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WHAT IS TUMESCENT LIPOSCULPTURE?
Tumescent Liposculpture is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedures. It is an advanced technique of permanently removing excess fat deposits. It is called tumescent (which means “to swell”) because the surgeon fills and swells the fatty areas to be removed with large volumes of special solution before the procedure. This solution completely numbs the area due to the effect of local anesthetic, therefore general anesthesia or heavy intravenous sedation is not required. At the same time, a substance called epinephrine constricts the blood vessels, reducing bleeding to negligible amounts. Fatty deposits are then removed using small straw-like tubes called cannulas connected to a large bulb type syringe. It is called liposculpture because the cosmetic surgeon is able to artistically sculpt the body into a new shape using delicate instruments. Besides the obvious increased safety of tumescent liposculpture being performed totally under local anesthesia there are other significant benefits. The patient can cooperate with the surgeon by changing position so the areas can be more easily seen and multiple areas can be treated during the same session. Plus the finer instruments that are used in the tumescent liposculpture technique allow surgeons to target specific areas with accuracy and control never before possible.
IS IT PAINFUL?
There is minimal discomfort during the administration of the anesthetic. Patients are given some oral medication to relax them and make them more comfortable. The procedure itself is basically painless and many patients compare it to a deep massage. The anesthetic effect usually lasts about 24 hours.
WHAT IS TUMESCENT ANESTHESIA?
This is the fluid that is injected into the fat to make it numb before the physician suctions out the fat. The solution is composed of 3 main ingredients - 1) saline - this makes the fat more liquid and easier to suction, 2) lidocaine - this temporarily numbs the nerves in the fat and skin so the patient will not feel pain during suctioning, 3)epinephrine - this constricts blood vessels so that minimal blood loss occurs. The tumescent fluid also reduces pain after the procedure because it remains in the body approximately 18 hours after the liposuction surgery.
WHY DON’T ALL DOCTORS USE THE TUMESCENT TECHNIQUE IF IT TRULY IS THE SAFEST AND MOST PRECISE TECHNIIQUE OF REMOVING UNWANTED FAT?
There are several answers to this question - the answers are generalities and do not necessarily apply to every physician who chooses not to use the tumescent technique. Tumescent liposuction takes about twice as long to perform because the physician has to inject the anesthesia slowly so the patient remains comfortable and pain free. The physician who chooses to use the tumescent technique sacrifices a little more of his time to ensure that patients are having the procedure performed in the safest way possible. Many physicians are not comfortable performing a procedure on an awake patient. Although there are many skilled physicians in the traditional technique, this form of liposuction (and anesthesia) is a newer technique and usually requires extra training.
HOW MUCH FAT CAN BE REMOVED?
Up to 4.5 liters in one session. This is the same amount as with traditional liposuction.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THE PROCEDURE?
People who are generally in good shape, but have localized, resistant areas of fat are ideal for this procedure. It is also common to treat overweight patients. Patients just need to have realistic expectations. These expectations are discussed in detail during the initial consultation.
WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?
Almost any area on the body where there is fat. The most common areas for liposculpture for women include the abdomen, waist, thighs, hips, buttocks, neck, arms and knees. In men the most commonly treated areas include the “love handles”, abdomen, breasts, neck and chin.
WILL FAT COME BACK?
Once taken out the fat cells do not grow back. A liposuction surgeon never removes all the fat cells, so there is the possibility for the ones left behind to expand a little if you gain weight after the procedure.
RISK OF ANY SURGERY
As with any procedure, liposculpture has certain common side effects such as bruising, swelling and temporary numbness. Although irregularities of the skin are possible following liposuction, this is minimized with the micro-cannulas used. Because of the slow resolution of post-surgical swelling, the ultimate results following liposculpture surgery may not become fully apparent for 12- 16 weeks. Nevertheless, patients usually see noticeable improvements within two to four weeks after the procedure.
LIPOMASSAGE & LIPOSUCTION
Lipomassage will smooth out the irregularity in your skin after your liposuction. Lipomassage will bring down the swelling and bruising much faster. Lipomassage will enhance the successful result significantly by increasing circulation, allowing connective tissue to be freed of abnormal water and fluid, flushing built up toxins and chemicals in the system and restoring the collagen function of the skin.
Comparison of Tumescent Liposculpture
to Traditional Liposuction
With Tumescent - Local Anesthesia is used unlike traditional which requires general anesthesia or IV Sedation.
Tumescent Liposculpture is generally less expensive due to the fact that there are no fees for anesthesia or the facility.
There is less chance of complications documented in the medical literature associated with tumescent liposculpture than with traditional liposuction.
There is minimal blood loss with tumescent liposculpture in comparison with traditional liposuction.
There is less pain with tumescent liposculpture as there is much less trauma caused to the body since the instruments used are extremely small.
There is a much faster recuperation with tumescent liposculpture - Patients often resume their normal activities within 24 to 48 hours. With traditional liposuction patients may not be able to resume normal activities for days or weeks.
Smaller micro-cannulas (instruments) leave minimal surface changes and minimal or no scars.