Tumescent Liposuction Denver CO - Lone Tree

Q: How painful is Tumescent Liposuction?

Tumescent liposuction fluid contains lidocaine and an epinephrine which results in less pain over 18 hours or so. The anesthetic effect is also prolonged, and bleeding is reduced during the procedure.

Q: Are you awake during tumescent liposuction?

In many cases of tumescent liposuction, the patient may be conscious, meaning general anesthesia is not used. However, you will not feel any pain. Pressure and movement may be felt in the area where fat is removed.

Q: How much fat can be removed with tumescent liposuction?

On average, tumescent liposuction can remove 3 to 5 liters of fat.

Q: How long does swelling last after tumescent liposuction?

Following tumescent liposuction, swelling is to be expected. However, it should improve one to three months after surgery.

Q: Does fat come back after tumescent liposuction?

Following liposuction, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle for optimal results. It is possible for fat to return after the procedure if you do not maintain your weight, however, fat may not be distributed the same way because you have fewer fat cells in the treated area.

Q: How long does it take to recover from tumescent liposuction?

Following tumescent liposuction, swelling, bruising, and slight discomfort are to be expected. A compression garment will need to be worn for the first several days to reduce swelling. Most patients will notice that their swelling is completely resolved by three months post-surgery.

Many people face stubborn areas of fat throughout the body which they struggle to lose regardless of their healthy lifestyles. Liposuction has been a solution to this issue for many years and is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery options as a result. Today, many liposuction techniques are available to make the procedure simpler and more effective than ever. At FacesFirst, we offer tumescent liposuction to help patients achieve their body contouring goals.

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What is Tumescent Liposuction?

Tumescent liposuction is a liposuction technique in which a fluid containing lidocaine, epinephrine, and saline (known as tumescent solution) is introduced into the treatment area during the procedure. This results in reduced bleeding, easier fat removal, and numbing the treatment area so that only local anesthesia is required to complete the procedure.

Who is a Candidate for Tumescent Liposuction?

Most patients who have some areas of stubborn fat or who which to contour areas of the body are good candidates for tumescent liposuction. Keep in mind that like other forms of liposuction, this is not a weight loss procedure. Patients should be at or near a healthy and stable weight before undergoing tumescent liposuction. It is also not generally recommended for those with poor skin elasticity to ensure that the procedure does not result in loose skin. During a consultation, Dr. Picerno will determine whether you are suited to tumescent liposuction.

Tumescent liposuction can be used to sculpt several areas of the body. Some common treatment areas include:

Abdomen
Upper arms
Hips
Flanks
Back
Thighs
Neck or “double chin”

The Tumescent Liposuction Procedure

The tumescent liposuction typically requires local anesthesia alone, unless you are choosing to pair it with another procedure. First, a small incision is made in the treatment area. Through this incision, tumescent solution is then introduced. This solution numbs superficial layers of fat and causes blood vessels to constrict. Once numbing has taken place, a process that typically takes about 30 minutes, a cannula is then inserted to manually break apart fat and suction it away. This process, on average, lasts 2-3 hours at most. When sufficient fat has been removed, incisions are sutured if necessary and compression garments are applied.

Recovery After Tumescent Liposuction

Immediately after your tumescent liposuction procedure, you will likely experience some swelling, bruising, and slight discomfort. Pain medication may be prescribed to keep you comfortable through the recovery period. Some patients also experience muscle soreness or itching as they recover. You will be instructed to wear your compression garment 24 hours a day for the first several days of the recovery period; this aids in proper healing and reduces swelling. It is also advised that you do not submerge the treatment area in water for a week after your tumescent liposuction procedure. Most patients require about a week of downtime before returning to work or other routines.

For a majority of patients, most swelling will subside about two weeks after tumescent liposuction. Most swelling subsides by 6-8 weeks and is usually completely resolved by 3 months. Dr. Picerno will monitor your healing through follow-up appointments.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about tumescent liposuction and find out if you are a suitable candidate, schedule a consultation at FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery in Denver and Lone Tree. Call (720) 414-3332 or contact us online to schedule your first appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How painful is Tumescent Liposuction?

Are you awake during tumescent liposuction?

How much fat can be removed with tumescent liposuction?

How long does swelling last after tumescent liposuction?

Does fat come back after tumescent liposuction?

How long does it take to recover from tumescent liposuction?

Dr. Christopher Cote and Dr. Nicolette Picerno

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Dr. Christopher Cote and Dr. Nicolette Picerno are board-certified plastic surgeons practicing in Denver and Lone Tree, Colorado. They have over 40 years of combined experience together in facial plastic surgery. Both Dr. Cote and Dr. Picerno specialize in procedures like Facelift, Browlift, Facial Rejuvenation, Nose Surgery, and many other types of cosmetic procedures at FacesFirst.