Slim Medical - Liposuction / Cosmetic Surgery
Tumescent Liposuction:
Tumescent liposuction, or awake liposuction is the safest method of liposuction in the field of cosmetic surgery. Tumescent liposuction was developed by a dermatologist in the 1980s, and derives its name from the type of local anesthesia that was developed for this operation – tumescent local anesthesia.
Liposuction under local anesthesia is safer than liposuction under conscious sedation (IV sedation or twilight anesthesia) or liposuction under general anesthesia. First, the patient maintains all of the reflexes that protect the airway – the gag reflex that prevents the accidental aspiration of vomit or corrosive stomach acids into the lungs is maintained. Second, the patient’s legs maintain their tone, which protects against the formation of deep vein thromboses, or blood clots in the legs. Third, the patient is able to communicate with the surgeon throughout the surgery. This allows feedback and the ability to adjust the technique. Finally, tumescent liposuction allows the surgeon to constantly evaluate the cosmetic results of the procedure. This is done by having the patient stand up to determine if the desired body contours have been met. This is evident by the fact that the abdomen and other areas of the body have a completely different appearance when lying down as compared to standing up. For this reason, usually the results of tumescent liposuction are better than with either conscious sedation or general anesthesia.
Tumescent local anesthesia is a blend of lidocaine, epinephrine and sodium bicarbonate diluted in saline and administered directly into the fat layers. It produces anesthesia and constriction of blood vessels, which is beneficial in minimizing blood loss. After surgery, the tumescent solution is slowly absorbed through the bloodstream and metabolized through the liver.
Since very small cannulas are used with the tumescent liposuction technique, there is better control and accuracy with each stroke. This reduces the risk of approaching skin too closely and unintentionally causing skin irregularities during liposuction. Furthermore, using small cannulas allows the surgeon to make very small incisions that require no stitching, allow better drainage, and cause less bruising.
Doctor Nasseri offers in-office tumescent liposcution, performed under local anesthesia. He is located in Santa Ana, but serves patients from all of Southern California, including Orange County, San Bernardino, San Diego, Riverside, Temecula, and Los Angeles, and from the following cities: