Common Liposuction Techniques - Which One Should You Choose?

Liposuction is one of the many forms of cosmetic surgery which is used to improve the appearance of the whole or part of a person’s body. This surgery involves the removal of fat from the body by using the method of suction. The process involves insertion of thin, small and blunt tubes called cannula into the skin which are connected to a suction device known as “aspirator”. It is an outpatient procedure used by a plastic surgeon and generally does not require an overnight stay at the hospital. Usually, local anaesthesia is utilized in this procedure unless it is large amounts of fat that need to be worked on.

Reduction of weight is not the main objective, but to reshape certain parts of your body by getting rid of the fat. It is generally preferred for those areas in your body which do not respond to either exercise or diet, such as the buttocks, upper arms, and the legs. In some cases, it might also have to be combined with other procedures such as face lift, breast reduction, and abdominoplasty.

There are multiple liposuction techniques such as:

1. Laser assisted liposuction: The technique utilizes a laser to melt the excess fat in the targeted area.
2. Tumescent liposuction: Local anaesthesia is administered to the treatment area to facilitate liposuction.
3. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction: A special cannula, which transmits ultrasound waves throughout the body, is used.
4. Suction assisted liposuction: This is the standard method which utilizes a cannula which is inserted via a tiny incision.
5. Power-assisted liposuction: A special cannula capable of mechanical movement is used.
6. External ultrasound-assisted liposuction: In this method, ultrasonic waves are applied using an external device.

Certain factors to be considered
Certain medical conditions such as fatty tumours, complications in fat metabolism and enlargement of the male breasts are treated by liposuction. An improvement in the body shape might be noticed immediately after the procedure. The skin around the area where the procedure has been performed may turn loose and it may take a few months for the area to be normal again. After the procedure, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed to treat any infection that may occur. The recovery period is around a few days to one week. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult a Cosmetic/Plastic Surgeon.