Liposuction

Liposuction Info Center

Learn more about liposuction, liposculpture and body contouring!

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July 29, 2010 Liposuction info and access to doctors who specialize in Liposuction!

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Liposuction Information

What is liposuction?


Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes fat from specific areas of the body in order to improve appearance. Liposuction is not intended to be used for overall weight loss, but rather to remove fat from areas that are resistant to the effects of proper diet and regular exercise. Some of the areas most commonly treated with liposuction include:

· Legs
· Buttocks
· Hips
· Abdomen
· Back
· Upper arms
· Neck

Liposuction is often performed as an outpatient procedure. If, however, a patient is having liposuction performed on multiple areas of the body or in conjunction with other procedures, an overnight stay may be recommended. The type of anesthesia used depends on how many areas are being treated as well as the patient and surgeon’s preference. Some patients may need only a local anesthetic, which is usually administered along with a sedative. A regional anesthetic (such as an epidural block) can be used in other cases. For more extensive procedures, a general anesthetic may be recommended.

What are the different types of liposuction?

Traditional liposuction uses a thin tube called a cannula to suction fat from beneath the patient’s skin. The cannula is inserted through small, inconspicuously placed incisions and uses either a syringe or a vacuum pump to siphon fat out of the body. Fluid is removed along with the fat, and it must be replaced intravenously throughout the duration of the procedure.

Variations to the traditional liposuction procedure have been developed in order to increase patient safety and comfort and to enhance the quality of surgical results. There is not one ‘best’ technique; rather, different techniques are better suited to different patients, depending on their desired treatment areas, body composition, and general anatomy. Following is a brief description of some of the most popular liposuction techniques:

  • Tumescent Liposuction – The tumescent technique is similar to the super-wet technique, except that much more fluid is used—up to three times as much. Because of this, the tumescent technique does not often require additional anesthesia. It is more time-consuming than traditional liposuction, sometimes involving up to 4-5 hours worth of surgery.

  • Super-Wet Liposuction – The super-wet technique is performed like traditional liposuction, except that fluid is injected into the treatment area before fat is removed. The fluid consists of epinephrine, local anesthesia, and a saline solution. An amount is injected that is roughly equal to the amount of fat removed. The super-wet technique takes 1-2 hours, depending on how much fat needs to be removed.

  • Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL) – UAL uses a special cannula that emits ultrasonic energy. This energy breaks apart fat cells, making them easier to remove. UAL can be beneficial in secondary liposuction procedures as well as in more fibrous areas of the body. UAL also adds time to the traditional liposuction procedure.

  • Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) – PAL is the newest liposuction technique. It uses a motorized cannula to remove fatty tissue. The tip of the PAL cannula moves back and forth, making it easier to move through tissue than traditional cannulas. Surgeons who use PAL report a shorter operative time, reduced surgeon fatigue, and quicker recoveries for patients.

No matter which technique is used, liposuction offers most patients satisfying results and a more attractive figure.