How Does a Liposuction Procedure Work?

Tumescent liposuction is the safest and most effective method of liposuction. This technique uses large volumes of a diluted local anesthetic to “inflate” the fat layer. The fat is then gently suctioned out through a very small micro-cannula inserted through tiny incisions in the skin. The local anesthetic is so effective that it eliminates the primary hazard of traditional liposuction: general anesthesia. In addition, a small amount of epinephrine is injected along with the local anesthetic to temporarily shrink the blood vessels. As a result, there is far less blood loss with tumescent liposuction as compared to traditional liposuction. Liposuction procedures may take a few hours, depending on the size of the treatment area. During the procedure, patients generally experience little to no pain. Some of the many advantages of tumescent liposuction include: Use of only local anesthesia Shorter recovery time Less blood loss than traditional liposuction (resulting in reduced post-operative swelling and a quicker recovery time) The use of tiny micro-cannula reduces bruising and swelling after surgery Minimally invasive surgery, requiring only tiny skin incisions Results are smoother and more even without the lumpiness and uneven ridging that are common after traditional liposuction In addition to tumescent liposuction, Dr. Langdon offers several other cutting-edge technologies and laser-assisted liposuction procedures. Depending on your needs and goals, he may recommend one of the following options: SMARTLIPO® BODY-JET LIPOSUCTION PROLIPO SLIMLIPO

What is Recovery Like From Liposuction?

For several days following the surgery, patients may have a “sore muscle” feeling as if they have been vigorously exercising. Recovery times vary depending on the body areas that are treated, but most patients return to normal activities within two to three days. A compression garment should be worn over the treated area for seven days following the surgery for best results.

What Results Can I Expect From Liposuction?

Your initial results will be apparent within a week of the procedure. There is usually still some swelling at this time, which may obscure some of your results. Continued improvement will be seen in the following weeks. The final results will be evident three to six months after surgery. When fat cells are removed from a treated area, they do not return, meaning your liposuction results should be permanent. However, weight gain will cause the remaining fat cells to expand. Maintaining a steady weight and leading a healthy lifestyle is essential to preserving your slimmer contour after liposuction. Liposuction is the only way to remove excess fatty tissue in specific areas of your body. It does not, however, influence long-term body weight. This procedure is ideal for targeting specific areas of stubborn fat but is not a replacement for weight loss.

Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?

The best candidates for tumescent liposuction are people with firm skin who are in good health and have previously tried to get rid of fatty bulges through exercise and a proper diet. The best candidates also have realistic expectations about their own bodies and understand that tumescent liposuction is not a replacement for weight loss. You should be within 30% of your ideal body weight and have firm, elastic skin for optimal liposuction results. Liposuction is not a treatment for loose skin, although this procedure usually results in some skin tightening. Dr. Langdon may recommend a concurrent treatment like Renuvion® for patients with skin laxity.

Tumescent Liposuction - The Shoreline Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery

Many advancements have been made to the techniques used during the liposuction procedure. One of the most beneficial to the patient is tumescent liposuction. Dr. Robert Langdon, director and founder of The Langdon Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery, has perfected his surgical techniques in tumescent liposuction to help thousands of satisfied patients.

How Does Tumescent Liposuction Work?

Tumescent liposuction has become the safest and most effective method of liposuction available. It’s performed by infusing the area to be treated with tumescent fluid, a combination of the local anesthetic lidocaine, epinephrine, and normal saline. Tumescent solution numbs the treatment area so well that patients can avoid the biggest risk of traditional liposuction—general anesthesia. At The Langdon Center, patients relax by having sedation to make them comfortable, which gives them a drowsy feeling without them losing consciousness.

Once the patient is comfortable and the tumescent fluid is infused, a micro-cannula (about one-eighth inch wide) is inserted into the subcutaneous fat layer. Unwanted fat is gently suctioned to remove it from the treatment area, and Dr. Langdon carefully and meticulously shapes the body’s contours for an aesthetically improved profile.

The epinephrine in the tumescent solution temporarily shrinks blood vessels, which renders blood loss insignificant. The patient is safer, more comfortable, and there is less trauma and bruising in the treatment area, making for an easier recovery.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The best candidates for tumescent liposuction are healthy adults with good skin elasticity who have areas of unwanted fat they’d like contoured. These patients understand that tumescent liposuction is not a weight loss solution, and they’re realistic about their cosmetic goals. Scheduling a consultation at The Langdon Center is a great way to get started.

Dr. Langdon’s practice, which is accredited by the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, is where your tumescent liposuction procedure takes place. You’ll be made comfortable with sedative medication, and the tumescent fluid is infused into your treatment areas. Dr. Langdon will then sculpt your treatment areas by gently removing unwanted fat with the micro-cannula inserted through tiny skin incisions. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.

Because of the tumescent techniques used, there’s minimal blood loss and reduced tissue trauma during the procedure. As a result, recovery is smoother. The tumescent fluid also acts as a flushing method to minimize the risks of infection and reduce complications. You may experience a “sore muscle” feeling for the first few days, but you will likely be able to return to work in a few days.

Once the tumescent fluid and swelling have reduced in around a week, you’ll see the results of Dr. Langdon’s careful sculpting. It may take a few months for all swelling to disappear after the procedure, so you’ll likely see and feel continued improvement for 3-6 months following your treatment. With a surgeon of Dr. Langdon’s caliber, the only thing you have to lose is the unwanted fat.

Take the next step.

To learn more about getting Tumescent Liposuction or to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Langdon, please fill out the form on this page or call The Langdon Center at (203) 453-8625. We look forward to working with you! The Langdon Center serves patients in the Guilford & New Haven, CT areas.

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Tumescent Liposuction

How Does Tumescent Liposuction Work?

TUMESCENT LIPOSUCTION BEFORE & AFTER GALLERY – See Examples Of Our Best Work

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