tumescent Liposuction?
Candidates for Tumescent Liposuction are those in their normal weight range and have firm, elastic skin that has areas of excess fat. 

Who should avoid Tumescent Liposuction?
Individuals with medical problems such as heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation or those who have recently had surgery may not be candidates for Tumescent Liposuction. 

Is additional treatment necessary?
Sometimes additional treatment is necessary because certain areas do not reach their full potential after one session. For a large person, we may focus on one or two areas per session.

Instructions for before surgery:
Do not take ibuprofen, aspirin for two weeks prior to surgery. Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding medications to take and avoid. Arrange for someone to take you home and stay with you after surgery. 

Instructions for after surgery:
Be prepared to go home and take a nap following surgery. Eat and drink lightly. You may want assistance for the first day. Begin light activity the next day. Expect some bruising, swelling, drainage and discomfort. Do not drink alcohol for five days after surgery. In three weeks, you may begin massaging the areas that underwent liposuction using your hands, moisturizing lotion or creams.