Tumescent liposuction. A surgeon's perspective.

The tumescent technique consists of injection of large amounts of dilute lidocaine and epinephrine into the subcutaneous fat prior to performing liposuction. This preinjection provides local anesthesia and reduction in postoperative pain. Blood loss, bruising, and swelling are significantly reduced. The large volume of injectate is a complete fluid replacement, eliminating the need for intravenous fluid support. In the authors' experience, patients are most comfortable when the tumescent technique is combined with monitored intravenous sedation.