Last Updated on January 8, 2025 by Caesar
Liposuction removes or redistributes fat in your abdomen, waist, hips, buttocks, or other areas of the body. Your plastic surgeon determines the right technique based on your needs and the area being worked on. The procedure involves a small incision made in the skin and the insertion of a tube that is used to suck out the fat. Here are the methods used during liposuction procedures:
Tumescent Liposuction
In tumescent liposuction, your plastic surgeon injects a saline solution into the targeted fat areas. The solution contains a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort and numb the area and epinephrine to constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding. Surgeons use local anesthesia because it is safer than general anesthesia and allows the procedure to be done while you are awake. The saline solution causes the targeted area to swell and become firm, making it easier to remove fat. Surgeons inject the solution at a volume greater than the amount of fat that will be removed to avoid low blood pressure.
Plastic surgeons use tumescent liposuction to remove fat from the abdomen, upper arms, and thighs. The procedure can also be used on the knees, neck, breasts, waistline, and buttocks. Tumescent liposuction is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that is less painful and offers a quick recovery time.
Super-Wet Technique
The super-wet liposuction technique is similar to tumescent liposuction but involves less fluid. Surgeons inject the same amount of saline solution as the fat to be removed, resulting in a faster process. The solution helps to loosen fat cells and reduce trauma during the procedure. Your surgeon then inserts a small cannula into the area to remove the excess fat. Super-wet liposuction can result in better contouring and less bleeding, swelling, and bruising. The procedure also reduces surgical risk and requires fewer anesthetics.
Super-wet liposuction usually results in less post-operative pain. You can return to regular activity within a few days, but the incision will need a couple of weeks to heal. Compression garments can provide support to speed up healing and recovery. Surgeons usually recommend the procedure if you have stubborn fat in the abdomen, arms, back, and thighs that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise.
UAL and PAL
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) uses ultrasound vibrations to create energy that liquefies and dissolves the fat for easy suction. The ultrasound helps break down fat in fibrous areas like the male chest, back, and upper flank. Fat deposits in these areas may not be fully broken down and removed using other liposuction techniques. UAL is also used to treat gynecomastia but involves larger incisions and requires longer surgery. VASER liposuction also uses ultrasound technology and sound energy to break down dense or fibrous fat. Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) relies on a mechanized cannula that moves back and forth. The rapid movement helps speed up fat removal, making the process less physically demanding on your surgeon.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction
Some plastic surgeons offer laser-assisted liposuction, which uses laser energy to liquefy fat. The technique also provides heat that helps to tighten your skin, resulting in enhanced contours. The surgeon creates a small incision to access the targeted area and inserts a laser fiber to emulsify the fat. Laser-assisted liposuction is used for smaller treatment areas and results in less bruising and swelling.
Speak to a Plastic Surgeon Today
Liposuction can help you achieve a desirable shape and size when other methods like diet and exercise are ineffective. Surgeons also offer abdominoplasty and arm lifts to help flatten the stomach and tighten loose skin left after fat removal. Contact a plastic surgeon today to learn more about liposuction procedures, preparations, and recovery.
