Many struggle with the battle of the bulge. Excess body fat often refuses to budge, even with a balanced eating pattern and a regular exercise regimen. Liposuction is a perfect solution to get rid of the extra fat.
The traditional liposuction technique involves general anesthesia and can result in blood loss, discomfort, and a fair amount of downtime.
To make this procedure easier and safer, two dermatologists (Dr. Jeffrey Klein and Patrick Lillis) invented a new technique called tumescent liposuction. Tumescent liposuction can reduce fat and contour many areas, including the following:
• Love handles
• Abdomen
• Upper arms
• Thighs
• Neck
• Arms and back
• Calves and ankles
• Buttocks
What Is Tumescent Liposuction?
Tumescent liposuction involves injecting large amounts of a local anesthetic called lidocaine and another chemical called epinephrine, which shrinks the blood vessels. The result of this is less blood flow, since the capillaries and blood vessels contract, and increased comfort, since the area becomes numb.
Tumescent is a word for “firmness.” The two fluids used make the area firm and less prone to bleeding. In this procedure, only one to two tablespoons of blood are lost, as compared to the huge losses in traditional liposuction and other surgeries, which sometimes require blood transfusion.
The procedure begins with a consultation with the plastic surgeon, who discusses the technique and the aftercare instructions. Photographs are also taken for the record.
During the procedure, after applying sterile disinfectant on the area to be repaired, tumescent fluid is injected into the treatment region to numb the area. The cannula is inserted by the surgeon into a small incision to suction out the excess fat.
The patient is awake throughout the procedure, and the surgeon can test if the desired result has been achieved by having the patient stand up at any time. Recovery typically takes a few days.
What Are the Advantages of Tumescent Liposuction?
The tumescent technique has the following advantages:
• Minimal loss of blood up to one or two tablespoons
• No intravenous fluid replacement is required
• Lidocaine is antibacterial and may reduce risks of infections
• Because the area gets firm and swollen, the area to be operated upon is more visible to the surgeon, reducing any chances of error
• Lidocaine is suctioned out during the procedure along with the fat
• Because blood vessels are constricted and tight, they do not absorb as much of the anesthetic or epinephrine
• The numbing effect lasts for one full day, which means less discomfort for the patient
• Lidocaine has been proven to be safe for use with no adverse reactions
• Less downtime, as no general anesthesia is used
• No bruising under the skin after the procedure
• No sutures are used because tiny incisions are made
For More Information, Schedule a Consultation
Paying a visit to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lu-Jean Feng is the best way to find out more about tumescent liposuction. Contact our office to arrange an informative consultation.
