The Tumescent Technique
The classic technique most people associate Liposuction with, the Tumescent Technique, has merited its positive reputation as the safest technique requiring anaesthesia. A large amount of liquid, around three to four times more than the amount of fat that is to be removed, is prepared in the form of a medical cocktail. Adrenaline (epinephrine), a local anaesthetic (most often Lidocaine), and saline solution are slowly introduced into the patient's body. In order to ensure the patient's safety, this liquid will take some time to enter the patient's body: after all, for one kilogram of fat removal approximately three kilograms of liquid will have to be injected. The purpose of the adrenaline is to constrict the blood vessels and therefore keep blood loss to an absolute minimum, while the anaesthetic prevents pain. After fifteen to sixty minutes, the fluid will have made the fatty area swollen and tight, or 'tumescent', creating a gap between the muscle tissue and fat tissue. This makes it easier for the surgeon to remove the excess fat in a precise fashion.
A tiny incision is made near the target area, and a small hollow tube called a cannula is attached to a suction device. The vacuum-like function suctions out the loosened fat cells while the surgeon gently moves the cannula back and forth. Because no general anaesthesia is required for the Tumescent Technique, the method is carried out as an outpatient procedure. Cosmetic surgeons have hailed this as one of the safest Liposuction techniques, as the liquid insulation significantly reduces bleeding and bruising. The Tumescent Technique can offer noticeable and safe results, and unlike some other methods usually requires only one session before improvements are seen.