Tumescent Liposuction

The tumescent method of liposuction surgery was developed in the 1980's and is now the most popular cosmetic operation in the United States. It revolutionized surgical fat removal by minimizing blood loss, swelling, and pain. Patients of tumescent liposuction surgery report minimal pain and swelling. That's because one of the least invasive techniques that can reach both superficial and deep layers of fat beneath the skin. Since the operation is only lightly invasive, the healing time of the operation is significantly reduced.

In fact, the entire operation is intended to be an outpatient procedure. Only local anesthesia is needed, and the patient can even provide feedback to the surgeon as the operation is being performed. There's no need for general anesthesia or an expensive hospital stay. The tumescent method is definitely for the average person looking for the best price with quality results.

So, you're probably wondering how this tumescent technique is performed. It's actually an elegant solution to an age-old problem. The operation involves the injection of liquid into the target area before the suction is performed. This fluid is comprised of an anesthetic, adrenaline, and saline. The anesthetic is usually lidocaine, and is used to numb the area. Adrenaline (or epinephrine) is used to constrict blood vessels, thus minimizing the blood loss that will result. Saline is used as the base of the liquid since it is sterile and inert within the body. Once the fluid is injected, the compartment of fat becomes tumesced (swollen), hence the name of the technique. This bloating will go away after the suction commences, and any excess fluid will drain from the incisions.

After the area is injected with the treatment fluid, the surgeon makes an incision and inserts a thin probe into the opening. The probe is moved around to break up the fat and ease the suction process. The fat is collected into a sterile container. Once done, the incision is closed and the patient must wear a compression-garment to aid in the skin's contraction and help contour the body.

Since this technique minimizes blood loss and is done with local anesthetic, there aren't many complications in the recovery process. There are, however, some rare cases of pulmonary edema when fluid accumulates in the lungs and lidocaine toxicity. Be sure to consult your doctor about this before the operation.

Tumescent liposuction is lightly invasive, easier to recover from, and generally cheaper than other liposuction techniques. It remains one of the most popular cosmetic operations out there. If you've been considering a liposuction operation then a tumescent operation will probably meet all of your needs.