Tumescent Liposuction

Overview

The word “tumescent” means swollen and firm. This technique involves subcutaneous infiltration of large volumes of crystalloid fluid called Klein’s solution, which contains low concentrations of lignocaine and epinephrine, followed by suction-assisted aspiration of fat by using small aspiration cannulae called microcannuale. The term tumescent liposuction specifically excludes the use of any additional anaesthesia, either intravenous or gaseous, and by definition, is a method for performing liposuction surgery with the patient totally under local anaesthesia.

Objective

Remove excess fat from targeted area in the body (e.g. tummy bulges, love handles around the flanks and saddle bags around the thighs)
Sculpture the body to desirable contour and shape
Eliminate fat pockets that are resistant to diet and exercise

Preoperative Preparation

Treat and stabilize all existing medical conditions, if any.
Stop smoking at least one week before surgery
Stop one week before surgery
All supplements that contain vitamin E, ginseng, ginko, garlic, fish oil and other ingredients that encourage bleeding during surgery
Medicine that exacerbate bleeding during operation such as aspirin, NSAIDs and warfarin. You may first need to consult the physician who prescribed the medicine

Surgical Procedure

Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia

When to Go Home after Surgery: Usually go home the same day, extensive liposuction may require overnight stay in hospital.

Back to work: Average 3-7 days, depends on the extent of liposuction

Technique: small incisions are made around the target areas to introduce cannula (2-4mm in diameter). Tumescent fluid is infiltrated into the target area to control pain and blood loss. Fat is suctioned with liposuction cannula.