ThIt’s possible that the tumescent approach is what makes liposuction the most popular surgical aesthetic procedure. (according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons).
Before the Tumescent Technique
Prior to the development of the tumescent method, liposuction involved making wider incisions in the fatty parts of the body in order to insert longer cannulas (long hollow needle with holes at the end). When compared to the variety of cannula sizes that are accessible now, the cannulas that were once placed through the skin were generally of a much larger diameter. The conventional method often involved the use of general anaesthesia, which might result in a lengthier period of time spent recovering as well as an increased risk of either blood loss or an adverse response to the anaesthetic.
The Tumescent Liposuction Technique
When doing tumescent liposuction, a tiny incision or several smaller incisions may be required. Because of this, the use of micro-cannulas that are less invasive is now possible. In addition, the more recent tumescent liposuction technique and the use of microcannulas make it possible to administer a treatment that is more gradual, targeted, and measured, as well as to remove fat in a manner that is more gradual and under control. Because of this, the surgeon will have an easier time creating the desired shape in the region.
Tumescent liposuction has various advantages over the traditional method of liposuction, including the following:
- When local anaesthetic is used instead of general anaesthesia, nausea and other side effects that are associated with general anaesthesia are not experienced.
- The time required to recover is reduced.
- There is a decrease in the loss of blood and fluid.
- It’s possible that using antibacterial lidocaine will lower the risk of getting an infection.
- Replacement of fluids through the intravenous route is not required.
- Because the swelling of the fatty deposits, also known as tumescence, magnifies the regions targeted for liposuction, the possibility of requiring a further treatment is decreased.
- Following surgical procedures, patients experience less bruising and swelling because to an improvement in cannula design coupled with tumescent liposuction.
- Less scarring is produced by making smaller incisions.
The Tumescent Liposuction Procedure
Cannulas have recently undergone a process of miniaturisation, which enables them to be put via considerably smaller incisions in the skin than in the past. Around the treated region, the skin may have a series of punctures made in it at regular intervals (instead of few larger holes). After the cannulas have been introduced via these minute incisions, the fat will be suctioned out.
The preparation of the fatty tissue for removal is referred to as “tumescent,” which meaning swollen and hard. This procedure achieves this preparation. Along with a solution that causes the blood vessels to constrict, a solution that contains lidocaine, which is a local anaesthetic, is injected into the region of fat (typically epinephrine). The fatty tissue absorbs the lidocaine, which causes the tissues to become bloated and stiff as a result of the absorption. This method may be used to numb a big region of fatty tissue, which makes it possible to execute liposuction on a broad area of the patient while the patient is still under the influence of the local anaesthetic.
In the region where the procedure is going to take place, the blood vessels are caused to constrict or shrink as a result of the epinephrine, which offers a variety of benefits. Because there is less blood flow to take the lidocaine away from the location of the treatment, the vasoconstriction offers for a longer-lasting numbing effect. This is because there is less blood loss throughout the process, which minimises the amount of blood that is lost.
The region of the liposuction treatment that was treated with tumescent liposuction may remain numb for up to 36 hours after the surgery even in the absence of any further lidocaine or other painkiller injections.
Consult a Experienced Plastic Surgeon
Discuss your objectives and the range of treatment choices with your physician before making a final decision to have tumescent liposuction. You will have a better chance of success, a lower risk of problems, and a better chance of getting the therapy that is most suited for your condition if you go to a skilled surgeon for your procedure.
It is critical to go with a plastic surgeon who holds board certification. who has substantial and particular experience with tumescent liposuction, in addition to having skill in all aspects of cosmetic surgery. Board certification does need a specialised and rigorous education and training in surgical procedures, but it does not always guarantee the best results. Board certification does demand specific education and training in surgical procedures.
The category of certification has significant weight as well. There are over 150 boards that are considered to be self-designated, but the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) only recognises a select few, such as the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Tips to keep in mind when consulting a plastic surgeon for an Tumescent Liposuction
Here are some tips to consider when consulting a plastic surgeon:
- Check the qualifications, education, training, kind of certification held, number of times tumescent liposuction has been performed in the practise, and type of certification possessed.
- Take a look at before and after photos of people who have undergone tumescent liposuction as well as other forms of treatment.
- Bring a photo with you that illustrates the overall aesthetic that you are going for. The surgeon will be better able to comprehend your expectations and devise a treatment strategy as a result of this.
- Inquire as to the kind of the tools that will be utilised, the location of the process, and the amount of the treatment that will be administered.
- Request a list of pre- and postoperative instructions for a plastic surgery. Following these instructions can reduce the risk of complications.