Liposuction Institute of Louisville

Tumescent Liposuction is a liposuction technique invented by a Dermatologist, Jeffery Klein, M.D., in 1985. This technique uses large amounts of a solution containing a local anesthetic to numb the area, and a medicine that temporarily shrinks the blood vessels to drastically reduce blood loss. This solution is infiltrated into the area(s) to be treated by a tiny instrument called a microcannula through tiny microincisions. This causes the area to become swollen and firm, and completely anesthetizes the area so the patient is comfortable during the entire procedure. Tumescent Liposuction completely eliminates the need for general anesthesia, and the risk of excessive bleeding, which are the two biggest dangers associated with traditional liposuction. Not only is the tumescent technique the safest form of Liposuction, it also provides much smoother, and more uniform results. Tumescent liposuction is considered the gold standard of fat removal procedures. At the Liposuction Institute of Louisville, our goal is to provide the safest procedures with the best results possible.

Tumescent Liposuction can safely remove fat from all areas of the body such as the Abdomen, Arms, Neck/Chin/Jowls, Female and Male Breasts, Back, Thighs, Flanks, Knees, Calves and Ankles.

Garrett M. Crabtree, M.D. trained under Jeffery Klein, M.D., and has since performed many thousands of Tumescent Liposuction procedures. Dr. Crabtree is now one of the most experienced Tumescent Liposuction surgeons in the country, and has trained other physicians in the procedure.

Dr. Crabtree performs all Tumescent Liposuction procedures in his private in-office surgery suite. The local anesthetic that is placed in the areas to be treated provides complete numbness for the patient.  Most patients experience a slight feeling of pressure while the fluid is being infiltrated into the area to be treated. Patients are typically comfortable during the surgical procedure.

If necessary, Dr. Crabtree provides a sedative and/or Nitrous Oxide to his “nervous” patients before the procedure begins to ensure that each patient is completely comfortable and relaxed during surgery. Tumescent Liposuction typically takes 1 to 2.5 hours from start to finish depending on the area(s) being treated. Patients will have drainage for about 24 to 48 hours after surgery. This drainage is absorbed by pads placed on the surgical areas. All supplies and garments are provided to the patient after the procedure.

Tumescent Liposuction Traditional Liposuction
Patient remains awake during the procedure and can move as the surgeon requires to reach certain areas Patient is put to sleep with General Anesthesia
Very little blood loss Potentially serious blood loss
Minimal bruising Significant bruising
Pain or soreness post procedure is minimal Significant pain and discomfort
Moderate compression for 1-2 weeks Prolonged high-compression for 4-6 weeks
Bacteriostatic Lidocaine in the Tumescent solution decreases risk of infection Increased risk of infection
Reduced risk of post-operative irregularities and smoother results due to the Microcannulas Increased risk of irregularities and uneven and incomplete fat removal due to larger cannulas
No reported deaths Death rate approximately 1 in 5000
Tiny 1-3mm Microincisions that require no sutures 3-6mm incisions that require sutures
Fast post-operative recovery. Patients can return to their normal activities is 1-2 days Slow post-op recovery. Typically 1-2 weeks before normal activities such as exercise can be resumed
Open drainage over 24-48 hours Sutured incision sites and surgical drains are sometimes used which require removal several days after surgery

Liposuction Institute of Louisville – Garrett M. Crabtree M. D.

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