Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent Liposuction is a body contouring  technique used to remove stubborn, unwanted fat deposits that don’t resolve with regular diet and exercise. The difference with the tumescent technique of liposuction is that it is performed under local anesthesia. This eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia, making this a much safer procedure with the same great results patients expect from traditional liposuction.

While tumescent liposuction is safer than other liposuction procedures, it is still a surgical procedure. For this reason, patients will receive a full consultation with Dr. Hanke and our team where we will determine if you are a good candidate for liposuction. If we find that you can safely receive liposuction, we will schedule your treatment with instructions to prepare beforehand.

Why Choose the Laser and Skin Surgery of Indiana for Tumescent Liposuction?

Dr. Hanke has extensive experience with liposuction using tumescent local anesthesia in awake patients. He has instructed liposuction courses in North America, South America, Central America, and Europe. Furthermore, he has authored multiple medical publications on the subject, including 5 books.

He is presently using a modification of the new tumescent technique allowing liposuction to be performed safely and painlessly under local anesthesia.

Tumescent Liposuction Procedure

During the procedure, localized accumulations of subcutaneous fat can be removed gently and painlessly by suction performed under local anesthesia. Liposuction is not an alternative to weight loss. It is indicated for patients who have stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise. These problem areas are hereditary and tend to develop with increasing age. The commonly treated problem areas in women include the lower abdomen, outer thighs, inner thighs, inner knees, hips , buttocks, waist, arms, and neck. Typical areas treated in men include the abdomen, chest, waist (“love handles”), and neck.

Many patients can avoid a facelift by having tumescent liposuction of the neck instead. Most patients confidently resume social activities or work 3-4 days following liposuction of the neck.

The Journal of Dermatologic Surgery reported no significant complications following a study of over 15,000 patients who underwent tumescent liposuction by dermatologic surgeons, including Dr. Hanke.

Tumescent Liposuction Treatment Time and Results

Tumescent liposuction is an outpatient procedure that is performed in the ambulatory surgery center. This method of fat removal uses a tumescent solution that contains diluted lidocaine and epinephrine. Appropriate amounts of this solution are injected directly into the areas that will be treated. The surgeon will then use a small vacuum to remove the excess fat from both the deep and superficial layers. This technique does not remove cellulite. The tumescent method enables the surgeon to remove large amounts of fat more uniformly with fewer skin irregularities and less bleeding and bruising.

Aftercare Following Tumescent Liposuction

The tumescent solution will drain from the treated area following surgery. Pads can be worn to absorb the tumescent solution. An elastic garment is worn for compression and healing. The compression garment should be worn both day and night for approximately 7 days. It should then be worn overnight for another week or so.

This new advanced technique results in constriction of blood vessels, which minimizes bleeding, bruising, and post-operative soreness. Most patients return to desk jobs in 3-4 days and to physical exercise in 7 days. Ultimate results tend to require approximately 6 months, though many patients see a rapid improvement soon after their treatment. Touch up treatments are occasionally necessary.

Tumescent Liposuction from Neck Down

Tumescent liposuction can be used virtually anywhere on the body where you have stubborn, unwanted fat that won’t go away with regular diet and exercise. This includes the face and neck area, abdomen, thighs and hips, buttocks, hips and waist, back and flanks, and inner knees. Tumescent liposuction can also be used in some cases of gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement.

Liposuction of the Face and Neck

Many men and women accumulate fat in the neck and jowl area as they age. This process is largely hereditary. Liposuction of the neck removes excess fat and provides a more youthful appearance. If necessary, the neck muscles can be tightened during the liposuction procedure.

Many patients can avoid a facelift by having tumescent liposuction of the neck. Most patients confidently resume social activities or work 3-4 days following liposuction of the neck.

Some patients lose fat in the lower face as part of the aging process. The fat can be replaced as a “fat transfer” procedure during a liposuction session. This results in a fuller, more youthful facial appearance.

Abdominal Liposuction

Men and women can develop excess subcutaneous fat in the abdomen as they get older. The excess fat is usually more prominent in the lower abdomen in women and the upper and middle abdomen in men. The fat is often resistant to diet and exercise.

Tumescent liposuction will usually flatten the abdomen and reduce the waist at the same time. In many patients, liposuction of the abdomen avoids the need for abdominoplasty, which is a large surgical procedure with significant potential complications. Complications following liposuction using tumescent local anesthesia are infrequent and usually minor.

Liposuction of the Thighs and Hips

Excess subcutaneous fat accumulates in the hips and outer and/or inner thigh areas in many women. The outer thigh area (“saddlebags”) may create problems fitting into clothes. The inner thigh areas may also rub together leading to skin irritation and discomfort. Tumescent liposuction of the inner and outer thighs can have a dramatic “slimming” effect on the legs.

Tumescent Liposuction for the Buttocks

Some women have “two-body syndrome” in which different body areas require different clothing sizes. For example, the lower body may be a size 12 while the upper body a size 8. This makes buying clothing difficult. The buttocks are generally out of proportion to other body areas. Tumescent liposuction of the buttocks can reduce bulk, reduce sagging, improve body symmetry, and also improve the adjacent saddlebag area.

Liposuction for the Hips and Waist

The hips are a common area of excess fat deposition in women. If the hips and outer thigh areas are both enlarged, the figure may appear “square” from the back. Tumescent liposuction of the hips and waist are often performed together, resulting in narrower hips, a smaller waist, and new “curves” rather than a “square.”

Back and Flanks Liposuction

Many women accumulate fat in the upper and mid back with age. This may extend to the waist area. Men commonly develop “love handles” in which excess fat causes enlargement of the waist. Some women also have a hereditary predisposition to develop love handles. Tumescent liposuction is very effective in these areas.

Tumescent Liposuction for the Inner Knees

The inner knee can accumulate fat with age resulting in a “knock-kneed” appearance. Tumescent liposuction of the inner knees can give a more athletic look to the legs.

Gynecomastia: Male Breast Enlargement

Some men develop unattractive enlargement of the breasts, called Gynecomastia. The excess fat and glandular tissue can be removed with powered liposuction using tumescent local anesthesia.

Lipedema Treatment

Lipedema is a common hereditary condition characterized by progressive accumulations of subcutaneous fat in the buttocks, thighs, and legs. The upper body is not affected with the occasional exception of the arms. The fat can be painful to touch, thereby limiting physical movement and exercise.

Without treatment, lipedema will progressively worsen with age. Liposuction of the involved areas thins the fat layer, and reduces the load on the lymphatic vessels that supply the fat. This can result in considerable improvement in quality of life for lipedema patients.

Lipedema is better understood in Europe than the U.S. Very few physicians in the U.S. have training and experience with liposuction for lipedema. Dr. Hanke has written articles on lipedema and has treated lipedema patients with liposuction for many years.

Looking for Tumescent Liposuction in Indianapolis?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. C. William Hanke at the Laser and Skin Surgery Center on Indiana. We’re conveniently located on the north side of Indianapolis and offer patients the highest quality care and results from tumescent liposuction. We also offer non-surgical alternatives to liposuction, including Kybella for double chin reduction. Whatever your needs, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.