Liposuction, an elective cosmetic procedure, shapes and contours the body by removing excess fat. Fat removal focuses on specific areas, using a suction cannula or probe. The procedure should not be considered a weight-loss technique or a substitute for diet and exercise, according to the National Institutes of Health. The University of Michigan Health Center’s Department of Surgery advises patients to be within 30 percent of their ideal body weight. The procedure commonly focuses on the buttocks, thighs, chin and upper arms. Liposuction results vary for each patient–factors affecting results include age of the patient and experience of the physician.
Tumescent Liposuction
The National Institutes of Health reports tumescent liposuction, or fluid injection, as the most common type of liposuction. This method of liposuction begins with the administration of anesthesia, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Lidocaine solution, a local anesthetic, as well as epinephrine, an anti-bleeding medication, is introduced into the targeted areas. The medication causes fatty tissue to become firm and swollen. A micro-suction cannula is inserted through a small skin incision into the underlying fat layer. The cannula removes excess fat from the body through suction. According to website Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery, it is important to note that the tumescent technique uses extremely small cannulas in comparison to older forms of liposuction, where larger tubes were inserted into the body. The minute cannulas decrease the risk of scars and recovery time, as well as the risk of bleeding and swelling of tissue after surgery.
Ultrasonic Liposuction
Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction involves removing fat using two techniques. Ultrasound energy is dispersed under the skin using a heated, vibrating probe. High frequency sound waves liquefy fat cells before traditional suction removal, according to the Mayo Clinic. The external procedure involves ultrasound waves transmitted through the skin with a special emitter. The clinic says that patients receiving UAL complain of increased pain. Seromas, or fluid under the skin, more commonly occurs in UAL surgeries. Because of the increased risk of complications, UAL is only considered when other surgical options are not available. Decreased bleeding and swelling, as well as increased skin tightening are often present, according to NYU’s Langone Medical Center.
Laser-assisted Liposuction
Laser-assisted liposuction is similar to using an ultrasound probe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the treatment in 2007. Laser energy is emitted, transforming fat cells into liquid using a thin piece of fiber. A traditional probe or cannula aspirates, or removes, the fat to complete the procedure. Side effects are similar to the ultrasound technique, including decreased bleeding and swelling as well as increased skin tightening.
