Director of Cosmetic Surgery,

University of Illinois Chicago

Department  of Dermatology

Oakbrook Center Mall

Oak Brook, Illinois

(630) 928-0240

Jeffrey  Melton, M.D., S.C.,

link to us

drmelton.com

How is Tumescent Liposuction Performed?

The areas to be treated by liposuction are numbed first with a tiny injection of standard local anesthetic, just as would be the case for the removal of a mole or skin lesion. 

A very small incision is then made in this anesthetized area. 

A very narrow infusion instrument or infusion cannula is then inserted into the incision, and a very dilute local anesthetic solution is then delivered to the fatty tissues.  This continues until the fat tissue is "plumped" up somewhat, or "tumesced." 

The same tiny incision that was used to infuse the tumescent anesthetic solution is used to remove the fat.  About 10-20 minutes after an area is infused, it becomes numb, and the actual removal of fat by liposuction is performed.  The fat is suctioned away via a very thin tube-like instrument, a liposuction cannula, which has small openings or slits about half an inch from its rounded tip.  The other end of the cannula is attached to a hose which is connected to a collection vessel and to a vacuum source, an aspirator.  The cannula is moved back and forth, that is advancing and withdrawing, throughout the fatty area which is to be reduced. 

Depending upon whether just one or several areas are treated, areas may all be numbed at once, and then liposuctioned, or each area may be numbed and liposuctioned individually. 

You will actually be able to see the fat exit through the tube if you wish (almost everybody does look, at least after a while, and, it's pretty gratifying to see).

You certainly will occasionally feel some discomfort, and you should be prepared for that.  But for the most part, you will be quite comfortable and talking and joking, (perhaps even reading or watching a video) etc., throughout the procedure.

Because of the tumescent technique with local anesthetic only, there is very little bleeding, the safety level of the procedure is greatly enhanced, and you are not groggy or feeling "out of it" afterwards. 

Immediately after all areas are treated, you will stand up and walk under your own power, get into a compression garment, and receive post-operative instructions.  After you are briefly monitored to see that both you, your doctor and the staff are all comfortable that you are feeling fine and doing well, you can be taken home by a friend or relative.