Tumescent Liposuction

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Liposuction Surgery

Both men and women can accumulate excess fat that is resistant to reduction by diet or exercise. In the early 1980's, dermatologic surgeons pioneered liposuction techniques to safely and effectively remove unwanted fat from nearly all body areas, including the face, neck, chin, breast, back, arms, abdomen, hips, love handles, inner and outer thighs, buttocks and knees.

What is Liposuction?

A major advancement called the "tumescent technique" completely revolutionized the liposuction procedure. Based on the use of local anesthesia, tumescent liposuction removes fat deposits painlessly and with virtually no complications. Tumescent liposuction is also designed to be performed in the privacy of an outpatient surgical facility, omitting the need for hospitalization. Tumescent liposuction offers the benefits of no stitches, reduced bruising and rapid return to normal activities.

Tumescent liposuction is not intended for weight loss but is a body contouring procedure. It is best utilized in coordination with a program of exercise and optimal weight maintenance.

How is Tumescent Liposuction Performed?

The procedure involves injecting large amounts of very dilute local anesthetic directly into areas of excessive fatty deposits. The anesthetic solution contains medications to reduce bleeding and inflammation.

A small puncture wound is made in the skin and a small tube (called a cannula) connected to a vacuum system is inserted into the fatty layer and the fat is systematically withdrawn.

Is Tumescent Liposuction Safe?

When performed by an experienced board-certified dermatologist, tumescent liposuction using local anesthesia is a remarkably safe procedure. Studies in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and other medical publications have identified no major adverse events with liposuction performed using the tumescent technique

The favorable safety record of dermatologic surgeons, who performed more than one-third of the liposuction procedures in the U.S., reflects their specialized training and sound approach to this surgery.