Dr. Louis Habbema recently published an article in the Dermatologic Surgery (2009;35:1728-1735) reviewing 3240 cases using the tumescent anesthetic technique for liposuction. (Tumescent anesthesia is when a dilute solution of lidociane is infused in the treatment area.)
This review confirms the safety of this procedure, noting that there were no significant complications (i.e. no deaths and no hospitalizations).
This is consistent with other similar series. The only time serious complications occurred in other studies were when the tumescent anesthesia was combined with IV sedation or general anesthesia.
At Dermacare, we are using the same guidelines for the tumescent anesthesia technique with our LifeSculpt procedure and are proud to offer such a safe and effective treatment.