"Lunchtime" Liposuction

“Lunchtime” Liposuction

Liposuction Without the Downtime and Complications Of General Anesthesia

What if I told you that you could safely move around, even run errands after having a liposuction? What if I told you that you could return to work in three days after the procedure? Would you believe it?

If you are like most people, when you think of liposuction you think of the complication and the downtime involved. If you think “lunchtime” liposuction is the stuff of science fiction, you may want to read this article.

What is “Lunchtime” Liposuction?

According to the American Society for Plastic Surgery, liposuction is one of the most common aesthetic procedures in the United States. Traditional liposuction, however, requires the patient to undergo general anesthesia. Complications from general anesthesia often result in a long recovery time and increased risk of blood loss.

In contrast, tumescent liposuction is performed under local anesthesia and results in little to no downtime. This procedure uses only local anesthesia so the rate of complications is very low. The tumescent technique is the reason liposuction is the number one elective surgical procedure performed in America. It is so quick, easy, and pain-free, that you can have it done during your lunchtime.

What is Tumescent Liposuction?

With tumescent liposuction, small incisions are made for less invasive micro-cannulas (very small, but long, hollow tubes) that are inserted into the fatty layer allowing for a gradual, controlled and targeted removal of fat. This enables the surgeon to contour the area more effectively. Often the procedure is referred to as liposculpture.

Tumescent liposuction provides several advantages over the original liposuction technique

It reduces, or eliminates, the complications associated with general anesthesia including nausea and other side effects.

Much shorter recovery time.

Less blood and fluid loss.

Use of antibacterial lidocaine may reduce the chance of infection.

Injection of fatty targeted area with anesthesia creates a safe zone for liposuction.

The micro-canulas used in tumescent liposuction reduce bruising and swelling after surgery.

Smaller incisions result in less scarring.

How Is the Procedure Performed?

A solution of lidocaine (numbing medicine) and epinephrine (which constricts blood vessels) is injected into the fatty area. This results in swelling of the fatty tissue and prepares it for safe removal. The epinephrine constricts the blood vessels and thus reduces blood loss and bruising. After tumescent liposuction, the area of the liposuction procedure may stay numb for 36 hours obviating the need for prescription-strength pain medication.

Although tumescent liposuction alone results in tissue tightening, further benefit may be accomplished with the use of laser (known as “smart lipo”) either during the procedure or afterwards. Not everyone needs the addition of laser; most people have optimal results with the tumescent liposuction alone.