Tumescent, ultrasonic, and laser-assisted liposuction. These are the three major types of liposuction available in centers like Smart Lipo and each one has its risks and rewards. Be sure to ask your doctor about these matters before choosing the type of liposuction you want to undergo.
Tumescent Liposuction
This involves the injection of lidocaine, a local anesthetic, and epinephrine for shrinking the capillaries; both drugs are typically administered via the subcutaneous fat. The lidocaine injections are in such large quantities that the target areas become swollen but firm, thus, the name of the procedure. The epinephrine injection virtually eliminates the risk of bleeding during the operation.
Tumescent liposuction also eliminates the need for narcotic analgesics, intravenous sedatives, and general anesthesia. But it must also be emphasized that it has the highest risk of side effects and complications in comparison to the other types.
Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction
This uses ultrasound energy in breaking up and loosening the excess fatty tissues from the body. The plastic surgeon then has an easier time in removing larger amounts of fatty tissues that, in turn, means faster surgery time and lesser risks. The ultrasound also liquefies the fat cells before these are removed.
Emphasis must be made, furthermore, that even with its high effectiveness rate, ultrasonic-assisted liposuction isn’t intended as a weight loss tool. Instead, it’s best used to target small areas of stubborn fatty tissues that diet and exercise cannot remove.
Ultrasonic assisted liposuction has several benefits including:
- More precise removal of fatty tissues
- Removes so-called fat rolls, the stubborn fibrous fat
- Increased skin contraction
- Better preservation of the surrounding nerves
Plus, your doctor will be less tired after the procedure since ultrasonic assisted liposuction makes for faster fat removal.
Laser Assisted Liposuction
This obviously uses laser beams in dislodging the fat cells and, thus, it’s effective on its own. But many plastic surgeons also combine laser assisted liposuction with traditional liposuction since the combo will likely produce better results, mainly in shrinking and tightening skin.
With the technology, people who have previously shied away from liposuction now give it a shot. When combined with traditional liposuction, laser lipolysis can result in well-sculpted bodies and tighter skin. Patients then can enjoy tighter and leaner abdomens without undergoing further surgery for loose or sagging skin.
Plus, it can be done on an outpatient basis and it has a relatively short recovery period.
In all of these types of liposuction, keep in mind that there will always be the risks of infection, bleeding, nerve injury, scarring allergic reactions to the drugs, and blood clots. We cannot overemphasize the need to undergo liposuction with a reliable plastic surgeon at the helm.
