Tumescent liposuction involves the injection of large volumes of lidocaine, saline and epinephrine into the subcutaneous fat of the patient. The word tumescent means firm and swollen. The fluid is injected into the treated area to numb the area and decrease any bleeding. The amount of injected fluid is so large that the targeted area becomes swollen and firm. Liposuction is then performed with a cannula that is attached to a suction device. The fat is suctioned out in order to provide a look that is smoother and more contoured than before the surgery. Tumescent liposuction can be performed as ultrasound, laser or power-assisted liposuction.
