Tumescent liposuction is a way to remove protruding areas of fat and sculpt areas of the body to the patient’s liking. Tumescent liposuction uses tubes (called cannulas) that are smaller than those used in other forms of liposuction. These small tubes are able to be placed in several places all around the body. Their small size means that smaller incisions in the skin are made, and more tubes can be inserted in different areas throughout the body.

Local, rather than general, anesthetic is delivered to the body through these tubes to numb the specific areas being treated, so the patient remains awake for the procedure. The tissues become swollen as a result of the local anesthetic.

These tubes also contain some form of vasoconstrictor solution, often epinephrine, which limits the bleeding often associated with other liposuction procedures. Tumescent liposuction allows the surgeon to remove more fat, because it is easier to distinguish muscles from fat when the patient is awake.

The fat is removed through the tubes through a vacuum. The overall result is often a smoother and more contoured look than is experienced with other liposuction procedures. It is currently the most widely practiced and preferred liposuction procedure among patients who desire a better sculpted appearance.

Tumescent liposuction is able to remove fat from nearly any area of the body that is likely to acquire it, including the neck, arms, stomach, buttocks, hips, thighs, and legs. It can even reduce fat in men who have gynecomastia, or male breasts.

National Average Cost

According to surgery.org, the website for The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the average surgeon fee for a liposuction procedure is between $2,800 and $3,000, and depends on several factors including the number of areas to be treated.

There may be other fees involved, including those for consultations, anesthesia, and post-operative garments. Full article on tumescent liposuction cost.

Time Required

The time required for a tumescent procedure varies by patient. If the patient needs many areas treated, the procedure can take longer. Expect your procedure to take anywhere from one to four hours, depending on the amount of fat you wish to have removed.

Side Effects and Risks

Though tumescent liposuction is considered very safe and effective, as with any other form of surgery, there are always risks.

It is possible, for instance, for the patient to accumulate too much fluid as a result of the procedure, or to experience anesthetic (lidocaine) toxicity.

How Long Do the Results Last

Tumescent liposuction results last for approximately one year.

Post-Op Recovery Time

Recovery time tends to be short, usually two days. However, some patients find they need up to a week to recover fully.

Does My Insurance Cover Tumescent Liposuction

Since tumescent liposuction is cosmetic in nature, it is not covered by insurance.

Pain, Discomfort and Anesthesia

Local anesthetic is used and makes the procedure more comfortable. The patient experiences minimal pain and discomfort during tumescent liposuction.

Alternative Procedures to Tumescent Liposuction

Body contouring procedures that produce similar effects to liposuction without surgery include use of a heated laser over the problem areas that melt fat and tighten collagen, a procedure known as Thermage.

Other procedures involve injecting amino acids, medications, and enzymes into the skin to dissolve the excess fat.

What Result is Realistic to Expect?

Tumescent liposuction can remove stubborn protruding areas of fat that will not go away with diet and exercise and sculpt those affected areas.

It does not remove very much fat, however, so it is not to be used in place of weight loss efforts.

Advantages Over Other Methods

Patients who receive tumescent liposuction experience less bleeding, swelling, and scarring after the operation. Because the procedure uses local anesthesia only, patients do not experience the nausea and vomiting usually experienced after general anesthesia.

The risk of infection is also lowered. Tumescent liposuction also allows for more precise and targeted removal of fatty deposits, so it is more likely that follow-up procedures on the same area will not be necessary.

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