Liposuction

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction, also known as tumescent liposculpture, is internationally recognized as the safest liposuction technique with the fastest recovery time, the best aesthetic results and the least pain.

Tumescent means “swollen.” In tumescent liposuction, the areas targeted for fat reduction are injected with a mixture of a local anesthetic and a substance that causes the capillaries to contract. This results in fat becoming “swollen” or “firm.” The doctor is then able to reduce the fat without general anesthetic while avoiding significant blood loss.

This method of liposuction is done completely by local anesthesia and avoids the dangers of general anesthesia, narcotic analgesics and IV sedation.

Tumescent liposuction does require the surgeon have a high level of skill but gets fantastic results. Plastic surgeons who avoid this technique and opt for general anesthesia may feel more comfortable having a patient who is unconscious, may want to complete the procedure faster or simply may not be confident enough in the skill required for tumescent liposuction.

The use of general anesthesia should not, however, be based upon what is convenient for the surgeon, but instead should be based on what is best for the patient and the patient’s preference.

Liposuction & Body Sculpture

Body sculpture by liposuction is an ideal solution for those who have stubborn fat that is not responding to diet and exercise. These fat pockets can be greatly reduced by liposuction.

For most people, body fat tends to increase as they age. After age 30, we tend to gain fat according to genetic predisposition. As an example, many women have difficulty with fat on the abdomen and hips after giving birth. This fat distribution is often very resistant to exercise and dieting. For this reason, liposuction is the most effective method of actually changing the body’s shape. You can think of this as equivalent to being able to focus the effects of dieting to a specific area of the body.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat. The surgery involves the use of small stainless steel tube called a cannula. The cannula is attached to a suction pump which effectively removes the fat from targeted areas predetermined by you and your surgeon.

Which areas can be treated by liposuction?

The most commonly treated areas in women are beneath the chin, ankles, calves, knees, thighs, hips and the abdomen. Arms can also be treated with liposuction. For men, the most commonly treated areas are the neck and chin area, male breast area, love handles and abdomen.

Does the fat come back after liposuction?

The fat cells that are removed during liposuction do not come back. As long as the patient maintains proper diet and exercise, they can maintain their new shape. For example, a woman who tends to put on weight in her thighs and knees will find that these areas are less likely to gain weight after she undergoes liposuction. However, it is possible to gain weight, it just usually manifests itself in areas other than those that were the target of liposuction.

Am I a good candidate for liposuction?

The best candidates for liposuction have realistic expectations as to what can be achieved with liposuction and are in good health. There is no specific weight limit or age limit for patients who choose to undergo liposuction. Most patients simply have localized accumulations of fat. Some of our happiest patients have been those who were moderately obese, but it is important to note that liposuction is not a treatment for those who are severely obese. Liposuction is not effective as a last resort for those unable to maintain a moderate weight through diet and exercise. For those who are overweight and have maintained a stable weight over time, liposuction may be a good solution to address stubborn problem areas of fat.

How would you describe a successful liposuction surgery?

The most successful liposuction surgeries are safely executed and result in patients who are happy with their results. Dr. Simoni’s goal is to achieve an aesthetically appealing result–not to remove the most fat possible. Excellent cosmetic results depend on sculpting inches, not removing pounds. For example, removing half a pound from each thigh will not result in a significant weight loss but it can significantly shape the thigh and produce an excellent cosmetic result.

About the Development of the Tumescent Technique

The tumescent technique was developed by Dr. Jeffery A. Klein in 1985 and was presented by Dr. Klein in 1986 at the Second World Congress of Liposuction Surgery in Philadelphia. Dr. Simoni trained directly under Dr. Klein to learn the most advanced and skilled methods of tumescent liposuction.

The primary difference between traditional liposuction and tumescent liposuction is that the first is performed by general anesthesia, and tumescent liposuction can be performed completely with local anesthesia. This technique is considered the safest form of liposuction for cases with large amounts of fat as there is virtually no blood loss.

And not only has the tumescent technique proven to be safer than the standard technique under general anesthesia, but it has also proven to be less painful, to minimize postoperative recovery time and to produce optimum cosmetic results.

Liposuction with Local Anesthesia Only

The local anesthetic used in tumescent technique for liposuction is so effective that patients no longer require intravenous sedatives, general anesthesia or narcotic analgesics. Numerous patients who previously received liposuction with general anesthesia and opted for a second treatment with the tumescent technique said they found the tumescent technique less painful with better results and said they experienced more rapid recovery and healing.

Virtually No Blood Loss

There is minimal bleeding during and after tumescent liposuction with local anesthesia. This is a major improvement over the traditional liposuction technique that uses general anesthesia.

A study by Dr. Klein, creator of the tumescent technique, shows that in a group of 112 tumescent liposuction patients, each of whom had between 1.5 quarts to 1 gallon of fat removed (1,500 to 2,400 ml), not one required a blood transfusion. In fact, the average patient lost about three teaspoons (15 ml) of blood.

The tumescent technique is so effective that patients were found to lose more blood during routine preoperative laboratory tests than during the actual liposuction procedure.

When are blood transfusions necessary during liposuction?

There is no need for blood transfusions during tumescent liposuction because there is minimal blood loss. In fact, doctors who still prefer to use general anesthesia during liposuction are opting for the tumescent technique in order to to minimize blood loss. While their patients still undergo the side effects of general anesthesia, they do experience the benefits of reduced blood loss.

General Anesthesia Risks

General anesthesia is associated with more risks than local anesthesia. General anesthesia is associated with fatal complications in 1 of every 2,500 patients. Local anesthesia is associated with fatal complications in 1 of every 10,000 patients. The serious risk factors associated with general anesthesia can be eliminated simply by not using this method of anesthesia. It is well recognized that local anesthesia is safer than general anesthesia.

For further information about tumescent liposuction and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Simoni, call our offices