Tumescent liposuction
For years, liposuction has been the chosen way to lose excess fat for many men and women. Traditionally, liposuction involved a very invasive procedure in which fatty deposits were removed surgically. Patients would require many weeks of recovery after these procedures. Today however, there are a number of less invasive liposuction procedures that can be done.
Tumescent liposuction is a procedure that involves using a diluted solution to fill the fatty layer of the skin before the excess fat is removed. This solution is typically made from a local anesthetic along with other medications. Using the solution before the fatty layer is removed causes the fat tissue to become firm and swollen. This allows it to be removed much easier. The patient does not need general anesthesia for this procedure which is another benefit as the risks of complications are substantially reduced.
Tumescent liposuction can be done as an outpatient procedure which is another benefit. There is typically no long-term hospital stay involved which makes the procedure must less costly. The patient remains fully awake during the surgery and when needed the surgeon can ask the patient to change positions to allow better access for the targeted areas. This procedure has a very high success rate and is considered to be very safe when compared to other liposuction procedures. Patients experience a much faster recovery time, very little discomfort and improved results in most cases. There are fewer irregularities, less bruising and less bleeding after the procedure than with other procedures.
Of course, there are risks to be considered with any surgery. Tumescent liposuction does produce a few side effects although these are very limited particularly when the procedure is performed by a highly qualified surgeon. Complications may include loose skin in the affected area, skin irregularity, lumpiness, infection and slight scarring although scarring is very rare with tumescent liposuction.
Tumescent liposuction can remove fat from virtually all areas of the body including the face, neck and chin as well as the breasts, abdomen or stomach area, hips, back, thighs, buttocks, knees, ankles and calves. It has also been successfully used on medical conditions such as enlarged breasts, benign fatty tumors and excessive underarm sweating disorders.
Before the surgery can be performed, the patient must be evaluated by the surgeon to determine his or her overall general health. A complete medical history will be required as well as a physical examination. The surgeon will then describe the procedure to the patient as well as an overview of the expected results from the surgery. The procedure will involve injection the solution into the areas of fatty deposits that are to be removed. A small incision will need to be made in the skin and a tube will be inserted into the fatty layer. The tube is connected to a machine that is used to vacuum or suck out the fat. The tube is moved back and forth during the procedure and the fat is extracted into a collection system. The patient will then need to wear a specialized elastic garment in order to protect the skin and allow it to heal.
After the surgery, most patients are fully alert within just a couple of hours. The anesthetic typically lasts for about 24 hours after the procedure which helps the patient to deal with the discomfort and pain. Once the patient is awake, he or she will be encouraged to get out of bed and walk in order to speed up the healing process. The recovery period is typically only a few days. Most patients can comfortably return to work within just two to three days although strenuous activity and exercise should be avoided for at least a week after the procedure.
In order to experience the best results, it is recommended that patients choose surgeons who are certified to perform this procedure. Dermatologic surgeons are trained to use a wide range of reconstructive methods. They are qualified to perform this procedure and in fact, it was dermatologic surgeons who pioneered the procedure.
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