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. People must be in good overall health and not have any chronic or unstable health conditions to be candidates for the pure tumescent technique of liposuction. Physicians will also prescribe Tylenol and sometimes a muscle relaxant. Insurance does not cover the procedure.