Whenever the body is injured, inflammatory cells and other mechanisms usually cause a release of water-based fluid (edema). When this water-based edema fluid builds-up in a significant amount, it causes what we outwardly see as swelling.
In the older conventional liposuction under general anesthesia, this swelling used to persist for several weeks. Under tumescent technique, the swelling is minimized by:
Using microcannulae and hence less tissue damage.
Keeping small incisions or adits open – This open drainage allows the accumulated fluid to be drained for the first 24-48 hours , there by reducing the risk of swelling.
Bimodal compression – Initially compression, later moderate compression to hasten outflow of fluid .