Tumescent liposuction is a liposuction technique which has been specially developed by cosmetic dermatologists. Tumescent liposuction is performed entirely under local anaesthetic and is recognised as the safest form of liposuction. The objective is to improve body contours by removing unwanted fat in a very careful manner. The small cannulas used also give the best results.

Liposuction procedures are carried out by Dr Ken Macdonald in a purpose built liposuction surgery suite at his practice at 202 Bealey Avenue, Christchurch, New Zealand.

	“ I am very pleased to offer my patients the tumescent technique of liposuction surgery totally by local anaesthetic. This procedure can create attractive body contours in a safe and relatively painless way with quick recovery. Many different people can benefit from this very safe type of liposuction and if you have disproportionate bulges you hate and if you have done your best with diet and exercise but just cannot get the improvement you want, then tumescent liposuction can be the best solution." Dr Ken Macdonald MB.ChB(Edin) FRACP FRCPE FRCP(Lond)

The word tumescent means swollen and firm. Tumescent liposuction relies on large volumes of saline solution, local anaesthetic, and adrenaline being infiltrated into the fatty areas. These areas then become swollen and firm. This state enables the surgeon to insert a small instrument called a cannula through tiny incisions in order to remove unwanted fatty deposits so as to create an attractive body contour.

What areas can be treated by liposuction?

• Lateral thighs (saddle bags) and buttocks
• Medial thighs (friction sites) and knees
• Upper and lower abdomen (tummy)
• Thickened calves and ankles
• Male flanks and waist (love handles)
• Back and upper back (buffalo hump) 
• Enlarged male breasts
• Female hips and waist
• Upper arms
• Chin, cheeks and neck

Anybody can have tumescent liposuction but the best candidates are relatively fit individuals who exercise regulary and are of normal body weight or slightly over weight and who have body contours which are out of proportion.

Patients who are significantly overweight can still be good candidates for liposuction to some body areas.  It is important to have realistic expectations and positive attitude.  Age is not significant factor.  Patients should be in good general health, but tumescent liposuction is a very safe technique and can be under taken despite some medical conditions.

* This technique is not a treatment for generalised obesity and is not a substitute for weight loss. There is a limit to how much fat can be removed safely at one time.

Dimples and ripples (cellulite) and stretch marks remain unchanged following liposuction. Your new figure will be similar to what you expect if you could lose an equal amount of localised fat through diet and exercise alone.

The use of smaller cannulas allows the fibrous connections between your skin and muscle to remain. These connections will contract over time. As a result, excessive skin folds are so rare that many patients avoid the need for surgical skin excision and have excellent results with liposuction alone.

        

• Minimal blood loss
• Quick recovery
• Comfort
• No general anaesthetic