subject: Choosing Your Liposuction Technique [print this page] Liposuction removes the fat I can't get rid of, and it's as simple as choosing the right doctor, right? Wrong! Though lipoplasty appears to be a pretty straight forward procedure, there are actually several different types of the surgery that you can get. Here are three of the main techniques. Make sure you discuss them with your doctor before deciding which type to get.
The Tumescent Technique: this relatively new procedure is considered by many surgeons to be the safest form of liposuction. It involves first injecting a solution of local anesthetic and epinephrine, which shrinks blood vessels. The solution causes the skin to swell and firm, allowing for easier fat removal.
The primary benefits of the tumescent technique are the minimal surgical bleeding, bruising, and swelling after the surgery. Also, it avoids the side effects of having a general anesthetic, like nausea and vomiting, and the recovery time after surgery is generally shorter.
For the most part, the tumescent technique is considered the safest and has the fewest side effects. However, since it is only a local anesthetic, it's possible that your surgeon may want to remove less fat than he or she would otherwise.
Also, there is a risk of lidocaine toxicity with this type of liposuction, when too much of one substance (lidocaine) is present in the solution. This can make it more difficult for your body to metabolize the drug, and the fluid may begin to build up in the lungs.
Ultrasonic liposuction: The idea behind this type of lypoplasty is to use high-pitched sound waves to "shake" the fat cells loose or even melt them so that it can be suctioned out of the body more quickly.
First, the same tumescent fluids are injected, then the surgeon uses a generator to send the ultrasonic waves (basically high-pitched sounds) through the cannula (a little tube they insert to reach the fat deposits) to liquefy the fat cells.
This technique for liposuction is especially recommended for areas that are more difficult to reach, such as areas on the face and neck. Also, the ultrasonic method is effective at targeting areas with a denser fat build-up and removing more fat at one time than other techniques. Plus, it is more effective at tightening the skin after surgery to avoid skin bags that can occur after other procedures.
However, since the ultrasonic method involves a high heat, there is a risk of burns, blisters, and potentially even scarring. Also, patients have reported more frequent seroma formation after ultrasonic liposuction. Seromas are pockets of fluid that sometimes form beneath the skin that can be either temporary or long-lasting and can be treated by draining the seroma with a syringe.
Smartlipo: Smartlipo is a new procedure that uses laser technology to melt away fat and also firm the skin. Small tubes, or cannulas, holding laser fibers are inserted in the skin, then moved back and forth, hitting, bursting, and draining fat cells. The procedure generally takes less than an hour per targeted area, and only a local anesthetic is required.
Some of the advantages of the Smartlipo liposuction procedure are the shorter recovery time (sometimes referred to as a "lunchtime lipo), minimal post-op pain and bruising, and minimal visible damage to the skin.
There aren't many risks associated with Smartlipo, other than a slight risk of infection. Also, some patients notice swelling and bruising that is not uncommon for liposuction recovery.
