What is Tumescent Liposuction?

Liposuction is cosmetic procedure that aims at fat removal from chosen parts of the body. Tumescent Liposuction requires that the patient be given a tumescent solution into the area to be operated on. This solution is a mixture of the following:

1. Lidocaine, it is a local anaesthetic, which ensures the procedure is pain free

2. Epinephrine, it is a vasoconstrictor, it constricts the blood vessels in the area and  reduces bleeding during the process. As the bleeding will be less, recovery will be faster with less bruising & swelling.

3. Sodium Bicarbonate, to reduce the stinging of local anaesthetic

4. Saline

How Does Tumescent Liposuction Work?

Tumescent Solution: Here the surgeon ensures that a large amount of tumescent solution is injected into the area to be treated. This is to anaesthetize the area and/o or constriction of blood vessels to reduce bleeding and discomfort. In addition to that, it swells up the fat compartment, making it easier and more efficient, to remove a large amount of fat, with least amount of disturbance to the surrounding tissues.
2. Fat Removal: The surgeon then uses a cannula that is a thin hollow tube to aspirate excess fat cells. As we use a very thin cannula, we can effectively remove fat from very small incisions, which are just a few mm in size. As the incisions are so small, the healing is quick, and there is no scarring. 
3. Contouring: Using the liposuction technique, surgeon shapes the area to give it a new form which is in harmony with the body’s shape.

Benefits of Tumescent Liposuction

Minimal Discomfort: Since the area has been pre-treated with the tumescent solution, the procedure is almost pain free.
Reduced Bleeding: The vasoconstrictive properties of the solution help in reducing the bleeding thus speeding up the healing process.
Minimal Swelling and Bruising: The nature of the procedure and reduced bleeding also leads to less swelling and bruising after the surgery.
Precise Contouring: The tumescent solution prepares the fat compartment, and thus provides a better definition and accuracy of the contouring.

Better Results: As the incisions used are very small, surgeon can place more incisions, giving better access to hard to reach fat pockets, and hence better results. Also, after healoing, the incisions are practically invisible.
Faster Recovery: Since the procedure is minimally invasive this means that the patient will be able to recover within the shortest time period.

Ideal Candidates for Tumescent Liposuction

Some of the candidates who may be suitable for this procedure are:

1. Those with localized fat deposits, that do not seem to be affected by diet and exercise.

2. Those with a proper understanding of what can be achieved from the procedure.

3. Are in overall good health

4. Have realistic expectations

To summarise, Tumescent Liposuction has become the Gold Standard of Liposuction, and is much better compared to Traditional Liposuction.