Liposuction is a surgical procedure used to remove excess fat from the body and reshape certain areas of the body. This procedure is usually applied to areas such as the waist, abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin and neck.
Liposuction is not used as a part of obesity treatment, but rather to remove unwanted fat deposits in certain parts of the body. These fat deposits usually cannot be removed by diet and exercise and are often caused by genetic factors.
The liposuction procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and is carried out by a plastic surgeon. During the procedure, the plastic surgeon inserts a thin instrument called a cannula into the subcutaneous fat layer and with the help of this cannula, the fats are sucked out from the body. It may take several days for patients to recover after this procedure.
Liposuction Methods
Liposuction is a type of aesthetic surgery that helps shape the body by absorbing fat cells from certain areas. Liposuction technique can be applied through various methods. Here are some of them:
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is the most common form of liposuction procedures. This method is generally considered to be an effective and safe method to remove localized fat deposits from the patient under general or local anesthesia.
The process begins with the injection of a “tumescent” fluid into a specific area of the body. This liquid typically contains lidocaine (a local anesthetic), vasoconstrictor (a medicine that constricts blood vessels), and saline solution (saltwater). This solution swells (tumescent) fat cells and makes them easier to remove (aspirate).
Subsequently, the surgeon inserts a thin tube called a cannula under the skin to suck the fat out of the body. The cannula is connected to a device controlled by the surgeon, which creates a vacuum effect and remove the fat with the help of a cannula.
Tumescent liposuction results in less blood loss, reduced bruising, and generally faster recovery time.
Ultrasonic Liposuction (VASER)
Ultrasonic Liposuction (VASER) is a liposuction technique that liquefies fat cells using ultrasound energy (waves) and then uses a cannula to absorb these cells. This method is generally preferred for patients with significant fat accumulations and/or fat deposits in tight tissue areas that cannot be removed by diet and exercise.
There are two types of UALs: external and internal (intrinsic). In the external VASER, the ultrasound probe is applied to the skin and energy is used to liquefy the fat cells. In internal VASER, the ultrasound probe is attached to the cannula and applied directly to the fat deposits.
The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia. The ultrasound energy liquefies the fat cells which then is absorbed by the cannula.
Ultrasonic Liposuction offers many advantages. First, it facilitates the removal of fat from tighter tissue areas. Additionally, it can also remove larger fat deposits and provide a smoother, contoured appearance.
However, compared to other liposuction techniques, there may pose a greater risk of complications if not carried out by experienced plastic surgeons. These complications may include skin burns, loss of sensitivity in the skin, and seroma (fluid accumulation under the skin). VASER may require a longer recovery time compared to other liposuction techniques.
As with any other liposuction technique, the potential risks and side effects of Ultrasonic Liposuction should be discussed with the healthcare professional. The surgeon can determine the liposuction technique that best suits the patient’s needs and goals.
Laser Assisted Liposuction (SMART -LIPO)
Laser Assisted Liposuction (SMART -LIPO) is a liposuction technique that utilizes laser energy to liquefy fat cells. This technique is often preferred for fat removal in smaller and more delicate areas.
Laser Liposuction procedure is usually performed under general or local anesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon inserts a very thin tube or cannula containing a laser fiber under the skin. Laser energy heats and liquefies the fat cells, allowing these cells to be easily removed from the body later on.
Laser-assisted liposuction can offer several advantages. For example, the laser also tightens the surrounding tissue and skin, resulting less sagging after the procedure. At the same time the laser can also close blood vessels, which can reduce bleeding and bruising. Laser liposuction can often have a faster recovery time because it does not require general anesthesia and is less traumatic.
Power Assisted Liposuction (LIPOMATIC)
Power Assisted Liposuction (Lipomatic) is a liposuction method in which a motorized device is used to facilitate fat removal. This method provides a more precise fat extraction compared to manual liposuction.
During the Lipomatic liposuction procedure, the surgeon uses a motor that rapidly creates a back-and-forth motion. The said action facilitates the breakdown and removal of fat through the cannula. This technology allows the surgeon to apply less force, which generally means less trauma and a faster recovery time.
Lipomatic liposuction can be particularly effective at removing denser fat deposits and removing fat in fibrotic or “tight” areas. It can also result in less bleeding, less bruising and a shorter recovery time.
However, like all other liposuction techniques, Lipomatic liposuction has potential risks and complications. When this surgery is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon, the risk and complication rates are very low.
The choice of which liposuction technique to be used depends on the needs of the patient, the experience of the surgeon who will perform the procedure, and the general health status of the patient. Therefore, it is important to consult with a plastic surgeon in detail before deciding on the liposuction procedure.
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