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Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent Liposuction Eliminates Huge Risk

Liposuction, the surgical smoothing away of fatty deposits in the body, is one of the most asked for and commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the world. As with any cosmetic procedure, there are risks associated with liposuction, with the use of general anesthesia being the biggest risk of all. That all changed in 1985, when Dr. Klein completely revolutionized the world of cosmetic surgery with the invention of tumescent liposuction.

Dr. Klein’s tumescent liposuction technique entirely eliminated the need for general anesthesia, thus removing the biggest risk associated with liposuction. By using only local anesthesia, tumescent liposuction is by far the safest form of liposuction. Tumescent liposuction is performed by injecting large volumes of diluted lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a vasoconstrictor that shrinks capillaries, thus minimizing blood loss) into targeted areas of the body, which produces a “tumescent” or “swollen and firm” effect.

These fluids are injected through very small tubes (cannulas) that are inserted into the skin through very small (less than 3mm) incisions in the skin. Using a gentle back and forth motion, fatty deposits are broken up and the fat cells are then suctioned out through the very small cannulas. Using such small cannulas allows for a more targeted and controlled removal of fat. The small cannulas also require incisions so small that they will heal on their own without needing suturing. This allows a healing process that promotes natural post-operative drainage, which reduces post-operative bruising, tenderness and swelling.

Also, due to the small incisions and the use of the vasoconstrictor, epinephrine, there is minimal blood loss during tumescent liposuction. Other benefits of tumescent liposuction are that IV fluids and post-operative narcotics are not necessary, since the large volumes of fluid injected during the procedure keep patients adequately hydrated, and the ongoing effects of the local anesthetic keep patients comfortable through the earliest stages of healing. Any additional post-operative discomfort is effectively treated with Tylenol.

It is because of all of these minimized risks, and the fact that tumescent liposuction has been found to be more effective, less painful, and having a quicker recovery time than previous liposuction techniques, that Dr. Klein’s groundbreaking tumescent liposuction technique remains to this day, the gold standard of care around the world.

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