The local anesthesia is very comfortable for the patient and, most important, it is extremely safe. The UI dermatologists will usually treat a limited area, such as the hips or abdomen, in one outpatient session or treat a larger area through several outpatient procedures. With the pure tumescent technique, many patients can go to work or resume other normal activities the same day following treatment, said David A. Davis, M.D., UI associate in dermatology. The pure tumescent technique was developed in 1987 by a dermatologic surgeon. After the local anesthetic is injected into the area to be treated, the dermatologic surgeons insert canulas, or metal tubes, through tiny incisions made in the skin.
Excess fat is drawn through the canulas, with care taken to sculpt the body.
Because patients remain alert, some choose to observe the procedure as it is done. Whitaker emphasized that the liposuction treatment is not a treatment for obesity or being overweight. Many people have their abdomen, waist and thighs reduced. Through a series of procedures, people can have their entire torso or larger areas treated. The female to male ratio of patients seeking treatment is about 10 to 1.