Make Tumescent Liposuction Your Preferred Option!
The tumescent liposuction is a relatively new liposuction method that can reduce post operative bruising, swelling and pain. Because blood loss is minimized during tumescent liposuction, use of the technique reduces the chance that a blood transfusion will be needed. In the tumescent liposuction, areas of excess fat are injected with a large amount of anesthetic liquid before liposuction is per-formed. The liquid causes the compartments of fat to become swollen and firm or "tumesced." The expanded fat compartments allow the liposuction cannula to travel smoothly beneath the skin as the fat is removed. Any person who is a candidate for traditional liposuction is also a good candidate for the tumescent technique. Although the technique can be used on any area of the body, it is commonly used on areas that require enhanced precision, such as the face, neck, arms, calves and ankles. Individuals who have large areas of excess fat may also be good candidates for tumescent liposuction. Although the anesthesia requirements are lessened and blood loss is minimized with tumescent liposuction, patients undergoing the procedure still face the same risks and cosmetic complications associated with traditional liposuction surgery. There are also risks specifically associated with the tumescent technique. These rare complications include pulmonary edema (the collection of fluid in the lungs), which may occur if too much fluid is administered; and lidocaine toxicity, which occurs if the solution's lidocaine content is too high. In tumescent liposuction, the warmed tumescent liquid -- a dilute solution containing lidocaine, epinephrine and intravenous fluid -- is injected into the area to be treated. As the liquid enters the fat, it becomes swollen, firm and blanched. Liposuction is then performed on the tumesced areas. For the first day or two after surgery, most patients experience swelling in the treated areas, as well as some fluid drainage from the incision sites. The tumescent liposuction can reduce bruising, pain and swelling after surgery. Blood loss is minimized and there is a lower chance to need a blood transfusion after surgery. Large amounts of fluid used inflate or "tumesce" the fat compartments making them swollen and firm. The expanded compartments permit the liposuction cannula to pass under the skin smoothly as fat is removed. Injected amounts vary depending on what needs to be done. Sometimes the injected amount is as much as three times the amount of fat to be removed. Tumescent liposuction is typically performed on patients who need only a local anesthetic. This surgery can take significantly longer than traditional liposuction (and sometimes as long as several hours). Since the fluid injected contains adequate anesthetic, additional anesthesia may not be necessary. After the patient relieves intravenous sedation medication, the incision sites are injected with a thin needle. A scalpel then makes a tiny hole. A larger injection cannula then is used to introduce the anesthetic solution into the entire region to be sculpted. Fluid is injected using the various incisions for the liposuction. The injections continue until the tissues are expanded with the fluid (or tumescent). You are usually able to see a noticeable difference almost immediately after surgery. However, more improvement can be seen after three weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent mild swelling will disappear and the final contour will be visible. Patients are usually very pleased with the results of the tumescent liposuction. By eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, you can help to maintain your slimmer figure or leaner physique.
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