Tumescent Liposuction in St. Louis
A Brief Look at Liposuction History
Liposuction is a relatively new technique, but it has made significant improvements since it became a thing – in cosmetic surgery.
One new and popularly used development is the Tumescent Technique, which replaces the use of general anesthesia. It was pioneered by Dr. Jeffrey A. Klein, M.D.
Tumescent techniques use local anesthesia instead, and it’s studied and proven to be one of the safest ways to perform lipo.
To put the safety levels of tumescent techniques into perspective, consider the following facts:
- There’s relatively no blood loss
- The recovery times are expedited
- The technique is extra-gentle
- The patients stay awake
- There’s less pain than general anesthesia
A step back in history: Dr. Klein presented the tumescent technique in 1986. It was during the 2nd World Congress of Liposuction Surgery, and a year later, it was printed in the American Journal of Cosmetic Surgery.
Dr. Wright pays much respect to the mastermind behind the method, and he’s also trained directly with Dr. Klein, in 2007 and 2013.
How Tumescent Liposuction Works
Tumescent means “swollen” and this is what happens to the selected region when local anesthesia is administered. A generous and safe solution of lidocaine is injected with epinephrine. It sets off a reaction, where capillaries are shrunk, and the area becomes firm and puffed-up.
The epinephrine causes the capillaries to tighten so there are fewer chances of excessive blood loss. This fact alone, revolutionizes the entire practice of liposuction – and its safety levels.
All lipo procedures performed here are done with the tumescent technique, because ultimately, it’s proven to be a much safer method than the use of general anesthesia.
Also, because patients stay awake, it offers a more precise outcome, since they can shift or move – as directed by the surgeon.
A Gentler Technique
Gentle maneuvers of small cannulas measuring the tip of a ballpoint pen, mean a much speedier recovery. The procedure isn’t rushed, and this ensures faster healing times.
Liposuction FAQ
Liposuction is very straightforward. It’s a minimally invasive surgery that:
- Removes extra fat deposits from the body.
- Contours the area for a smoother result.
To remove the fat, a cannula is used to suction the fat. In Dr. Wright’s practice, the size of this cannula never exceeds that of a tip of a ballpoint pen. The cannula will suction out the fat between the skin and muscles – and patients will see results instantly.
To add to the recipe, tumescent solutions are used here, which is a local anesthesia. It’s considered to be a much, much safer alternative to general anesthesia. With this solution, the area becomes swollen, and the capillaries shrink – so there’s minimal chances of bleeding.
In addition, you will remain awake – and this has many benefits:
- You can tell us how you’re feeling – read a magazine, play on your iPhone, get on FB, etc.
- We, on the other hand, will give you 100% focus, and may ask you to shift into a better position.
- This equation, your alertness, and our latitude, allows the most accurate results.
See our details regarding laser-assisted lipo. We combine laser technology to loosen the fat and make the skin tighter. We will however surgically remove the fat in all cases, to ensure permanent results.
One of the best ways to determine if you’re a good candidate is to give us a call. Dr. Wright will perform a detailed evaluation and make the best recommendations – for you.
We keep the patient’s goals in mind to ensure success. Dr. Wright believes a successful surgery is one that is safe, and one that provides results.
Ask us more here.
