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.