Tumescent local anesthesia for submental liposuction: review article

Abstract

Submental liposuction is the surgical removal of submental fat, popularly known as “double chin” for the aesthetic rejuvenation of the neck. Tumescent local anesthesia is the standard anesthetic method for regional anesthesia. The technique was introduced by Jeffrey Klein in 1987 and became known as Klein's solution and is considered a safe method with few adverse effects. The aim of this article is to review the literature on local tumescent anesthesia, its composition, dosage, safety and use. It was noticed that the composition presented in the articles are for large volumes and as the amount of tumescent solution required for submental liposuction is small, this article presents the detailed preparation of small volumes of tumescent anesthesia to be used in submental liposuction. The safest method of anesthesia for liposuction is local tumescent anesthesia. The literature justifies the safety of the technique for body liposuction, but specific studies on safe dosages for submental liposuction are still scarce. Regarding lidocaine in the tumescent solution, there is no consensus that its addition to the solution is essential.