Tumescent Liposuction (Gentle Liposuction)

There is no denying the dramatic and permanent results of liposuction, especially for stubborn fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. Traditional liposuction, however, is major surgery with significant blood loss, general anesthesia, a hospital stay and long recovery period. The new tumescent technique, also called "gentle liposuction," "liposculpture" or even "modern liposuction" involves the use of large amounts of dilute local anesthetic (lidocaine) that is injected into fatty areas to facilitate their removal without as much damage to surrounding blood vessels and nerves.

Tumescent is totally accepted by the medical community and quickly gaining in popularity as people learn about it and more doctors are trained in it. Dr. Ignatowicz is experienced in both traditional and the new tumescent liposuction, but strongly advocates the newer tumescent method, also called "gentle" liposuction due to its many benefits and better results.

Do you want to fight fat and wrinkles at the same time? Please read about fat transfer from your liposuction to improve your skin and diminish wrinkles.

What are the advantages and benefits of tumescent liposuction?

The following are advantages of tumescent liposuction:

• local anesthesia
  Tumescent liposuction is done on an out patient basis and requires only local anesthesia. A long hospital stay (up to seven days in some cases) is not necessary.
   
• Minimal blood loss
  Traditional liposculpture routinely requires blood transfusions due to the aggressive nature of the method. With the tumescent technique, very little damage is done to surrounding blood vessels and the local anesthetic has a constricting affect.
   
• better results
  Tumescent liposuction results in smaller incisions, less bruising and more pleasing results.  
   
• quick recovery
  The recovery time of tumescent liposuction is much quicker due to the fact that local anesthesia is used and there is less blood loss and damage to the body. You are able to return to normal activities in 3-7 days, rather than 2-4 weeks.
   
• more precision
  Tumescent liposuction is also called "liposculpture" because of it can gentle recontour areas that have been more sensitive to the aggressive nature of the traditional method, such as the face, neck, arms, ankles and calves.

Because of the gentler nature of this method, the same, if not better results can be achieved. More fat can be removed quicker with fewer side effects and lumpiness is reduced. The touch-ups required after traditional liposuction are rarely needed. You can see results immediately, but it takes up to three weeks for the swelling to completely go down. Patients are generally thrilled with their results and able to maintain the look with proper nutrition and exercise.

Liposuction removes fat deeper under the skin and does not greatly improve cellulite, which is fat trapped in the connective tissue of the mesoderm. Mesotherapy is the best treatment for cellulite.

What are the risks of tumescent liposuction?

Although the risks are greatly reduced, the tumescent method has some of the same risks as traditional liposuction such as potential bleeding, bruising, lumpiness, blood loss and infection.