Most people know that liposuction is a body contouring technique which allows a patient the opportunity to have unsightly fat removed from specific areas of the body. There are several liposuction techniques provided by plastic surgeons which include 1) tumescent 2) power assisted 3) laser liposuction and 4) vaser liposuction.
All of these procedures start with tumescence, which means 'to be swollen with fluids'. Injecting localized anesthetic mixed with a saline solution swells the liposuction region and keeps blood loss and tissue damage to a minimum. In tumescent liposuction, a doctor will inject the large amount of liquid into the surgery sight and use a cannula to suction out fat from that region. This is one of the most common liposuction treatments administered.
Power-assisted liposuction is a two-step process and utilizes a tool that moves rapidly in and out of a cannula and is powered by a motor. This technique helps alleviate surgeon fatigue.
Laser Liposuction is a three step technique where a laser is used to liquefy fat, which is then, sucked out of the area. This technique is also called Smart-Lipo, LipoLite and Cool-Lipo; each one uses lasers that vary in the wavelengths.
Vaser liposuction is a two-step technique that uses sound waves instead of a laser. The fat is loosened and then suctioned out.
These are just a few of the liposuction techniques used by plastic surgeons. It's up to the patient to decide which technique will be best for them. Talk with your preferred doctor about the pros and cons of these techniques so you can make an educated, informed, and confident decision.
