Tumescent Liposuction | DermSF

Liposuction is a procedure that removes excess fat from the body using a vacuum-like technique. Also called lipoplasty or liposculpting, our office performs the tumescent liposuction procedure. This type of liposuction is minimally invasive with smaller incisions than most other types of liposuction, making it possible to perform the procedure under only a local anesthetic and perhaps mild sedation. As a result, tumescent liposuction provides a faster recovery time.

Performed since the 1980s, tumescent liposuction is considered one of the safest and most accurate of liposuction techniques. Like other types of liposuction, it can remove unwanted deposits of fat and smooth the contours of the body.

Tumescent liposuction can treat the following:

  • Buttocks
  • Hips
  • Abdomen
  • Thighs
  • Neck
  • Arms
  • Knees and lower legs
  • Waist – love handles
  • Male breasts (gynecomastia)

The Advantages of Tumescent Liposuction

The term “tumescent” refers to the local anesthesia, as well as the ability of the anesthetic to constrict the blood vessels and prevent unnecessary loss of blood during the procedure. The lidocaine anesthetic, which is injected into the fat to be removed, actually tumesces (swells and firms) the tissue. This process allows your liposuction surgeon to remove more fat with precision and accuracy.

As a result, the healing process is faster, and you will experience less inflammation and bruising than with other kinds of liposuction.

Tumescent liposuction also does not require the replacement of fluids through an intravenous tube, which is necessary with other liposuction methods.

From Dr. Matarasso’s perspective, tumescent liposuction allows more control over the process.

What to Expect from Tumescent Liposuction

During tumescent liposuction, a small, very thin stainless steel suction tube called a cannula is inserted through the small incisions where the unwanted fat is to be removed. The cannula is attached to a special high-pressure vacuum that then suctions out the fatty tissue.

The numbness from the local anesthetic continues for a period of up to 36 hours after the surgery, alleviating the need for immediate painkillers. You will need to wear compression garments under your clothing for a short time after your procedure.

Most people are able to return to work and other activities within 2 to 7 days after tumescent liposuction. Due to the small size of the incisions, few stitches are required, and scarring is generally minimal.

The results take at least 10 days to show and as much as a month in some cases. Most people continue to see an improvement in their appearance for about a year after tumescent liposuction.

If you have several areas you wish to treat, you may have more than one tumescent liposuction procedure, but it is recommended to have them at least 90 days apart.

Liposuction is not recommended for people who are substantially overweight, as none of the available methods is a substitute for exercise and weight reduction.

How much does liposuction cost?

The cost for your liposuction depends on various factors, such as the technique of liposuction that is most suitable for your goals. You may also need to consider additional costs, such as medical tests and post-surgery garments that you will need for your liposuction and recovery, respectively.

To make sure that you have a transparent quote for your liposuction, our team at the Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco in California understands your needs and requirements with the procedure to devise a personalized treatment plan. This helps you make an informed decision about your liposuction without facing any surprising expenses along the way.

Who is a good candidate for liposuction?

If you have stubborn fat around your body that does not go away with diet and exercise, liposuction might be right for you. With it, you need to consider if you meet the following general criteria for liposuction.

  • You are within 30 percent of your ideal weight.
  • You have good skin elasticity.
  • You do not have any underlying medical conditions that can inhibit your recovery.
  • You either do not smoke or are willing to quit the habit before your liposuction.
  • You have realistic expectations from your liposuction procedure.

What type of liposuction is right for me?

To determine what type of liposuction technique is right for you, you need to consult with a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. By discussing your goals and concerns with a board-certified expert, you can ensure to get proper advice on the most suitable liposuction approach for you.

Will I feel pain after liposuction?

As with any surgical procedure, liposuction may also lead you to feel moderate pain around the treatment area. But your surgeon at the Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco in California can help alleviate the pain by prescribing certain medications. Since the post-treatment pain dissipates within a few days, you may stop taking these medications after the initial recovery period has passed.

Is there swelling and bruising after liposuction?

Liposuction may cause swelling and bruising around the treatment site. While approaches such as tumescent liposuction can reduce these side-effects, they may still appear after your procedure. Your surgeon at the Dermatology Medical Group of San Francisco in California can help you manage your swelling and bruising with aftercare instructions, such as wearing compression garments, cold compresses, and elevating the treated area.

How can I support my recovery after liposuction?

Recovering from liposuction may take a few weeks. But you can elevate your comfort during this recovery period by adopting the following practices.

  • Eat a balanced diet. Consuming healthier meals that are rich in nutrients can help your body with its natural healing process.
  • Drink plenty of water. Drinking water throughout the day can help you flush out toxins and prevent higher chances of infections.
  • Get proper rest. Getting an adequate amount of sleep every day strengthens your immune system and minimizes complications.
  • Stick to your medication schedule. Taking your prescribed medications, such as antibiotics and pain medication, adds to your comfort and overall wellbeing after your liposuction.
  • Talk to your doctor. Making sure that you keep up with all follow-up visits can go a long way towards reducing complications and ensuring a problem-free recovery.

Tumescent Liposuction FAQS – San Francisco, CA

Will tumescent liposuction leave scars?

Tumescent liposuction is a minimally invasive technique that leaves significantly less large or visible scarring than traditional liposuction techniques. After your surgery, you will notice tiny marks on the treated areas of your body. The incisions made for the procedure are about 0.5 to 1 centimeter long – that’s small enough not to require sutures most of the time.

After your procedure, your incisions will only be noticeable to you. Liposuction surgeons take care to make incisions in areas you can hide with clothes or within your body’s natural folds and curves. Scarring is an individual process that will be different for every patient, depending on your skin, age, surgical complications, and how well you care for your incisions after surgery. Some people are more prone to scarring or tend to produce more melanin during the healing process. But since liposuction incisions are so tiny, they often resemble freckles on the skin.

You can help prevent scars by following your surgeon’s instructions on how to care for your incisions. Once you have completely healed, wear sunscreen or clothing over your scars, as ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause hyperpigmentation.

Is liposuction painful?

A common fear among potential tumescent liposuction patients is that the procedure and recovery will be painful. Dr. Matarasso prioritizes his patients’ comfort and safety. To ensure you feel as relaxed and pain-free as possible, he performs tumescent liposuction under local anesthesia. There may be some initial stinging and low-level discomfort from the initial injection, but after that, pain and discomfort will be minimal.

How much does tumescent liposuction cost in San Francisco, CA?

Tumescent liposuction can cost between $2,000 to $7,000, with an average procedure cost at $4,000. The price of your tumescent liposuction procedure will depend on varying factors, including:

  • Surgeon, anesthesia, and lab test fees
  • Hospital stays
  • Size and amount of area(s) being treated
  • How much fat you have removed
  • Post-surgery materials and medications

Because Dr. Matarasso uses local anesthesia to perform tumescent liposuction, it usually doesn’t require a hospital stay. Instead, you will be free to go home and start recovering immediately afterward. If you choose to go completely under with general anesthesia, it could add to the overall cost.

During your consultation, Dr. Matarasso will give you a more exact cost estimate after he’s created your treatment plan.

Does insurance cover the cost of liposuction?

Insurance companies do not usually cover the cost of elective surgeries performed solely for aesthetic reasons. However, some insurance companies may cover your expenses if you are getting liposuction to prevent or manage underlying medical conditions, such as lipoma. Calling your insurance agent to discuss potential coverage is never a bad idea.

Contact our office at (415) 362-2238 to find out more about tumescent liposuction in San Francisco.