Though liposuction is a relatively new form of cosmetic surgery, it has, nevertheless, become the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the United States. Since it was first introduced in the United States in the early 1980s, many refinements have been made. The most significant improvement was the use of a diluted local anesthetic instead of general anesthesia. This improvement is referred to as the tumescent technique and was developed by dermatologist Jeffrey Klein, M.D.

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The tumescent technique utilizes large volumes of natural saline solution containing a precise amount of very diluted local anesthetic (lidocaine) which is injected into the fatty tissue. The injected area then becomes locally anesthetized. Unfortunately, there may be some minimal discomfort during the initial process of injection. With the tumescent technique, liposuction patients need no general anesthesia, as contrasted with the traditional/standard liposuction methods which do require general anesthesia or deep intravenous sedation. However, patients may rarely require mild intravenous sedation or narcotics. In fact, many patients receive only minor sedation to help them relax and then they remain completely conscious and comfortable during the suctioning portion of tumescent liposuction surgery. After surgery, most patients may get up and walk out of the office without assistance. Patients are usually back to their regular routine in a couple of days. With the tumescent technique, postoperative discomfort is significantly reduced since the local anesthesia remains in the treated tissue usually causing numbness for 16 hours or more after surgery. Patients frequently require only Extra Strength Tylenol to control the relatively minor discomfort that may occur after liposuction surgery that is performed using the tumescent technique.

• Tumescent liposuction can reshape the neck, abdomen, hips, thighs and buttocks. Tumescent liposuction can also be used for breast reduction.
• Tumescent liposuction is a dermatologic surgical procedure that is proven to be safer than other methods of liposuction.
• Relatively large liposuction cases can be handled safely and affordably using the tumescent method.
• The risks of general anesthesia are eliminated with tumescent liposuction (e.g., risks associated with endotracheal intubation, significant blood loss, hypoxemia and side effects from general anesthesia).
• The targeted fat compartments can be anesthetized individually with tumescent liposuction.

Visit our cosmetic surgery / plastic surgery, and ophthalmology (eye care) offices located in Sun City, Wickenburg and Sun City West, Arizona (AZ). Our offices are conveniently located near the Phoenix and Glendale, AZ areas.