subject: Explore Several Different Liposuction Techniques [print this page] In society today, with America's high standards of physical beauty, many people are exploring the possibilities of cosmetic surgery. Liposuction is the most popular of these surgeries, partly because of America's obesity rate, which is steadily increasing. In New York City alone, the obesity rate increased from 19.5% in 2002 to 22.8% in 2004, and it continues to increase.
Considering the heightened interest in liposuction, due in part to the rising rate of obesity, many people have asked questions regarding the procedure of the surgery. Liposuction, which literally means the suction of fat, is a process where excess fat is removed from localized target areas--usually the abdomen, hips, buttocks, neck, or thighs. There are however, several different ways to perform liposuction. Is one preferred over the others? Is one safer than the others? How do I know which technique to choose?
In the procedure in general, liposuction removes fat deposits in specific target areas by using a hollow stainless steel tube, a cannula, and a powerful vacuum. The surgery is nearly painless with the use of anesthesia. However, because the anesthesia is such a powerful drug, many people desire other alternatives. This article will briefly describe some of the different techniques of liposuction, some benefits or cautions of each, to help you decide which might be best for you and your needs.
The fluid injection technique is a procedure where fluid is inserted into the fatty area prior to its removal. This technique allows the surgeon to remove the area easier. The injection of fluid also reduces blood loss and minimizes bruising that may occur following the surgery.
The tumescent liposuction technique is a good choice if you prefer not to use general anesthesia. Similar to the fluid injection technique, this procedure injects large amounts of anesthesia and medicine into the target area. Consequently, the injection of medicine eliminates the need for general anesthesia and allows you to remain awake throughout the surgery.
The super-wet technique is one of the safer techniques because it inserts less fluid into the body than the other techniques. This procedure is extremely similar to the tumescent technique. It is however, much faster than the other treatments and therefore requires only local anesthesia.
The Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL) technique utilizes a special cannula that emits ultrasonic energy. This specialized tool liquefies the fat, allowing it to be removed much easier. This technique is often used in target areas that are especially fibrous and require more precision. This procedure is also used in conjunction with other techniques and usually takes more time to complete.
Moreover, there are many different ways to perform liposuction. It is best to consult a doctor to discuss which technique is right for you. As you learn more about the surgery, you will be able to make more educated decisions and have the best results possible.
