Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent Liposuction permanently removes unwanted fat in targeted areas using a local anesthetic. “Tumescent” means inflated or swollen. The local anesthetic used inflates or magnifies the fatty compartments . This enlargement allows for working closer to the skin’s surface, thereby achieving greater accuracy. The result for you is a more pleasingly aesthetic contour.
Safety of the Microcannula Tumescent Technique
The biggest difference between the Microcannula Tumescent Technique and other forms of liposuction surgery is that it requires only local anesthesia. The doctor injects a combination of lidocaine, a local anesthetic, and the vasoconstrictive drug epinephrine, which shrinks capillaries, directly into the fat compartments. Because the anesthetic solution is not directly entering the bloodstream, there is little potential for toxic effects.
Adding to the safety of the Microcannula Tumescent Technique is the fact that you are fully conscious and alert, yet you feel no pain. By contrast, other methods of liposuction surgery use general or intravenous sedatives and narcotic analgesics (painkillers), all of which pose risks (e.g., allergic reactions, toxicity, breathing and circulation problems) to the patient.
The Microcannula Tumescent Technique Involves Less Blood Loss
Because the epinephrine in the anesthetic solution constricts the capillaries, there is minimal bleeding during and after the procedure. In fact, the amount of blood lost with the Tumescent Technique is less than the amount of blood drawn during your pre-operative blood tests! By contrast, the amount of blood lost with older tumescent methods of Liposculpture is usually substantial.
The Microcannula Tumescent Technique Has a Much Shorter Recovery Time
Because you are alert and fully conscious during the procedure, you will be able to stand up as soon as we finish, and you will be able to leave our office within 30 minutes. You will probably need nothing stronger than Tylenol for any discomfort you may feel. By contrast, after tumescent liposculpture with general anesthesia, the patient must be monitored in a recovery room to determine the extent of blood loss and nausea, and painkillers may be prescribed.
Because there is virtually no blood loss with the Tumescent Technique, you will experience less bruising and swelling, and your return to normal activities will be much faster, too. You will be able to return to work and begin exercising within a day or two after surgery. You will wear an elastic garment for only seven days, or less. By contrast, patients who have general anesthesia must wear elastic garments for at least two weeks and must wait about four weeks before resuming their full activities.
3 Aesthetic Benefits of the Microcannula Tumescent Technique
- The local anesthetic stretches and enlarges the fatty compartments, making it easier for me to treat all areas consistently. Thus, the potential for irregularities is reduced.
- The smaller microcannulas used in the Tumescent Technique allow me to be more gentle and accurate. They minimize the potential for unevenness of the skin.
- Less bleeding means less blood and serum accumulation, which is often the cause of waviness and lumpiness.
About 90% of patients can actually see some improvement in their silhouette within one week after surgery. Final results are usually seen in three to four months. By contrast, final results by traditional liposuction with general anesthesia are not usually evident until six or more months after surgery.
Another benefit is the cost; because only local anesthesia is used, you do not pay for general anesthesia, intravenous sedation, analgesic narcotics, or an anesthesiologist.
What to Expect After Liposuction
The fat cells that are removed will not come back. If you do gain weight after Liposculpture, the weight will be distributed proportionately over your entire body. (Occasionally, in women, the weight may be regained in the breasts.) For information about the post-operative experience and expected recovery time, please consult with Dr. Michalak.
Contact Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology of Issaquah to learn more about liposuction surgery and body contouring procedures. Call 425-391-2500 to schedule your consultation. Consultation fees are applied to the procedure.