Tumescent Liposuction Huntsville
Liposuction by the Tumescent technique gives the safety and comfort of local anesthesia while microcannulas provide smooth precise results.
Liposuction removes excess fat from specific areas of the body to improve its shape and contour. Localized accumulations of fat, which are often genetically determined, are usually resistant to exercise and dieting. A rigid tube that looks somewhat like a small straw is inserted through tiny incisions in the skin. The tube is connected to a suction pump and by using a back and forth motion the unwanted fat is vacuumed out.
Large amounts of fluid containing dilute lidocaine (for local anesthesia) and epinephrine (to greatly reduce bleeding) are gently pumped into the fatty layer through tiny needle holes in the skin until it is swollen. The swelling of the fatty layer makes it easier to remove the unwanted fat and there is virtually no blood loss (average less than a tablespoon). It also results in numbness that lasts up to 24 hours. This numbness allows the procedure to be done without the need for general anesthesia and greatly reduces postoperative discomfort. Light oral sedation is used to make the injection of the fluid comfortable.
By using microcannulas, which are approximately the size of a thermometer, there are several advantages. The liposuction can be performed through very tiny access holes. These heal quickly, are so small they do not require stitches, and are essentially invisible when healed. Second, the microcannulas make for a more gentle procedure and produces the most smooth and even result possible. In addition, the tiny channels from microcannulas contract very well allowing the skin to contract and drape well after the procedure.
Liposuction works best for people who have localized areas of fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. It is not a substitute for weight loss and it is important to have realistic expectations about what liposuction will do for you. It works best for those who are not significantly overweight but want to improve the shape and contour of their body. It will remove “inches” but will not significantly change your “pounds”. These fat cells removed by liposuction do not grow back. You have all the fat cells you are going to make in your life by the end of puberty. When you gain weight, you expand fat cells that you already have. Tumescent liposuction permanently removes fat cells. If you gain weight after liposuction, it will go to the fat cells in other areas your body where you have not had liposuction.
After your liposuction, only Tylenol is needed for discomfort during healing. There is some soreness in treated areas. Many patients are able to return to light exercise activities like jogging or golf within a day or two after surgery.
