Liposuction was first developed in the late 1970s to remove undesired fat from wherever there is excess body fat that does not respond well to diet or exercise.

In the 1980s, a major advancement called the tumescent technique of liposuction completely revolutionized the procedure. This breakthrough approach refers to swelling the skin with local anesthetic. The use of tumescent liposuction allows dermatologic surgeons to safely and effectively remove deep and superficial layers of fat under local anesthesia with relatively little discomfort, rare complications and improved cosmetic results.

Surgery

Liposuction is popular among men, particularly for eliminating bulging fat around the waist. The abdominal area responds well to treatment with liposuction, resulting in a flatter abdominal profile and better-defined waist. In some patients, liposuction of the upper arms may also be effective. Areas of the body commonly treated with liposuction include areas such as the arm, inner knee, calves and ankles which can be suctioned with a very thin cannula to achieve a more shapely contour.

During tumescent liposuction, large volumes of a solution containing dilute lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and dilute epinephrine (a drug to shrink capillaries and prevent blood loss) are injected with minimal discomfort directly into areas of excessive fatty deposits. A small incision is then made in the skin, and a small, straw-like cannula connected to a suction machine is inserted into the fatty layers. Using to and fro movements, the unwanted fatty deposits are evenly and thoroughly drawn through the cannula into a collection system. An elastic garment is then worn for compression and healing. The local anesthesia injected into the tissue remains for 18 to 24 hours following liposuction surgery, greatly minimizing postoperative pain.

Post surgery

After tumescent liposuction, patients are usually alert and able to function without nausea, grogginess and the "washed out" feeling associated with general anesthesia. With the tumescent technique, there is minimal bruising, and many patients do not require postoperative medication for pain. You can usually return to a desk-type job within 48 hours; physical exercise generally can be resumed three to seven days after liposuction.

Tumescent liposuction enables the dermatologic surgeon to remove fat more uniformly with fewer skin irregularities and less bleeding and bruising. While no procedures are risk free, tumescent liposuction is extremely low risk when it is performed using local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Risks are often increased when general anesthesia is used.

Results

Liposuction is not intended as a method for weight loss. It is used as a shaping procedure for areas where hereditary fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise have accumulated. The best results from liposuction occur in body areas where there is reasonable muscle tone, where skin has good elastic quality, and where fat is not excessive. In cases where there is a significant loss of tone and elasticity, superior cosmetic results may require a combination of both liposuction and surgical skin tightening to remove the excessive loose tissue. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations and look forward to contouring enhancement rather than weight reduction.