Many people have problem areas on their bodies in the form of unwanted bulges that are caused by excess fat deposits. Liposuction procedures were created to help people eliminate these unwanted problems.
In 1985, California dermatologist Jeffrey Klein, invented tumescent liposuction, also called tumescent liposculpture, and since then, many improvements have been made to the technique. It is now considered one of the most precise and safe procedures there is in the field of cosmetic and plastic surgery. Although it is a relatively new procedure, it is extremely popular due to the safe and accurate results it produces time and time again.
When the procedure was first created, patients who underwent tumescent lipo were put under a general anesthesia. Now, the use of a diluted local anesthetic is used, instead. This has reduced a lot of the complications that were happening from the general anesthesia.
Not only that, but smaller instruments are used now, which means that smaller incisions are made. This has also helped reduce problems that resulted when it came to fluid loss.
During the procedure, a patient is injected with a solution into the fatty tissue to anesthetize the area which then becomes firm and swollen, allowing the surgeon to extract fat. A small stainless steel tube, called a cannula, is used and inserted in an inconspicuous location.
This tube, along with the assistance of a high-pressure vacuum, is used to remove the fat. Epinephrine, which causes the blood vessels to shrink in the area where the liposuction is being performed, is also used during the procedure. This constriction limits blood loss during the process and has a longer-lasting numbing effect.
This surgery can be used in the treatment of a number of different medical conditions, as well as in cosmetic surgical procedures. Some areas that can be treated by this technique include the neck, arms, abdomen, buttocks, hips, knees, enlarged male breasts, flanks, and the inner and outer thighs.
It is not for those who are obese, because it is not a weight loss substitute. So, the best candidates for the procedure are those who are active, healthy, and of average or near average weight. Overweight patients can have the surgery done in time, but they must be committed to exercising and losing weight first. An ideal candidate would also not have any significant medical problems.
Recovery times generally vary. There is less bleeding than with other liposuction procedures, which means there is less post operative swelling. So it’s possible for patients to be back on their feet the following day, depending on how many areas were treated and the type of activities the patient intends to resume.
The local anesthesia is effective for only eight to sixteen hours after surgery, so it’s easier to get back on track fairly quickly. Most patients can resume routine duties after just two days, but some may require a full six or seven days to recover.
Patients must have realistic expectations for what the tumescent liposuction procedure can and cannot do. If that describes you and you are in good health and want to eliminate some problem areas, then this procedure could very well be for you.
It has become a popular choice today due to its technological advancements, safety and quick recovery time. When considering liposuction, be sure to consult with a physician to answer any questions and concerns that you may have.