Liposuction NYC - Tumescent Liposuction
Central Park Plastic Surgery^SM · New York · New York City · Manhattan · E-mail · 212.496.6600

Saline Assisted Liposuction: Tumescent
Fluid Injection, a technique in which a medicated solution is injected into fatty areas before the fat is removed, is commonly used by plastic surgeons today. The fluid -- a mixture of intravenous salt solution, lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels) -- helps the fat be removed more easily, reduces blood loss and provides anesthesia during and after surgery. Fluid injection also helps to reduce the amount of bruising after surgery.

The amount of fluid that is injected varies depending on the preference of the surgeon.

Large volumes of fluid -- sometimes as much as three times the amount of fat to be removed -- are injected in the tumescent technique. Tumescent liposuction, typically performed on patients who need only a local anesthetic, usually takes significantly longer than traditional liposuction (sometimes as long as 4 to 5 hours). However, because the injected fluid contains an adequate amount of anesthetic, additional anesthesia may not be necessary. The name of this technique refers to the swollen and firm or "tumesced" state of the fatty tissues when they are filled with solution.

Continue reading about liposuction

Back to top of liposuction section

Liposuction Patient Information  
Highlights: About Liposuction
Preparing for Liposuction Surgery
Pre-Operative Instructions
Post-Operative Care
Compressive Garments
Activity Restrictions
Liposuction Recovery Time
Resuming Normal Activities