Benefits of Tumescent Liposuction

Columbus Tumescent Liposuction

According to a survey conducted by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), standard tumescent liposuction is the most preferred method of liposuction. Dr. Jeffery Klein, a dermatologist, developed the technique in the mid-1980s. At that time, all liposuction procedures were performed under general anesthesia. Dr. Klein thought that the use of a local anesthetic would be beneficial, at least in patients that need smaller volumes of fat removed. He found that the use of local anesthetic significantly reduced post-operative side effects, and that local anesthetic could be used on patients needing larger volumes of fat removed. During the next few years, Dr. Klein refined the tumescent liposuction technique, and began educating other physicians about this exciting development in the field.

Dr. Alan Parks, the founder and medical director of Eastside Dermatology & Skin Care Center, trained directly under Dr. Klein and was one of the first physicians to perform this type of liposuction; in fact, Dr. Parks has been offering the tumescent technique to our Columbus liposuction patients for almost 20 years. Tumescent liposuction makes it easier to remove fat, minimizes pain and bleeding, and produces fewer skin irregularities than other liposuction techniques.

Ease of Fat Removal

The tumescent liposuction procedure involves the use of lidocaine (a local anesthetic), epinephrine (a hormone and a neurotransmitter that shrinks blood vessels and minimizes bleeding), and a saline solution that is injected into the treatment area. The fluid causes the fat and skin to swell up, making it easier to suction out excess fatty cells.

Reduced Occurrence of Side Effects

The tumescent technique allows Columbus dermatologist Alan Parks to gently remove fat from the body, substantially reducing swelling, bruising, and pain following surgery. Further, the use of epinephrine significantly reduces bleeding during and after surgery, resulting in a much safer procedure.

Fewer Skin Irregularities

Skin irregularities such as depressions and lumps were a common result of non-tumescent suction-assisted liposuction. Fortunately, skin irregularities are uncommon in patients that undergo tumescent liposuction.

To find out if you are a good candidate for tumescent liposuction, contact our practice today.