Liposuction - Is Tumescent the Best Option?
What is tumescent liposuction? What separates this procedure from the traditional variety is that a large amount of saline solution, which is combined with a numbing anesthetic and epinephrine (which helps blood vessels to contract) is injected into the body first.
A cannula, which is a hollow tube attached to a vacuum device that sucks out the fat cells, is then inserted into the target area.
The liquid that was injected allows the cosmetic surgeon to move much more easily, and it also cuts down on the amount of bleeding and tissue damage.
These benefits make this type of procedure much safer than some other methods.
Aesthetic Risks:While tumescent liposuction is a comparatively safe procedure, it still has some risks which include aesthetic dissatisfaction.
If too much fat is removed and the skin is not elastic enough to bounce back, you could be left with some hanging skin.
Most skilled surgeons will be able to warn you if you are at risk of this complication.
Excess skin that is leftover can be removed, but will require a different additional surgery.
Uneven lumps and bumps (which is usually what liposuction attempts to get rid of) may result from a surgeon's poor judgment or simply due to differences in individual healing and reaction.
These can often be improved with a revision procedure.
Scarring is another inherent risk when any surgical incisions are required.
Although unavoidable, the degree of scarring is highly dependent on individual healing.
Skilled cosmetic surgeons are able to hide most incision lines well, but it all depends on the area being treated.
If you are prone to keloids or other extreme scarring, you will want to discuss this with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
Side Effects: Immediately following surgery, there will be some side effects during the recovery period.
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are the most common, and most patients are generally fully recovered within two weeks; however, some will be recovered much sooner and others may take longer.
A small number of people may experience temporary numbness near the area treated.
Depending on the extent and area where the liposuction was performed, a compression garment may have to be worn to promote proper healing.
Major Risks:Tumescent liposuction has a few rare, but major risks that any potential patient needs to know.
Infection following surgery is possible.
If caught and treated early on, patients will recovery fine; however, some may experience more severe infection which could require hospitalization.
It is always best to contact a doctor immediately if you develop a fever, feel nauseous, or your skin starts rapidly becoming red and tender.
Damage to surrounding tissues, and in very rare cases internal organs, has been reported in a small number of cases.
The cannula can puncture something vital which will require medical attention.
As with infection, any distressing or unusual symptoms should be reported to a doctor immediately.
So how do you stay safe when undergoing tumescent liposuction? Choose a skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon and ensure you are in good physical health and follow all doctors' orders.
A cannula, which is a hollow tube attached to a vacuum device that sucks out the fat cells, is then inserted into the target area.
The liquid that was injected allows the cosmetic surgeon to move much more easily, and it also cuts down on the amount of bleeding and tissue damage.
These benefits make this type of procedure much safer than some other methods.
Aesthetic Risks:While tumescent liposuction is a comparatively safe procedure, it still has some risks which include aesthetic dissatisfaction.
If too much fat is removed and the skin is not elastic enough to bounce back, you could be left with some hanging skin.
Most skilled surgeons will be able to warn you if you are at risk of this complication.
Excess skin that is leftover can be removed, but will require a different additional surgery.
Uneven lumps and bumps (which is usually what liposuction attempts to get rid of) may result from a surgeon's poor judgment or simply due to differences in individual healing and reaction.
These can often be improved with a revision procedure.
Scarring is another inherent risk when any surgical incisions are required.
Although unavoidable, the degree of scarring is highly dependent on individual healing.
Skilled cosmetic surgeons are able to hide most incision lines well, but it all depends on the area being treated.
If you are prone to keloids or other extreme scarring, you will want to discuss this with your surgeon before undergoing the procedure.
Side Effects: Immediately following surgery, there will be some side effects during the recovery period.
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness are the most common, and most patients are generally fully recovered within two weeks; however, some will be recovered much sooner and others may take longer.
A small number of people may experience temporary numbness near the area treated.
Depending on the extent and area where the liposuction was performed, a compression garment may have to be worn to promote proper healing.
Major Risks:Tumescent liposuction has a few rare, but major risks that any potential patient needs to know.
Infection following surgery is possible.
If caught and treated early on, patients will recovery fine; however, some may experience more severe infection which could require hospitalization.
It is always best to contact a doctor immediately if you develop a fever, feel nauseous, or your skin starts rapidly becoming red and tender.
Damage to surrounding tissues, and in very rare cases internal organs, has been reported in a small number of cases.
The cannula can puncture something vital which will require medical attention.
As with infection, any distressing or unusual symptoms should be reported to a doctor immediately.
So how do you stay safe when undergoing tumescent liposuction? Choose a skilled and board-certified plastic surgeon and ensure you are in good physical health and follow all doctors' orders.