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Liposuction Description

Liposuction is a surgical procedure to remove fat from beneath the skin using a hollow tube known as a cannula and a vacuum. Liposuction is not designed for dramatic weight loss; instead, it gets rid of fat that has persisted despite diet and exercise. Ideal liposuction candidates are active, healthy and close to their ideal weight.

  1. Types

    • Generally a liposuction involves injecting the area that is being treated with tumescent liquid, which is a saline solution containing local anesthetic, to numb the area and reduce trauma. Small incisions are made on the skin and a cannula is inserted to remove fat. Liposuction can be carried out using different techniques. Tumescent liposuction involves the use of a manual cannula that the doctor moves by hand. Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL) uses the cannula to administer ultrasonic energy and heat on the fat before removing it. Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL) uses motor-powered cannula, making the process easier for the surgeon and less traumatic for the patient's body. Newer techniques using technologies such as laser have also appeared.

    Tumescent Liposuction

    • During a tumescent liposuction, the tumescent liquid is injected into the area being treated, small incisions are made and a cannula is inserted. A vacuum machine is connected to the cannula, which the surgeon moves back and forth under the skin to remove the fat. This technique is generally considered to be the safest and most effective liposuction technique.

    Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

    • In a UAL, a doctor injects the tumescent fluid into the area being treated. A generator produces high frequency sound waves and transmits it to the cannula. When the cannula touches the fat cells, they become liquid and are vacuumed out. UAL can treat denser fat deposits and remove more fat per session. It also allows more precision and tightens the skin. UAL is usually used to remove fat in hard-to-treat areas in addition to tumescent liposuction.

    Power Assisted Liposuction

    • The cannula used in PAL is powered by an electric motor. In this procedure, tumescent liquid is injected, then the special cannula is used to remove the fat. PAL allows the doctor to make more precise motions and target specific areas. The special cannula is also more gentle on the patient's body and will reduce recovery time.

    Newer Techniques

    • New technologies in liposuction have been invented. Laser liposuction is designed to target less accessible body parts by using precise lasers that target only fat cells. Some laser liposuction systems include SmartLipo, LipoTherme and LipoControl, CoolLipo, ProLipo and LipoLite. Another type of liposuction technique is water jet assisted liposuction, in which a cannula irrigates the fat cells using a slightly pressurized flow of saline to loosen fat cells and then vacuums them out.

    Risks

    • Liposuction is a surgical procedure, and carries with it potential risks and complications such as infections and swellings. Rippling or wavy skin may also occur before the skin adapts to the body's new contours. If liposuction is carried out on both sides of the body, for example in both thighs, they may not be symmetrical. The area where the procedure is performed may also experience increased sensitivity or numbness. Blood clots and seroma or a pooling of fluid may occur. Large volumes of anesthesia may also cause lightheadedness, restlessness, drowsiness, ringing in ears, slurred speech, metallic taste in mouth, numbness of lips and tongue, shivering, muscle twitching and convulsions.

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