tumescent liposuction - Gateway Aesthetic Institute and Laser Center

| fact sheet |TUMESCENT LIPOSUCTIONWhat is tumescent liposuction?Tumescent liposuction represents the singlemost significant advancement in liposuctionsince its inception. It has become one of themost commonly performed cosmetic treatmentsin the United States today.The word “tumescent” means swollen andfirm. By injecting a large volume of very dilutelidocaine (local anesthetic) and epinephrine(capillary constrictor) into pockets offat, the targeted tissue becomes swollen andfirm (tumescent), thereby making it easierfor the liposuction cannula to travel smoothlybeneath the skin to remove the fat.The tumescent technique eliminates boththe need for general anesthesia and the needfor IV narcotics and sedatives. In addition,it constricts capillaries to prevent surgicalblood loss while providing fluid to the bodyso that an IV is not necessary.How is the procedure performed?The areas to be treated are first numbed witha tiny injection of local anesthetic. A verysmall opening is made in the skin and a narrowinstrument (a cannula) is inserted to delivera dilute local anesthetic solution. Oncethe solution sufficiently swells and firms thefat tissue, it is suctioned away through thesame small opening.If several areas are treated, they may benumbed all at once and treated at the sametime. Or, each area may be numbed and suctionedindividually.How safe is tumescent liposuction?Certainly any surgical procedure carries adegree of risk. However, tumescent liposuctionhas an exceptional safety record whenperformed in an appropriate setting and byappropriately trained surgeons.Since the tumescent technique eliminatesthe dangers of general anesthesia, risks andcomplications drop dramatically comparedto traditional liposuction.What are the possible side effects?Side effects are rare and easily corrected butmay include skin irregularity, lumpiness,dimpling, loose skin, and infections.G a t e w a yAesthetic Institute & Laser Center1 OF 2

How much time is necessary for recovery?Recovery time varies significantly from personto person. Most of our patients, however,do not require post-operative pain medicationsand are active within hours of the surgery.Many return to work in as few as threedays. Physical exercise, however, is not recommendedfor at least a week.Is scarring a problem with tumescent liposuctionsurgery?Because we use very small openings (mostcommonly 1.5 to 2.0 mm in diameter),healing is rapid and requires no stitches.Such tiny holes usually disappear withoutscarring.Are there other advantages of tumescent liposuctionover traditional liposuction?Tumescent liposuction offers smoother results.In addition, because tumescent localanesthesia lasts so long, tumescent liposuctionis less painful and more pleasant thantraditional liposuction performed undergeneral anesthesia. With tumescent local anesthesia,patients are able to avoid the postoperativenausea and vomiting associatedwith general anesthesia. Tumescent anesthesiais so efficient at providing fluid to thebody that it is unnecessary to use IV fluids.The safest, the most effectiveMore pleasant thantraditional liposuction,tumescent liposuction offersyou amazing results.How do I know if the procedure is right forme?Give us a call at (801) 595-1600 to schedulea consultation.We are located at the south end of the GatewayMall at 440 West 200 South, Suite 250,Salt Lake City, Utah 84101.G a t e w a yAesthetic Institute & Laser Center2 OF 2