Surgeon: Dr. Decangchon / Dra. Flores-Trinidad

Treatment time: 1 hour anesth
2 hours procedure
1 hour recovery
4 hours stay in the clinic
Anesthesia: Local Anesthesia under mild sedation

Definition

WaterJet Liposuction also known as Body Sculpting (Tumescent Liposuction)

The tumescent technique is a liposuction method that can reduce post operative bruising, swelling and pain. Because blood loss is minimized during tumescent liposuction, use of the technique reduces the chance that a blood transfusion will be needed.

In the tumescent technique, areas of excess fat are injected with a large amount of anesthetic liquid before liposuction is per-formed. The liquid causes the compartments of fat to become swollen and firm or "tumesced." The expanded fat compartments allow the liposuction cannula to travel smoothly beneath the skin as the fat is removed.

Individuals who have large areas of excess fat are good candidates for tumescent liposuction.

Anesthesia

For many patients the anesthetic contained in the solution combined with sedation may provide sufficient comfort during the procedure. Or, if your doctor feels it's appropriate, the tumescent solution itself may serve as the sole means of anesthesia.

The Surgery

In tumescent liposuction, the warmed tumescent liquid -- a dilute solution containing lidocaine, epinephrine and intravenous fluid -- is injected into the area to be treated. As the liquid enters the fat, it becomes swollen, firm and blanched. Liposuction is then performed on the tumesced areas.

After Surgery

The long-acting effects of the anesthetic solution help to provide pain relief after the procedure and decrease the need for additional pain medication.

For the first day or two after surgery, most patients experience swelling in the treated areas, as well as some fluid drainage from the incision sites.
Light activity is usually resumed within the first few days after tumescent liposuction; normal activity can be resumed within a few weeks.

Patients are usually able to see a noticeable difference almost immediately after surgery. However, more improvement can be seen after two weeks, when most of the swelling has subsided. After about three months, any persistent mild swelling will disappear and the final contour will be visible.