4 Types of Liposuction to Choose From

If you have excess fat that you can't seem to get rid of with diet and exercise, you might be considering liposuction. While this type of cosmetic surgery is very effective, there are a lot of new technologies and techniques that can perform liposuction. Here are four different techniques that are different from the traditional method of liposuction.

Laser Liposuction

The first type of liposuction you can get is called laser liposuction. This is one of the less invasive methods used for removing excess fat. Laser liposuction works by placing a laser inside a cannula, then using that to melt the fat from different parts of your body. Once it melts the fat and the fat liquefies, it is removed from your body with very small incisions. Since the fat is being removed after it is liquefied, it is much gentler and your recovery period can be a lot faster. There is also minimal scarring after the procedure is complete. It will also protect muscle and nerve tissue since only fatty tissue is affected by the laser.

Ultrasonic Liposuction

You can also get ultrasonic liposuction, which is a method that incorporates high-pitched sound waves. Similar to laser liposuction, these sound waves can melt the fat so it is easier to remove from your body. There will be a couple tiny incisions where the liquefied fat is removed or suctioned out. Ultrasonic liposuction is better for smaller areas of excess fat, such as your chin, cheeks, neck, ankles, knees, or calves. It may be used for these smaller areas, while another type of liposuction is used on the larger areas, such as your abdomen or breasts.

Vaser Liposuction

Vaser liposuction is similar to the ultrasonic liposuction, though it breaks down the fat in a slightly different way. With vaser liposuction, a saline solution is injected in the area where the fat will be removed. This has an anesthetic in it so you don't feel any discomfort while the procedure is taking place. Then ultrasound high-frequency vibrations are used to break apart the fat cells, instead of using sound waves to liquefy the fat. Once the fat cells are loosened by the cells breaking down, the fat is removed with a cannula.

Tumescent Liposuction

Finally, you can get tumescent liposuction. This type of liposuction begins with injections of epinephrine and dilute lidocaine, which is a type of local anesthetic. When it is injected into the fat, the fat becomes firm and swollen. The cosmetic surgeon can then remove the fat once it gets firm. While this a slightly more invasive procedure, it is still often preferred to traditional liposuction. This method is used when the surgeon needs to remove large areas of fat in a shorter period of time. It is often used on the abdomen, hips, and buttocks.

For more information, talk to a professional like Plastic Surgery Innovation PC to see which type of liposuction is best for you.