Liposuction: Tumescent

What is tumescent liposuction?

Tumescent liposuction is a safe, effective procedure that removes unwanted fat with relatively little discomfort, low risk of complications, and vastly improved cosmetic results. It is an outpatient procedure that is ideal for people who cannot reduce fat deposits through diet and exercise alone.

However, tumescent liposuction is not meant to be used as a weight-loss technique and it is best when combined with a fitness and diet regimen.

What areas of the body can be treated with tumescent liposuction?

Before the 1980s, dermasurgeons were limited in the kinds of fat they could remove through standard surgical techniques. The advent of liposuction increased the safety of surgical fat removal and also greatly increased the areas of the body that could be treated. Virtually any area of the body can be treated, including the face, neck, chin, breasts, arms, abdomen, back, hips, thighs, knees, and ankles.

Liposuction can treat many non-cosmetic conditions as well, including benign fatty tumors (lipomas), enlarged male breasts, and hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) of the underarms.

What happens during the procedure?

The procedure starts with injections of solution at the treatment areas, which will act as an anesthesia and prevent blood loss by shrinking capillaries. 

Then the surgeon will make a small incision in the skin and use a small tube to vacuum away fat, which is then deposited into a collection system.

Is it safe?

Before your procedure, make sure your dermasurgeon is board-certified to perform tumescent liposuction. Surgeons with such certification will know to avoid extracting too much fat at once or combining liposuction with other surgeries.

Because the procedure can be done with a local anesthetic, it produces few significant side effects.

_____________________________________________________________

© 2008 Vivacare.
Last updated November 25th, 2008.

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.

This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
View Content Policy