Thinking About Liposuction?
For years, liposuction has transformed the look and confidence of millions of patients. Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes stubborn, unwanted body fat. The procedure uses a suction technique to break up and remove the fat in places like the belly, arms, legs, buttocks, and back. There are several liposuction techniques, each with specific advantages to the patient. Understanding the difference will allow patients the opportunity to look and feel the best.
Benefits of liposuction
Liposuction is a safe, effective procedure that's risen in popularity for several reasons. The treatment is a great way to permanently remove unwanted fat that won't budge with diet and exercise. Liposuction is also minimally invasive, meaning there is little downtime. Some people also benefit from liposuction, as reducing body weight can improve overall health. Best of all, the joy and confidence that patients receive from results are priceless. If a doctor determines a patient is a good candidate, there are 4 surgical options available.
1. Tumescent liposuction
Tumescent liposuction is the most common type of liposuction and a variant of the original suction procedure. The original liposuction involved using a large needle called a cannula to extract the fat. However, doctors had difficulty identifying fat and the suction method had longer downtimes. Tumescent adds a combination of saline and anesthesia to the treatment area before extracting. The process swells the area, making fat extraction easier for doctors. The doctor will use the cannula and vacuum system to remove the fat and fluids.
2. Power-assisted liposuction (PAL)
With power liposuction, the surgeon uses a rapid-moving cannula to help extract the fat. The cannula is passed through a small incision and turned on. The vibration breaks up the fat walls and fat cells, then the doctor extracts the fat.
3. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)
As the name suggests, doctors use the power of ultrasound to support the fat removal process. Ultrasound technology emits sound waves to create massive energy in the treatment area. This energy breaks up the fat cells, which can then be removed with the cannula. UAL works best for stubborn areas that tumescent liposuction cannot treat.
4. Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL)
Lasers have been used in cosmetic procedures for decades. Instead of sound, LAL uses an intense, pulsed light to break up fat in stubborn areas. The doctor will insert a tiny laser fiber through the skin to break up fat cells. In some cases, a laser probe can be inserted through the cannula. Laser is very efficient at breaking down fat to an almost viscous solution, making extraction easier.
Talk to your surgeon
These 4 procedures are effective at removing stubborn fat long-term. Discuss weight loss goals with a cosmetic surgeon. The surgeon can help with the best procedure based on several factors. These include the areas that need to be addressed, general health, recovery time, and finances. After the correct procedure, up to 80% of patients are satisfied.
