The Cutting Edge Techniques Behind Liposuction

If you have extra fat in parts of your body that resist diet and exercise, you probably have heard of liposuction. This popular cosmetic surgery removes fat from those stubborn areas to sculpt your body and contours.

Thousands of men and women have liposuction annually to look better in their clothes or just to feel better about themselves.

In recent years, liposuction techniques have gotten more advanced and refined, so most patients enjoy impressive results. Please continue reading to learn more about the cutting-edge techniques used in liposuction today.

Types Of Liposuction

According to Plastic Surgeon Dr. Aric Aghayan, “There are many advanced liposuction methods available today. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, and your plastic surgeon will consult with you to decide which is the best option in your case.”

Aghayan also notes that the skill and experience of your board-certified plastic surgeon make the most significant difference in the results.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction has been the gold standard of liposuction techniques for many years. This procedure involves removing fat from problem areas with a cannula and suction device.

But tumescent liposuction also features lidocaine and epinephrine, which are injected into the fatty area first.

Lidocaine is an anesthetic that reduces pain and causes the fat cells to swell. Epinephrine is used to constrict blood vessels, which leads to less bleeding.

After the surgeon injects lidocaine and epinephrine into the target area, the fat and fluids are suctioned out with the cannula. Using lidocaine and epinephrine reduces pain and bleeding and makes it easier for the surgeon to remove the fat.

Tumescent liposuction is popular because it is easier to sculpt the target area than the original ‘dry’ liposuction method. Also, less swelling and bleeding means a quicker recovery.

While tumescent liposuction isn’t as advanced as some of the newer techniques described below, it’s still the most popular method. This is because it’s safe, affordable, and effective.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

Ultrasound has been used for imaging for more than 40 years. In recent years, ultrasound has been adopted for liposuction procedures.

Ultrasound features high-frequency sound waves that create high energy levels in tissues where it’s concentrated. In the hands of a skilled plastic surgeon, ultrasound-assisted liposuction can liquify fat cells, which makes them easier to remove with a cannula.

UAL is considered a cutting-edge method to remove pockets of tough fat, including the male chest, under the chin, and on the back. Recovery is similar to tumescent liposuction, but some patients report occasional blistering.

Plastic surgeons prefer UAL for tough fat because it can easily remove it in a single treatment. With other methods, removing fibrous fat can take two or three procedures.

Some patients report more numbness after UAL than other methods, but it’s still popular and becoming the standard for many surgeons.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)

LAL is like ultrasound-assisted liposuction, but it uses a laser to liquefy the fat. In this procedure, your surgeon inserts a laser probe through the cannula. Then, lidocaine and epinephrine are injected into the treatment area to reduce pain and bleeding.

The surgeon makes tiny incisions to insert the cannula and laser probe, making the scars almost invisible.

Surgeons often say LAL is one of the best cutting-edge liposuction methods available. The laser is small, and a tiny cannula is used to remove the liquid fat. So, this type of procedure requires tiny incisions.

Also, laser-assisted liposuction is easy for the surgeon to control, so it’s the most precise procedure available. As a result, your plastic surgeon can fine-tune your results and give you the best results.

For example, many surgeons use LAL for abdominal liposuction. The precision of the small laser allows the abdominal muscles to be sculpted for the classic six-pack look.

LAL also can be used on the face because it’s so precise, so it’s an excellent choice for removing stubborn fat from the cheeks or chin.

Lasers also are effective for skin tightening, so many patients discover their skin is tighter and firmer, too.

Recovery with LAL can take longer than other methods, and some patients may need pain relievers for a few weeks. But your surgeon can provide you with a prescription to get you through the early stages of recovery.

SmartLipo

SmartLipo is a new type of liposuction that also uses lasers. But it’s different from LAL because it uses two different frequencies. One is effective for liquefying fat in areas where precise sculpting is needed.

The other tightens tissues and skin in the treated area and stimulates collagen production.

SmartLipo is an advanced method that is growing in popularity. But, first, it tightens skin in the treatment area more than other methods. So, you don’t need to fret about the possibility of loose or sagging skin after liposuction.

Second, SmartLipo is faster than other techniques, so one treatment often is enough. And recovery takes only three or four days.

It’s also the most precise form of liposuction. As a result, you can sculpt your abs or flanks, and even the face. And you get tight, smooth skin and the benefits of fat removal.

Which Type Of Liposuction Is Best For You?

There are several advanced liposuction methods, but which is best for you? Your plastic surgeon will consult with you before the procedure to decide which way will be the best option.

Some considerations are:

• The parts of the body you want sculpted
• How much fat you want removed
• How much you want to spend
• How much recovery time you want
• Whether you want skin tightening as well as liposuction
• Whether you can tolerate general anesthesia
• Your pain tolerance

Talk to your plastic surgeon about your priorities and aesthetic goals, and they can select the best cutting-edge liposuction procedure for you.