What is Tumescent Liposuction?

7th November 2024
beautiful female body in beige underwear against grey studio background

If traditional methods like diet and exercise have not been effective in eliminating stubborn fat deposits and contours, you may want to consider tumescent liposuction, a popular cosmetic procedure offered by Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialists, P.C. This procedure is less invasive than standard liposuction and typically involves a faster recovery time. Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones, a highly experienced plastic surgeon with over 20 years of expertise, specializes in performing tumescent liposuction.

Lipo Under Local Anesthesia

Tumescent liposuction is a popular and minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that aims to remove excess fat deposits from various areas of the body. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, and it involves the injection of a large volume of tumescent fluid into the targeted areas before the fat-removal process begins.

In 1985, Dr. Jeffrey A. Klein, a California-based dermatologist, made a groundbreaking advancement in liposuction surgery by introducing the tumescent technique. This technique allows for liposuction to be performed using only local anesthesia and results in minimal surgical blood loss.

The tumescent fluid is a mixture of saline solution, a local anesthetic (usually lidocaine) and epinephrine, a drug that constricts blood vessels. It serves multiple purposes during the procedure:

  1. The local anesthetic numbs the targeted area, reducing discomfort during and after the surgery.
  2. The saline solution helps to swell and firm the fat cells, making it easier for the surgeon to break up and remove the fat.
  3. the addition of epinephrine helps to minimize bleeding and bruising by constricting blood vessels in the targeted area.

Process

During tumescent liposuction, small incisions are made in the skin, and a thin tube called a cannula is inserted into the fatty tissue. The cannula is connected to a vacuum device, which suctions out the emulsified fat cells. The surgeon manipulates the cannula to contour the treated areas and achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. Tumescent liposuction is known for its ability to provide smooth and natural-looking results, making it a popular choice for patients seeking body contouring and fat reduction.

Advantages

One key advantage of tumescent liposuction is that it can be performed on an outpatient basis, and the recovery period is typically shorter compared to traditional liposuction techniques. Since general anesthesia is not required, the risks and side effects associated with systemic anesthesia are minimized. Additionally, the use of tumescent fluid helps to reduce post-operative pain, bleeding and swelling, contributing to a more comfortable and expedited recovery process.

Tumescent liposuction can be used to target various areas of the body, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, back and even smaller areas such as the chin and neck. While tumescent liposuction can effectively remove localized fat deposits, it is not a weight loss solution or a substitute for healthy lifestyle practices. Ideal candidates for tumescent liposuction are individuals who are at or near their target weight but have stubborn areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise.

Atlanta Tumescent Liposuction Specialist

Tumescent liposuction from Dr. Jones is a versatile and effective method for sculpting the body and achieving a more contoured silhouette. Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialists, P.C., focuses on patient safety, precision and aesthetic refinement in all our tumescent liposuction procedures. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a consultation.

Posted on behalf of Dr. Mark Mitchell Jones, Atlanta Plastic Surgery Specialists, P.C.