As the most popular cosmetic surgery performed in the United States, liposuction has long been used to remove unwanted fat deposits from the body – specifically areas that are resistant to fat loss despite diet and exercise. In the past, liposuction carried high risks, such as blood loss and complications of anesthesia. Tumescent liposuction, however, has transformed the way we remove fat from the body, dramatically lowering the risk of bleeding and eliminating the need for anesthesia and sedation.

At Golden Glow Medical Spa, we offer tumescent liposuction to patients who desire a safer, less painful, and more effective procedure than is available with traditional liposuction. It is indicated for fat removal in nearly any part of the body, including popular areas like the stomach, hips and thighs, as well as smaller areas like the face, neck, knees and ankles.

Procedure

Tumescent liposuction is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can return home the same day as the procedure. We start by diluting anesthetic and epinephrine into a solution and injecting it in large volumes beneath the skin. The solution fills the fatty deposits beneath the skin, causing them to swell and become firm (tumescent). It also numbs the treatment area and causes local blood vessels to constrict, eliminating the need for anesthesia and minimizing bleeding during the procedure.

A small suctioning device called a cannula is inserted beneath the skin through a series of small incisions. The device is moved back and forth, removing fat stores in the targeted treatment area. Because the fat stores are tumescent, the surgeon can more easily remove them and contour the surrounding area. Finally, a compression garment is applied to the area for the patient to wear home during the healing process.

Recovery and Results

Since tumescent liposuction does not require anesthesia, most patients return home without unwanted side effects, such as nausea and grogginess. The anesthetic solution will remain in the treatment area for the first day after surgery, significantly reducing the amount of post-operative pain most patients experience. After that time, over-the-counter pain medications are often enough to manage any remaining discomfort.

During the initial recovery period – the first 1 to 2 weeks – it is important to avoid any physical labor. Walking can help expedite the healing process, and exercise can be safely resumed within a week of the procedure. Most patients can also return to work at this time. Patients can begin to notice improvements once the swelling begins to subside, though it can take several months before the full treatment results become visible.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with tumescent liposuction. However, it is very rare for a patient to experience complications, and any they do experience are typically inconsequential. Examples include dimpling and loose skin, both of which are easily corrected. Overall, tumescent liposuction carries much lower risks of serious complications than traditional liposuction while still providing the same great results.

For more information about tumescent liposuction, contact our office to schedule a consultation. We look forward to serving you soon!

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