TUMESCENCE LIPOSUCTION

Local fat deposits can be efficiently suction removed on an outpatient basis without any great risk to the patient. Very few cosmetic medicine procedures have made more fundamental progress than liposuction over recent years. There is no longer any risk as a result of a general anaesthetic, the results are optimised and the healing phase is far shorter. Another positive effect of this progress is that patients today pay less for liposuction.

Tumescent anaesthesia consists of a special saline solution containing a local anaesthetic and vasoconstrictors. It is only injected into the areas where liposuction will be performed, so the only structures which are anaesthetised are the ones that are being treated. This prevents injury to surrounding areas such as the stomach organs. When the fat cells have been “softened”, the fat is suctioned off through hollow tubes called micro-cannula. The incisions through which the cannula are inserted are only 3 mm in size and generally made on an inconspicuous part of the body. When the scars heal, they are practically invisible. Tumescence liposuction also minimises the risk of thrombosis and embolism, and the patient is not exposed to the potential side effects of a general anaesthetic.

The patient is fully conscious throughout the procedure and able to influence the result. This ensures that the physician can achieve an optimum result on the area where liposuction is being performed. After the operation, the patient is bandaged. The next day compression garments are fitted. These have to be worn for 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the extent of liposuction.

Tumescence liposuction is suitable for all men and women who want to get rid of adipose tissue but cannot do so by diet and exercise. Typical areas for liposuction are double chin, stomach, waist, flanks, hips, thighs (inner and outer) and knee. The fat cells that are removed do not grow back. Patients can use the fat that is removed for filler injections to wrinkles or lips.