Unwanted Fat

The UPMC Cosmetic Surgery and Skin Health Center uses the tumescent liposuction technique to rid the body of unwanted fat. This technique is performed using local anesthesia, rather than a general anesthesia, so there is less risk of anesthesia-related complications and the procedure is done in less time.

During a procedure, a large volume of solution, composed of a local anesthetic and epinephrine, is injected into the areas of excess fat. After making a small incision in the skin, a tube connected to a vacuum-like machine is inserted and the fatty deposits are sucked out of the targeted area.

Patients who have sedentary jobs usually can return to work within a few days and physical exercise can be resumed within a week.