Safety of tumescent liposuction under local anesthesia in a series of 4,380 patients.

Background: Liposuction is increasingly performed under local anesthesia and in an outpatient setting. The term 'tumescent liposuction' has been used in the literature in patients receiving other forms of anesthesia as well, hence the confusion regarding the safety profile of liposuction performed under local anesthesia alone.

Objective: To analyze the safety of tumescent liposuction performed under local anesthesia in a larger group of patients.

Methods: Between 2003 and 2010, 4,380 consecutive patients underwent tumescent liposuction by the same surgeon. The occurrence of complications was recorded in detail.

Results: There were no serious complications requiring hospitalization. There were no injuries, no nerve damage or permanent lymphedema, no deep venous thrombosis or seroma. Seven patients needed closer follow-up due to large hematoma (n = 3; no drainage needed), allergic drug reaction to doxycycline (n = 2), erysipelas (n = 1) and generalized edema (n = 1).

Conclusions: Tumescent liposuction under local anesthesia is a safe method, providing it is performed by an experienced surgeon and the guidelines of care for liposuction are strictly followed.