Tumescent liposuction
Tumescent Liposuction
The tumescent technique may be the reason liposuction is the number one surgical cosmetic surgery in the United States (according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
Before the Tumescent Technique
In liposuction before the tumescent technique, larger incisions were made in the fatty areas for insertion of long cannulas (long hollow needle with holes at the end). The cannulas that were inserted through the skin were typically quite large compared to the cannula size options available today.
The traditional technique typically required general anesthesia, possibly causing a longer recovery time, and increased risk of blood loss or reaction to anesthesia.
The Tumescent Technique
With tumescent liposuction, one or more small incisions may be made. Because of this, less invasive micro-cannulas can be used. Furthermore, the newer tumescent liposuction technique and the micro-cannulas allow for a more gradual, targeted, and metered treatment, and a more gradual and controlled removal of fat. This enables the surgeon to contour the area more effectively.
provides several advantages over the original liposuction:
.Using local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia eliminates nausea and other general-anesthesia-related side effects.
.The recovery time is shorter.
.There is less blood and fluid loss.
.Use of antibacterial lidocaine may reduce the chance of infection.
.Intravenous fluid replacement is not necessary.
.The swelling or tumescence of the fatty deposits amplifies the targeted areas for liposuction, thus reducing the risk of a secondary procedure.
.The new cannula design with tumescent liposuction reduces bruising and swelling after surgery.
.Smaller incisions result in less scarring.