Tumescent liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that helps to remove excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body to improve contours and proportions. Tumescent liposuction is a popular method for body sculpting which most of the people choose as it boosts their confidence level.

What is the Procedure?

Tumescent liposuction is a process in which a solution consisting of saline, a local anaesthetic, and epinephrine is injected into the targeted areas prior to the fat removal process. The tumescent solution helps numb the area, minimize bleeding, and facilitate the extraction of fat. The tumescent liposuction procedure involves the following steps:

Tumescent Solution Injection

The surgeon injects the tumescent solution into the fatty tissue in the treatment area. This causes the fat cells to swell and become firm, making it easier to extract them.

Incisions

Small incisions, typically less than a quarter of an inch in size, are made in inconspicuous locations near the targeted areas.

Cannula Insertion

A thin tube called a cannula is inserted through the incisions. The cannula is connected to a vacuum device or a syringe, which suctions out the emulsified fat.

Also Read: Does liposuction leave Scars?

Fat Removal

The surgeon moves the cannula back and forth within the fatty tissue, breaking up the fat cells and suctioning them out.

Contouring

The surgeon carefully sculpts the treated areas to achieve the desired shape and contours.

Benefits of Tumescent liposuction

Minimized Pain and Discomfort

The local anaesthetic in the tumescent solution helps minimize pain during and after the procedure. This can reduce the need for general anaesthesia, making the recovery process smoother.

Reduced Blood Loss

The vasoconstrictor in the tumescent solution helps to constrict blood vessels, reducing bleeding during the procedure. This can result in less bruising and a lower risk of complications related to excessive bleeding.

Quicker Recovery Time

Because tumescent liposuction is often performed under local anaesthesia and involves less trauma to the body compared to traditional liposuction, patients may experience a faster recovery. The reduced postoperative pain and swelling contribute to a quicker return to normal activities.

Reduced Risk of Infection

The tumescent solution has bacteriostatic properties, which means it inhibits the growth of bacteria. This can help reduce the risk of infection during and after the procedure.

Outpatient Procedure

Tumescent liposuction is typically performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can return home on the same day as the surgery. This can be more convenient for individuals who prefer to avoid a hospital stay.

No Scars

The small incisions made during tumescent liposuction are typically quite small, resulting in minimal scarring. This is especially true compared to traditional liposuction, which may require larger incisions.

Long-lasting Results

Tumescent liposuction can provide long-lasting results when combined with a healthy lifestyle. The procedure removes fat cells from targeted areas, and these cells do not regenerate.

Cost of Tumescent Liposuction

The cost of tumescent liposuction in India can vary depending on several factors, including the city or region, the reputation and experience of the plastic surgeon, the facility where the procedure is performed, and the extent of the liposuction required. Additionally, the cost may also include fees for anaesthesia, medical tests, and post-operative care.

Approximately, the cost of tumescent liposuction in India could range from INR 50,000 to INR 2,50,000 or more. However, it’s essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon in TLC Aesthetica to get a personalized quote based on your specific needs and circumstances.

While you decide to undergo tumescent liposuction, it’s crucial to choose a skilled and experienced surgeon who operates in a reputable facility to ensure your safety and achieve satisfactory results. Always consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for accurate information regarding the procedure, potential risks, and associated costs.

Tumescent Liposuction Recovery

After the tumescent liposuction procedure, patients are usually monitored in a recovery area for a few hours to ensure there are no immediate complications.

The initial recovery period involves wearing compression garments to help reduce swelling and support the treated areas. Pain medication may be prescribed or recommended to manage any discomfort.

Rest and avoid strenuous activities for the first few days to allow your body to heal. The full recovery time varies among individuals, but it can take several months to see the final results. Some residual swelling may persist, but it should continue to diminish over time. Maintain a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise to optimize and maintain the results.

Side effects of Tumescent liposuction

While tumescent liposuction is generally considered safe, like any surgical procedure, it can be associated with potential side effects and risks. It’s essential to discuss these with your surgeon before deciding to undergo the procedure. Here are some potential side effects and considerations:

Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising are common after tumescent liposuction and are part of the body’s natural response to the surgery. These effects usually subside over time, but the recovery period can vary from person to person.

Pain and Discomfort

Even though Tumescent Liposuction is considered painless, some pain and discomfort are to be expected after the procedure. Your surgeon may prescribe pain medications or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort during the recovery period.

Infection

While infection is relatively rare, any surgical procedure carries a risk of infection. It’s crucial to follow proper post-operative care instructions, including keeping the incision sites clean and monitoring for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or increased pain.

Numbness or Changes in Sensation

Temporary numbness or changes in sensation may occur in the treated areas. In most cases, sensation returns to normal over time, but in some instances, there may be persistent changes.

Irregularities in Contour

Sometimes, there may be irregularities in the contour of the treated area. This could include lumpiness or uneven results. Discuss your expectations with your surgeon during the consultation to ensure realistic goals are set.

Fluid Imbalance

The large volumes of tumescent fluid used during the procedure can sometimes lead to temporary fluid imbalance. This is typically managed by the body naturally, but it’s essential to stay well-hydrated during the recovery period.

Allergic Reactions

While allergic reactions to the tumescent solution are rare, they can occur. Inform your surgeon of any known allergies or sensitivities before the procedure.

Standard Liposuction and Tumescent Liposuction

Standard Liposuction typically involves the injection of a smaller amount of saline solution (a mixture of salt water and a local anaesthetic) into the targeted area before the fat is suctioned out. Meanwhile, Tumescent Liposuction uses a larger amount of tumescent fluid (a solution containing saline, a local anaesthetic, and epinephrine) to inject into the fatty tissue. The injected fluid helps to swell and firm the targeted area, making it easier to break down and remove fat cells.

Standard Liposuction often requires general anaesthesia, where the patient is completely unconscious during the procedure. In Tumescent Liposuction, only local anaesthesia is needed, with the tumescent fluid providing pain relief and minimizing bleeding.

Standard Liposuction may result in more bruising and swelling due to the higher likelihood of blood vessel damage during the procedure. In Tumescent Liposuction, the vasoconstrictive effect of the epinephrine in the tumescent fluid helps reduce bleeding and bruising, leading to less postoperative swelling and a potentially faster recovery.

Recovery time may be longer in standard liposuction due to the potential for increased bruising and swelling. After tumescent liposuction, patients may experience a quicker recovery with less bruising and swelling.