Surgical Procedures - Body Sculpting

Tumescent Liposuction

Removal of subcutaneous fat to improve body shape where a large quantity of medicated liquid is injected to facilitate liposuction.

This relatively new liposuction method can reduce post operative bruising, swelling and pain. Because blood loss is minimized there is also a minimal chance that a blood transfusion will be needed. Essentially areas of excess fat are first injected with a large amount of anaesthetic liquid. The liquid causes the fat cells to become swollen and firm or 'tumesced.' This permits the liposuction cannula to travel more smoothly beneath the skin as fat is removed. It also decreases bleeding, bruising and pain and speeds post-operative recovery.

RIGHT FOR YOU?

Any patient able to have traditional liposuction (see Liposuction) is also a good candidate for the tumescent technique. The technique can be used on any area of the body but is commonly used on areas that require particular precision, such as the face, neck, arms, calves and ankles. It also works well on large areas of excess fat.

SOME RISK

Although the need for anaesthesia is reduced and blood loss is minimized, patients undergoing this procedure still face the same risks and possible cosmetic complications as those having traditional liposuction. There are also additional but rare risks specifically associated with the tumescent technique. These include the risk that fluid may collect in the lungs (pulmonary edema) if too much fluid is administered and lidocaine toxicity, which occurs if the proportion of lidocaine anaesthetic in the solution is too high. You can reduce your risks by choosing a fully qualified plastic surgeon who has adequate experience with the technique (see Choosing a Surgeon).

ANAESTHESIA

For many, a general anesthetic is the best option. For others, local anaesthetic in the solution, combined with sedation, may provide sufficient pain relief. Again, if your doctor feels it's appropriate, the tumescent solution itself may be the only anaesthetic needed.

WHAT HAPPENS?

The warmed tumescent liquid -a diluted solution containing lidocaine, adrenaline and intravenous fluid - is injected into the area to be treated. The liquid enters the fat which becomes swollen, firm and blanched. Liposuction is then performed on the tumesced fat.

AFTER SURGERY

The prolonged effects of the anaesthetic solution help to provide pain relief after the procedure and decrease the need for additional medication. For the first day or two most patients experience swelling in the treated areas, as well as some fluid drainage from the incisions. Light activity can usually be resumed within the first few days and normal activity within a few weeks.

HAPPY?

Patients are usually able to see a noticeable difference almost immediately. However, more improvement can be seen after three weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided. After about three months, all swelling should have disappeared and your final contours will be visible.

Patients are usually very pleased with the results. By eating a healthy diet and taking regular exercise, you can help to maintain your slimmer figure or leaner physique.