About the Tumescent Liposuction Technique

Overview

Developed in 1985 by dermatologic surgeon Jeffrey Klein, M.D., tumescent liposuction, a technique that removes fat from and contours localized areas of the body, has become one of the safest forms of cosmetic surgery. Conducted on an outpatient basis and performed with local rather than general anesthesia, the procedure can be safely used on virtually any area of the body, including abdomen, arms, buttocks, neck and jowls, male breasts, all parts of the legs, hips, back and the abdominal external oblique muscles (love handles).

Procedure

Before clearing the appointed areas of excess fat, the surgeon injects fluid into the layers of fat beneath the skin's surface to swell and tone the skin, which aids in efficacy. The fluid is a combination of epinephrine, saline solution and lidocaine, a local anesthetic. It facilitates the process in three ways: The saline aids in easy fat removal; the lidocaine numbs the area, allowing the patient to remain awake during the procedure; and the epinephrine lowers the amount of swelling, bruising and blood loss related to the surgery. At times, sedatives are provided intravenously while the fat is suctioned out and the area contoured.

Indication

While liposuction is cosmetic surgery and is commonly associated with weight loss, eliminating obesity is not the purpose of the procedure. Liposuction is not a cure for cellulite, a replacement for a healthy active lifestyle or a quick fix for general obesity. The technique garners best results by removing fat in specific body areas that may not be affected by diet and exercise alone from otherwise healthy individuals of average to moderately obese size with skin and muscle tone to support the tissue loss.

Advantages

By eliminating the major risks involved with general anesthesia and the expense of staying in a hospital, the tumescent technique is one of the safest and most cost-effective forms of plastic surgery. The technique is the most common form of liposuction, as its benefits are considered to outweigh those of other liposuction methods. With the technique, blood transfusions are rarely needed; pain and discomfort during and after the procedure are minimal, if present at all; blood loss, bruising, swelling and infection are reduced; less scarring occurs; and recovery is swift, typically taking less than three days.

Risks

Like all surgery, tumescent liposuction, while generally a safe procedure when performed by a skilled and board-certified physician, involves some elements of risk. Some of the possible side effects of this surgery include infection, scarring that causes skin irregularities such as looseness or dimples, allergic reaction to the local anesthesia, blood clots, toxic shock and nerve and tissue damage. In addition, particular health issues, if present, may prevent the safe application of the procedure. The process may be unsafe for substance abusers (drugs, nicotine, alcohol); diabetics; asthmatics; and those with medication allergies, hypertension, or heart disease and cardiovascular irregularities.

Recovery

Full, significant recovery is often completed within two days; however, recovery may take up to seven days, depending on the number of areas in which the technique was performed. For up to three weeks, patients must wear a dressing bandage designed to help the skin tighten and made to fit under clothing. Change can be seen inside of 10 days and very noticeable results within a month. If necessary, the procedure can be performed again on the same area to remove excess unwanted fat remaining if the limits on the amount of fat removal were reached during the initial surgery. Marked change in the areas receiving suction may continue for up to a year following the initial procedure.