subject: What's The Difference Between Wet And Super-wet Liposuction? [print this page] Over the years various methods of liposuction have been developed in an effort to make the fat removal easier and safer; thus, there are many different names for these many techniques and it is easy to become confused by all the terms, especially when some are similar. Two similar-sounding techniques are wet and super-wet liposuction. Their names are similar because their procedures are similar, but there are also a few differences between them.
Wet lipo was developed in the 1980s as a safer technique than previous ones. This technique uses a saline solution containing local anesthetic and often adrenaline that is injected under the skin of the area to be treated. These fluids reduce bleeding, bruising, and swelling. The solution also helps break up fat cells. After the injection, a small incision is made and a tube called a cannula is inserted. This cannula is jostled around to break up the fat tissue and then connected to a vacuum machine to suction the fat. When the surgery is done, the incision is stitched closed.
This technique derives its name from that solution that is injected. Other techniques that do not inject fluids are classified as dry liposuction and are more risky. The local anesthetic, often lidocaine, used in the wet lipo solution serves as a pain killer (although general anesthesia is usually used also), while the adrenaline makes the blood vessels contract, greatly reducing bleeding. Both make this technique safer than dry methods. Fluid injection also decreases bruising post-operation.
Super-wet liposuction works much the same way. However, the volume of fluid is much greater. In wet lipo only six to eight ounces of fluid is injected, regardless of the amount of fat to be removed, whereas in the super-wet technique one cubic centimeter of solution is injected for every one cubic centimeter of aspirate, or tissue and fluid, removed. But once the solution is injected, just like wet lipo, an incision is made and a cannula is used to loosen and suction the fat before finally stitching up the wound.
The super-wet technique is somewhat safer than wet liposuction because of the extra fluid. This significantly lessens any trauma inflicted on the surrounding tissue. The extra fluid also makes the fat dissolve more, so there is less blood loss than when the cannula does most of the breaking up. Consequently, recovery is less painful in most cases.
When considering liposuction, patients should research what kind of technique will fit their needs and then discuss it with a surgeon trained in that particular method. If terms and names become confusing, they should ask for clarification and ask questions until they understand how each technique works.
