Many people seek liposuction to create a sleeker, more contoured appearance. Most, if not all, want to know that they are undergoing a safe, yet effective procedure. Of course, safety is paramount during any liposuction procedure. While most techniques are considered safe, there are concerns and risks blood loss and long recovery times that are associated with traditional liposuction. Today, there is a procedure — tumescent liposuction — that is considered “safe liposuction”.
What is Tumescent Liposuction?
The tumescent liposuction procedure does not require hospitalization, blood transfusions or other similar requirements that are associated with older, traditional liposuction procedures.
The tumescent liposuction procedure is performed under local anesthetics. This eliminates the need for IV sedation or general anesthesia and the associated risks. Tumescent lipo can be done on just about any body part including face, neck, hips, abdomen, breasts, back, legs, and thighs. The procedure can also be used to remove lipomas or benign fatty tumors.
The Tumescent Liposuction Procedure
The procedure begins with a highly diluted solution of lidocaine and epinephrine being injected into the treatment area. This solution is injected into the fat that will be removed. The epinephrine shrinks blood vessels to minimize potential bleeding. Combined with the lidocaine, the solution causes the fat to swell, allowing for easier fat removal. This also gives the surgeon more control of the contouring.
Tiny cannulas are then inserted through small incisions made in the treatment area. Gentle suction is then used to remove the fat that was loosened by the solution.
After Care for the Procedure
Because of the anesthetic injected into the area, the area will remain numb for many hours after the completion of the procedure. In fact, pain relief may last up to 24 to 36 hours. When the numbing effects do wear off, there may be some minor pain that is easily controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Since a local anesthetic is used in place of general anesthesia, patients will not go through nausea, grogginess, or other after effects of general anesthesia. Patients are advised to get up and walking immediate after the procedure to promote faster healing. Patients can return to their regular work schedule with in a couple of days, as long as it does not require heavy lifting or high levels of physical exertion.
Benefits of Tumescent Liposuction
- Less blood loss
- The lidocaine may decrease the risk of possible infections
- The tumescence or swelling of the treatment area will magnify any defects that can be corrected during the procedure, reducing the need for second procedure.
