Tumescent Liposuction Vs. Ultrasonic Liposuction

Both Tumescent and Ultrasonic Liposuction are methods of body contouring. Tumescent is considered the traditional form of liposuction and has been used in surgery for many years. Ultrasonic Liposuction is a newer, but possibly superior, method of body sculpting.

History

• Tumescent liposuction has been performed by cosmetic surgeons in the U.S. since the mid-1970s. Ultrasonic liposuction was introduced in 1987, but has evolved as ultrasonic technology has improved.

Treatable Areas

• Both tumescent and ultrasonic liposuction are excellent choices for the removal of fat from the abdomen, thighs, love handles and upper back. However, many surgeons think that ultrasonic liposuction is a gentler method, so it can treat even the most sensitive areas--such as the chin, neck, inner thighs and arms.

Suction Process

• Ultrasonic liposuction also differs from tumescent in that it uses ultrasonic energy to essentially liquefy fat before suction, while the traditional method simply suctions the fat without breaking it down first.

Pain

• Generally, patients who undergo ultrasonic liposuction experience less pain, swelling and bruising than those who opt for tumescent liposuction. This is credited to the process of emulsifying the fat while inside the body, prior to suctioning.

Recovery

• Both Ultrasonic and tumescent liposuction involve a recovery process. After undergoing either procedure, patients should count on taking a few days off work.