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Liposuction
THE TUMESCENT TECHNIQUE
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The tumescent technique is a relatively new liposuction
method that can reduce post operative bruising, swelling
and pain. Because blood loss is minimized during
tumescent liposuction, use of the technique reduces the
chance that a blood transfusion will be needed.
CANDIDATES FOR TUMESCENT LIPOSUCTION
Any person who is a candidate for traditional
liposuction is also a good candidate for the tumescent
technique. Although the technique can be used on any
area of the body, it is commonly used on areas that
require enhanced precision, such as the face, neck,
arms, calves and ankles.
Individuals who have large areas of excess fat may also
be good candidates for tumescent liposuction
THE RISK
Although the anesthesia requirements are lessened and
blood loss is minimized with tumescent liposuction,
patients undergoing the procedure still face the same
risks and cosmetic complications associated with
tradi-tional liposuction surgery.
There are also risks specifically associated with the
tumescent technique. These rare complications include
pulmonary edema (the collection of fluid in the lungs),
which may occur if too much fluid is administered; and
lidocaine toxicity, which occurs if the solution's
lidocaine content is too high.
You can reduce your risks by choosing a board-certified
plastic surgeon who has adequate experience with the
technique.
ANESTHESIA
For many patients, general anesthesia is the best
option. For others, the anesthetic contained in the
solution combined with sedation may provide sufficient
comfort during the procedure. Or, if your doctor feels
it's appropriate, the tumescent solution itself may
serve as the sole means of anesthesia.
The Surgery
In tumescent liposuction, the warmed tumescent liquid --
a dilute solution containing lidocaine, epinephrine and
intravenous fluid -- is injected into the area to be
treated. As the liquid enters the fat, it becomes
swollen, firm and blanched. Liposuction is then
performed on the tumesced areas
AFTER SURGERY
The long-acting effects of the anesthetic solution help
to provide pain relief after the procedure and decrease
the need for additional pain medication.
For the first day or two after surgery, most patients
experience swelling in the treated areas, as well as
some fluid drainage from the incision sites.
Light activity is usually resumed within the first few
days after tumescent liposuction; normal activity can be
resumed within a few weeks.
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