Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is a type of liposuction that was developed in the 1980's. It is a very successful and effective form of liposuction which was designed to reduce blood loss while still removing fat tissue from the problem areas that weight loss regimes could not budge. This type of liposuction is widely used and considered the gold standard even today.
The tumescent liposuction technique involves making a tiny incision, filling the pocket between the muscle and fat underneath the skin with fluid that contains saline, an anesthetic, and a substance that causes blood vessels in the area to constrict, dramatically reducing the bleeding. Tumescence refers to the texture the fat cells take on when washed with the saline. The fat becomes harder, which makes it easier to then remove with a device known as a cannula, which is essentially a tube under suction. Fat is removed through a thin cannula, leaving the remaining fat to settle back into place as a patient heals.
Cosmetic surgery is an unnecessary risk for patients with severe chronic illness or healing problems, and plastic surgeons who are experienced and reputable will not consider doing procedures on patients who are not well. The best candidates for tumescent liposuction and other types of liposuction are healthy individuals who have reached something close to their ideal weight through diet and exercise and wish to improve their contours. Weight loss is not a goal of liposuction since the amount of weight loss is not significant enough to justify an invasive surgical procedure. The benefits are improved contours and tightened skin in problematic areas that do not respond to weight loss.
Initial consultation with a plastic surgeon regarding tumescent liposuction or any other type of liposuction technique generally involves a patient being asked to identify exactly what they would like to see improved. If the back of the patient is the problematic area, photographs may be taken so that a patient may point out what they want done.
It is important that good communication exist between a plastic surgeon and the patient, as this insures that the surgeon can evaluate whether the patient's goals can be met. The surgeon may also ask about future plans, such as ideal and realistic weight loss or gain, and if future pregnancies are planned. The surgeon asks these questions because they can directly impact the quality of the result in the future. The surgeon seeks accurate information about a patient's past medical history, allergies, and medications, so that a good evaluation can be made of a patient's health.
Tumescent liposuction is a great technique that has wide application and is a tried and true procedure that has been successfully employed thousands of times by hundreds of plastic surgeons.
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Breast Augmentation | Tummy Tuck | Liposuction