Tumescent Analgesia in Plastic Surgery

BACKGROUND: Tumescent analgesia (TA) is commonly used for liposuction without needing sedation or general anesthesia. METHODS: A literature review of current use of TA in plastic surgery was done to determine other procedures where TA can be useful and present a standard protocol for use. RESULTS: TA is used for breast, body, face, and extremity procedures, both with and without supplemental anesthesia. The TA fluid commonly contains lidocaine as the anesthetic agent, but there is more recent experience with using bupivacaine. Despite concerns of high doses of local anesthetics, TA seems to be safe and effective. CONCLUSIONS: TA can be implemented into practice to provide improved pain control and decrease anesthesia requirements.