Safety during any liposuction procedure is paramount. Most liposuction techniques are safe; however, some patients are concerned about the risks such as blood loss presented by traditional liposuction procedures. There are new techniques that are now considered “safe liposuction”.
What is Tumescent Liposuction?
The new tumescent liposuction technique does not require any hospitalization, blood transfusions, or other such risks often associated with traditional lipo procedures.
Tumescent liposuction is performed under local anesthesia, eliminating the need for general anesthesia or IV sedation with its associated risks. This type of liposuction can be performed on almost any body part including neck, face, stomach, hips, back, breasts, thighs, and legs. It can also be used to remove benign fatty tumors or lipomas.
The Tumescent Liposuction Procedure
The tumescent lipo procedure starts with a diluted solution of epinephrine and lidocaine being injected into the treatment area. Large volumes of this solution are injected directly into the subcutaneous fat. The epinephrine shrinks blood vessels to minimize bleeding, and combined with the lidocaine, causes the skin and fat to swell making it easier to remove the fat. This gives the surgeon better control of the contouring procedure.
Micro-cannulas inserted through tiny incisions, and gentle suction is used to remove the fat that was loosened by the solution.
After the Procedure
The anesthetic solution used during the procedure remains effective for many hours after the procedure is complete, prolonging pain-relief for up to 24 to 36 hours. Once the numbing effect wears off, patients may experience minor pain that can usually be controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Because a local anesthetic is used rather than general anesthesia, patients will not experience grogginess or nausea after the procedure. Walking is advised right after the procedure to promote healing. You can go back to you exercise routine in about three to seven days. If your job doesn’t require any heavy lifting, you should be able to return to work in just a couple of days.
Advantages 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 possibility a second procedure.
