Many people face stubborn areas of fat throughout the body which they struggle to lose regardless of their diet and exercise efforts. Liposuction surgery has been a solution to this issue for many years and is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery options as a result. Today, many liposuction techniques are available to make the procedure simpler and more effective than ever. At FacesFirst, we offer the tumescent technique to help patients achieve their body contouring goals.
What is Tumescent Liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure used to remove fat from specific areas of the body. Unlike traditional liposuction, the tumescent technique for liposuction is where a fluid containing dilute lidocaine, epinephrine, and saline solution is introduced into the treatment area during the procedure. This anesthetic solution results in reduced surgical bleeding, easier fat removal, and numbing of the treatment area so that only local anesthetic is required to complete the surgical procedure. This helps avoid the need for general anesthesia and reduces the risk of serious complications.
Who is a Candidate for Tumescent Liposuction?
Most patients who have some areas of stubborn subcutaneous fat (fat beneath the skin) or who wish to contour areas of the body are good candidates for tumescent liposuction. Keep in mind that like other forms of liposuction, this is not a weight loss procedure. Patients should be at or near a healthy and stable weight before undergoing tumescent liposuction. It is also not generally recommended for those with poor skin elasticity since the procedure does not tighten loose skin. During a consultation, Dr. Picerno will discuss your medical history and determine whether you are suited to tumescent liposuction.
Tumescent liposuction can be used to remove fat and sculpt several areas of the body. Some common treatment areas include:
- Abdomen
- Upper arms
- Hips
- Flanks
- Back
- Inner or outer thighs
- Neck or “double chin”
The Tumescent Liposuction Procedure
The tumescent liposuction typically requires local anesthesia alone, unless you are choosing to pair it with another procedure. First, a small incision is made in the treatment area. Through this incision, tumescent solution is then introduced. This solution numbs superficial layers of fat and causes blood vessels to constrict, preventing blood loss. Once numbing has taken place, a process that typically takes about 30 minutes, a cannula is then inserted to manually break apart fatty tissue and suction it away. This entire procedure, on average, lasts 2-3 hours at most. When a sufficient amount of fat has been removed, incisions are sutured if necessary and an elastic compression garment is applied. Because only local anesthesia is used, you can typically return home right away.
Recovery After Tumescent Liposuction
Immediately after your tumescent liposuction procedure, you will likely experience some swelling, bruising, and slight discomfort as the local anesthetic wears off. Pain medication may be prescribed to keep you comfortable through the recovery period. Some patients also experience muscle soreness or itching as they recover. You will be instructed to wear your compression garment 24 hours a day for the first several days of the recovery period; this aids in proper healing and reduces swelling. It is also advised that you do not submerge the treatment area in water for a week after your tumescent liposuction procedure. Most patients require about a week of downtime before returning to work or other routines. Because small incisions are used during this procedure, there is minimal scarring and postoperative pain.
For a majority of patients, most swelling will subside about two weeks after tumescent liposuction. Most swelling subsides by 6-8 weeks and is usually completely resolved by 3 months. Dr. Picerno will monitor your healing through follow-up appointments. Liposuction results can last as long as you maintain a healthy lifestyle and do not gain weight.
Schedule a Consultation in Denver & Lone Tree
To learn more about tumescent liposuction and find out if you are a suitable candidate, schedule a consultation at FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery in Denver and Lone Tree. Call (720) 414-3332 or contact us online to schedule your first appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Nicolette Picerno, M.D.
Dr. Nicolette Picerno is a double-board-certified facial cosmetic surgeon certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. She received her medical degree from Hahnemann University, School of Medicine in Philadelphia, and completed her fellowship for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Beeson Aesthetic Surgery Institute in Carmel, IN. She also completed the Cenegenics Physician Training and Certification in Age Management Medicine program in 2012 and became a certified BioTE provider in 2014. When not in the office, Dr. Picerno enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, skiing, playing tennis, and running her doggie daycare with her husband.
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