Tumescent Body Liposuction
The Body You've Always Wanted

The term “tumescent” refers to putting a solution of salt water, numbing medicine (lidocaine), and a small amount of adrenaline directly into the fatty areas to be treated by liposuction. The fat absorbs this solution and is then ready to be removed carefully by liposuction, which commonly is done using a machine to create the appropriate suction. A long plastic tube connected to the suction machine is connected to a small cannula (small, blunt metal tube) which is inserted into the fat pocket areas through tiny skin incisions. The liposuction surgeon holds the cannula in their hand and carefully moves the tip of the cannula throughout the fat pockets and actually is “sculpting” the area. It is often said that removing the right amount fat and in the right way, can be as much an art as it is an important surgical procedure.

In addition, Dr. Barnes uses his "Lipo-Laser" (Erchonia Low Level Liposuction Laser) which actually helps promote healing, decrease swelling and discomfort and he uses it over the treated area after the procedure and the next day. There is a good deal of scientific data to support the beneficial effects of Low Level Laser treatments such as the Erchonia for healing. It is FDA approved, and we have used it for every single tumescent liposuction procedure for more than a year and are very pleased with it’s beneficial effects for our patients.

However, patient safety is always the number one concern. This is why so many liposuction surgeons are limiting the amount of fat removed in accordance with observing the safest possible tumescent liposuction techniques.

Many ask what will happen to the overlying skin when the fatty areas underneath are decreased? Will the skin just hang? Fortunately, the skin usually contracts or “shrinks” so that it conforms to the new shape of the soft tissues underneath. The healthier the skin, often meaning less sun-damaged and younger, the more contraction seems to occur. This can help result in a more even, pleasing result. Again, the result we want is the result that is natural and non-surgical appearing. Obviously, the goal is to remove fat is such a way that when healed, the body contours are as even, shapely, and as natural appearing as possible. We all agree that tumescent liposuction is a procedure for improving body contours – not weight reduction. And what about later – can the fat return to the treated areas or suddenly appear elsewhere in the body? If one stays more or less the same weight, the beneficial improvements will continue. Obviously, if 40 lbs. are gained, fat will return whether or not one has had liposuction.

After the tumescent liposuction procedure, patients wear compression garments for a number of weeks which greatly enhances the final results in terms of smoothness and natural appearance. Many patients are working in a few days, but depending on the number of areas treated, sometimes our patients plan on a week off before returning to full daily activities. Most are always up and around doing things – even the next day.

Often liposuction is done awake but at times intravenous sedation is preferred – like when wisdom teeth are removed. The amount of post-operative discomfort varies with the amount of liposuction done and the specific patient. It is usually described as “soreness” for a number of days. We can help minimize discomfort by treatments with our Erchonia Healing Laser which we use over the body areas to have liposuction at the time of the procedure and often daily thereafter for a week. We are very pleased with this new technology we have been using to help speed recovery and decrease discomfort and it is as safe as it is effective. This Laser light, which is not felt at all, actually helps decrease swelling and discomfort while actually helping to speed recovery and healing.

So if you have concerns about certain body areas that just won’t respond to diet and exercise, tumescent liposuction may assist you in achieving the curves or body contours you desire. All of your questions and concerns are important and can be answered during your consultation so that you can make the decision that is best for you. We look forwad to answering all of your questions and to help you achieve the body contouring results you desire.