Tumescent Liposuction
Copyrighted Material: Not for Reproduction or Distribution
Men and women can accumulate excess fat that is not easily shed by exercise and diet. Extensive surgery was usually required to remove stubborn fatty deposits; however, in the early 1980s, dermatologic surgeons pioneered liposuction techniques and developed tumescent liposuction which changed surgical fat removal completely.
What is tumescent liposuction and its benefits?
Tumescent liposuction involves the use of a diluted solution of local anesthetic and other medications to fill the fatty layer of the skin prior to removing the excess fat. This causes the tissue to become swollen and firm, allowing for excellent control. General anesthesia is not required, eliminating potential complications. The result is a sculpting of bulging areas into more attractive contours.
Tumescent liposuction is an outpatient procedure, avoiding a costly hospital stay. Since the patient remains awake during the surgery, the dermatologic surgeon can ask him/her to change positions which leads to better sculpting of the targeted areas.
Tumescent liposuction has an unprecedented safety profile, and allows dermatologic surgeons to efficiently remove both deep and superficial excess layers of fat with little discomfort, faster recovery, and improved cosmetic results. Patients see fewer skin irregularities, less bleeding, and reduced bruising.
What are the risks?
Like all surgery, liposuction carries both benefits and risks. Tumescent liposuction has few significant side effects when performed by a qualified dermatologic surgeon. Infrequent minor complications such as skin irregularity, lumpiness, dimpling, loose skin, numbness, infections, and objectionable scarring, which is rare, may occur and are usually easily corrected.
When is liposuction indicated?
Liposuction is most effective for removing localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise. It is not intended as a substitute for weight loss; rather, it is a contouring procedure, and is optimally utilized in a program of exercise and weight maintenance. The best results are obtained in body areas where there is reasonable muscle tone, good skin elasticity, and fat is not excessive. In cases where there is a significant loss of tone and elasticity, the desired cosmetic results may require both liposuction and surgical skin tightening to remove excessive loose tissue.
Tumescent liposuction can safely remove undesired fat from nearly all body areas including the face, neck, chin, breast, abdomen, hips, flanks (love handles), back, inner and outer thighs, buttocks, knees, calves, and ankles. It also is an effective treatment for certain non-cosmetic conditions such as lipomas (benign fatty tumors), enlarged male and female breasts, and excessive underarm sweating.
What happens prior to surgery?
A complete medical history is taken and a physical examination is conducted in order to evaluate the patient's condition. During the consultation, the dermatologic surgeon describes the procedure and the expected results. Alternative treatment options are reviewed along with the possible risks and potential complications. Photographs are frequently taken before and after surgery.
Before Tumescent Liposuction
After Tumescent Liposuction
How is tumescent liposuction performed?
The procedure involves injecting large volumes of a solution directly into the areas of excessive fatty deposits. The diluted solution usually contains a local anesthetic and a drug called epinephrine which helps minimize blood loss. After a small incision is made in the skin, a little tube (cannula) connected to a vacuum-like machine is inserted into the fatty layer. Using back and forth movements, the fat is sucked through the tube into a sterile collection system. An elastic compression garment is then worn to help the skin contract and heal.
Before Tumescent Liposuction
After Tumescent Liposuction
What happens after surgery?
The local anesthetic injected into the tissue remains for about 24 hours following liposuction surgery. This greatly minimizes post-operative pain. After tumescent liposuction, most patients are alert and able to function without nausea or grogginess. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately after the procedure to enhance the healing process. They can usually return to a desk-type job within a few days. Physical exercise may be resumed three to seven days after the procedure.
What is power-assisted liposuction?
The "power" in power-assisted/power-tumescent liposuction refers to the use of a small mechanical tube (cannula) that efficiently removes fatty tissue. The mechanical vibrations produced by the power unit are soothing and may decrease procedure time.
Why choose a dermatologic surgeon for liposuction surgery?
Dermatologic surgeons are trained and experienced in the use of a wide range of surgical, cosmetic, reconstructive, and non-surgical methods to repair and improve the function and appearance of skin anywhere on the body. As skin surgery experts, they are uniquely qualified to treat the fatty layer of skin and, since dermatologic surgeons pioneered the technique of tumescent liposuction, are among the board-certified specialists trained in liposuction during their residency programs.
To learn more about tumescent liposuction, call toll-free (888) 462-DERM (3376) to find a dermatologist in your area.
AAD Web site: www.aad.org
Toll-free (888) 462-DERM (3376)
Images used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology
National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides
© 2006 American Academy of Dermatology
Revised 2002, 2006
American Academy of Dermatology
930 E. Woodfield Road
P.O. Box 4014
Schaumburg, IL 60168-4014
PAM54 - 2/06
.Copyright © American Academy of Dermatology
Not for Reproduction or Distribution
To purchase copies of this pamphlet, please click here.