Tumescent liposuction is a safe outpatient procedure to sculpt away unwanted fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Dr. Rostan has received fellowship training in the technique of tumescent liposuction along with additional training from Dr. Jeffery Klein, the developer of the tumescent technique. Traditional liposuction is performed with the patient under general anesthesia. Large cannulas are used in this procedure and can result in uneven removal of fat causing ridges or depressions in the skin. Larger cannulas are also more traumatic to the tissue resulting in longer healing times, greater bleeding, and larger scars on the skin surface. The risks of traditional liposuction are significant because of the general anesthesia and bleeding. Tumescent liposuction, in contrast to traditional liposuction, is performed using local anesthesia. Small cannulas are used reducing the risk of skin irregularities and minimize trauma to the tissue. With this tumescent technique the patient is awake, bleeding is minimal, healing is rapid, and scars on the skin surface are negligible.

The tumescent technique for liposuction, created by dermatologist Dr. Jeffery Klein, is the most significant advancement in liposuction surgery since liposuction was introduced to this country in the early 1980’s. This technique produces smoother results with greater safety and less discomfort. True tumescent liposuction is performed totally with local anesthesia. This is achieved by infiltrating the area to be treated with large volumes of diluted lidocaine and epinephrine. This “tumescent fluid” protects structures deeper than the fat layer, provides excellent local anesthesia, and minimizes bleeding. It is the safest method for fat removal.

The ideal candidate is the healthy person with localized deposits of fat that are out of proportion to the rest of their body. Liposuction should not be considered as a weight loss method, but rather as a method to improve areas resistant to diet and exercise.

Stretch marks, dimples and ripples and remain unchanged following liposuction. Your new figure will be similar to what you would expect if you could lose an equal amount of localized fat through diet and exercise alone.

You will go home after the procedure and rest for a few hours, after which you may gradually increase your activity as tolerated. After 2 to 5 days you may resume normal activities. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for about 2 weeks after the procedure and then may be gradually resumed. You will wear a snug elastic dressing, girdle, or body stocking over the treated area for 4 – 7 days to aid healing.