In the classic tumescent technique, a large amount of fluid is injected into the area, perhaps as much as 3 or 4 times the volume of fat to be removed. It is the same saline fluid as the super wet technique, but it's increased quantity creates space between the muscle and the fatty tissue, which creates more room for the suction tube (cannula) that the surgeon uses to remove the fat cells. Depending on the size of the area(s) being worked, this procedure takes longer than other techniques must as the large amount of infiltrate must be introduced slowly.

Preparation

Before receiving any of the procedures described above:

• No anticoagulants should be taken for two weeks before the surgery.
• If receiving general anesthesia or sedation, and the surgery will be in the morning, fasting from midnight the night before is required. If only local anesthesia will be used, fasting is not required.
• Smoking must be avoided for about two months prior to surgery. Nicotine interferes with circulation and can result in loss of tissue.

The procedure

In all liposuction methods, there are certain things that should be done when having the procedure:

• The candidate and the surgeon will agree ahead of time on exactly which area(s) will be treated and both will discuss what outcome to expect
• A consent form is signed on the day of surgery
• An antibiotic will be given either about an hour beforehand, or afterwards
• The targeted areas are marked on the body while the candidate is in a standing position
• Sometimes photos will be taken of the area to be treated, so the patient will have before and after photos
• In the operating room, a sterilizing solution such as Betadine is applied to the relevant areas
• Local anesthetic is injected and the patient may be given a sedative either orally, or through an IV injection
• Incisions are small, about a quarter to a third of an inch
• The patient will probably have an IV fluid line, since they will be losing fluid with the fat, and the fluid balance must be kept intact
• There will be some monitoring devices attached to the body to keep track of theheart rate, and blood oxygen level
• The patient will feel only a scraping or rasping sensation from the cannula movement
• Usually the patient can get up, walk around, and go home the same day if they did not receive general anesthesia, although they'll need someone else to drive.

Recovery

Depending on the extent of the liposuction, patients are generally able to return to work or school between two days and two weeks. A compression garment or bandage is worn for two to four weeks. If non-absorbable sutures are placed, they will be removed after five to ten days.

• Any pain is controlled by a prescription or over-the-counter medication, and may last as long as two weeks, depending on the particular procedure
• Swelling will subside in anywhere from two weeks to two months
• Bruising will fade after a few days or maybe as long as two weeks later
• Numbness may last for several weeks
• Normal activity can be resumed anywhere from several days to several weeks afterwards, depending on the procedure
• The final result will be evident anywhere from one to six months after surgery, although the patient will see noticeable difference within days or weeks, as swelling subsides

Expediting recovery

The patient should:

• Drink enough water to prevent dehydration
• Avoid using ice packs or heating pads on the treated areas
• Postpone soaking the wounds until they are sealed (usually 48 hours for sutured wounds and a little longer for unsutured ones).
• If any dizziness is experienced, the patient should take it easy: stand up slowly, get some help for the shower, remove the compression garment slowly, etc.

The suctioned fat cells are permanently gone. However, if the patient does not diet and exercise properly, the remaining fat cell neighbors could still enlarge, creating irregularities.

Side effects

A side effects as opposed to a complication, is medically minor, although it can be uncomfortable, annoying, and even painful.

• Bruising: can be painful in the short term, and should fade after a few weeks.
• Swelling: should subside gradually over a month or two.
• Scars: will vary in size depending on the particular procedure, and should fade over the weeks. Scarring is an individual thing, partly dependent on heredity. For some, scar healing may take as long as a year.
• Pain: should be temporary and controlled by either over-the-counter medication, or by a prescription.
• Numbness: sometimes persists for a few weeks.
• Limited mobility: will depend on the exact procedure.

There could be various factors limiting movement for a short while, such as:

• Wearing a compression garment
• Keeping the head elevated
• Temporary swelling or pain

The surgeon should advise on how soon the patient can resume normal activity.

Complications

As with any surgery, there are certain risks, beyond the temporary and minor side effects. The surgeon may mention them during a consultation