Tumescent Liposuction in Birmingham, AL

Liposuction is a body contouring technique that can be used alone, or as an adjunct step in a number of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. For individuals who complain of excess, stubborn fat, liposuction can be used to contour problem areas like the thighs, the back of the arms, or tummy. While many cosmetic surgeons are using new techniques such as ultrasonic liposuction or laser-assisted liposuction, the most common method is known as the tumescent technique.

When to Consider Liposuction

Ideal candidates for cosmetic surgery have generally good health and are at an average or near-average BMI. While liposuction is a tool used to assist those with extra weight in achieving a more toned shape, it is not used as a drastic weight-loss method for the very obese. Click here to view before and after photos for liposuction in Birmingham. Candidates for cosmetic surgery will have some or more of the following characteristics:

• Realistic expectations
• Good skin elasticity
• General good health
• Stable body weight

Your Liposuction Procedure: What to Expect

Tumescent liposuction is performed in an outpatient setting with general or local anesthesia. Your cosmetic surgeon will administer a saline injection that contains diluted lidocaine, an anesthetic, into the area to be treated. This anesthetic causes the fat to become ‘tumescent’ or swollen, allowing the surgeon to more easily remove the tissue. The cannulae, or thin tubes, used in tumescent liposuction are even thinner than those in other liposuction approaches, and the incisions made in which the surgeon places the cannulae are, therefore, also smaller. A high-pressure vacuum mechanism suctions the fat through the cannula and out the plastic tubing attached.

What Happens After Liposuction?

It is not unusual for the treated area to remain numb for the 24 hours following tumescent liposuction while the anesthesia is still wearing off. Though the recovery time for patients receiving tumescent liposuction varies, many patients can resume their daily activities within 2 days after treatment. Your cosmetic surgeon will most likely ask that you wear compression garments to encourage the skin to heal and contract. Because only a certain amount of fat can be removed during one procedure, you may be advised to set up additional liposuction sessions to achieve the results you desire.

Liposuction Birmingham

Please contact cosmetic surgeon Dr. Melanie Petro for a consultation if you would like to know more about the benefits and risks of liposuction. Her office is located in Vestavia Hills in the Birmingham metro area.