Types of Liposuction: The Basics

When you stand naked in the mirror, you see it again – that aggravating belly fat that won't melt away no matter how much you diet or exercise. You're so weary of that bulging fat you're ready to take a knife to it.

Don't do that! But when diet and exercise don't burn stubborn fat away, you may want to opt for liposuction. Liposuction is incredible for sucking out those irritating fat pockets that won't go away. Imagine: One quick procedure can 'slurp' out the stubborn body fat that has bugged you for years!

This guide covers the basics of liposuction, what you can expect, types of liposuction, and more.

Why People Get Liposuction

Many people are annoyed by body fat they can't quickly lose, so liposuction is one of the most common cosmetic procedures these days. Here are several reasons why liposuction procedure is so popular:

• It's fast and efficient body contouring procedure for removing stubborn fat.
• It improves skin laxity.
• It removes stubborn, localized body fat in the abdomen, hips, calves, thighs, arms, buttocks, face, neck, and back.
• You can liposuction several sites in one surgical procedure to liquefied fat.
• Sucks away extra skin and fat from pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.
• Safe and effective.

Different Types of Liposuction

Below are details of different types of liposuction procedures. Keep in mind that liposuction isn't an 'easy out' way to avoid diet and exercise. If you're obese, you need to get to your target weight before considering body contouring procedure like liposuction as an option.

Suction-Assisted Liposuction

This is the oldest type of liposuction techniques. Small cuts are made over the fatty tissue. A cannula is inserted to suction out the fat. This is a popular type of liposuction procedure that is used on the rear, legs, thighs, abdomen, and back. It doesn't work as well for small areas, such as below the chin, because it's less precise.

This is the least expensive form of liposuction. However, it can lead to more bruising and bleeding than other types listed below. It also is harder to control how the fat removal is done. So there can be more dimpling and lumpiness. Some people may need more than one session for optimal results.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is the gold standard of liposuction – safe, proven, and reliable. Your surgeon puts a solution containing saltwater, epinephrine, and lidocaine into the fatty area that you dislike. This solution makes the fatty tissue swell and stiffen, and it also lowers pain and bleeding.

The plastic surgeon makes tiny cuts in the skin and sticks a small cannula in them to suck out the fat and solution.

Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

Your surgeon puts a rod under your skin that releases ultrasonic waves or ultrasound energy. This bursts the fat cells walls and makes them break down so they can be suctioned away. There also is a new ultrasound assisted liposuction called VASER that offers a lower chance of loose skin damage. It also can provide superior skin contouring over traditional UAL.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)

Laser assisted liposuction utilizes a special laser to destroy the fat cells for easy removal. The surgeon places a small laser fiber through tiny incisions and liquefies the fat removal. Then it is vacuumed out with a cannula.

Power assisted liposuction (PAL)

Power assisted liposuction shares similarities with traditional liposuction, but it employs a vibrating-tipped cannula to aid in breaking down fat cells and facilitating the fat removal procedure. It is occasionally categorized as a variant of high-definition liposuction, akin to Vaser liposuction.

What You Can Expect

Ready to suck that fat away? Excellent! But first, let's review how the process will unfold:

• Consultation: Your surgeon will review your surgical goals during your initial consultation. He will learn why you want liposuction, where you want it, and ensure you have realistic expectations. Also, he'll ask about current medications and any recent surgeries you've had.
• Procedure: Depending on the type of liposuction chosen, your surgeon will follow one of the liposuction surgeries we described earlier.
• Aftermath: After your procedure, your surgeon will place compression garments over the treated areas to help reduce swelling and make the skin shape to the new contours.
• Recovery: Most people can go back to work after a few days. You could have swelling for several weeks, and final results may take up to six months to show.

A Word About Traditional Liposuction Safety

Most cosmetic procedures done today are safe. Liposuction has been performed for decades, and the lipo risks are minor; after all, the process is minimally invasive. Of course, there are rare problems that happen that require medical intervention. They seldom occur if you see a board-certified plastic surgeon.

According to a clinical study overseen by the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 1,000 liposuction cases with severe complications were reviewed. This study found that most problems would never have happened if the surgeons followed necessary safety procedures.

Remember that an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon seldom has serious complications arise during any liposuction surgery. Most patients only experience minor pain, bruising, and swelling that dissipate within a few weeks.

Questions and Answers

What is the most effective type of liposuction?

Tumescent is the favored choice for liposuction in the United States, being the most widely performed cosmetic procedure. It surpasses traditional liposuction in effectiveness, safety, and comfort, boasting a speedier liposuction recovery period as well.

Which type of lipo removes the most fat?

Tumescent is effective on a wide range of body areas and can successfully eliminate substantial amounts of fat. According to some surgeons, each tumescent liposuction session can result in the removal of approximately five to ten pounds of fat.

What is the newest type of liposuction?

This new method of laser liposuction closely resembles ultrasonic liposuction, but it diverges by employing laser energy to transform the fat into a liquid state. A cannula and a vacuum aspirator are then used to remove the emulsified fat.

Can liposuction be done at the same time as a tummy tuck?

Yes, liposuction can be done with a tummy tuck. These cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are often combined and have their own designated term: lipoabdominoplasty.

How much does liposuction cost for your stomach?

The cost of liposuction can vary based on the chosen location and the specific body areas undergoing treatment.

Request a Liposuction Consultation

Can you imagine how wonderful it would be to suck that annoying fat pocket off your belly or thighs? You can make it happen with a cosmetic surgery procedure like liposuction! Dr. Aric Aghayan is a skilled plastic surgeon and is proud to serve Portland area patients at his practice, Après Plastic Surgery.

He will consult with you for your liposuction procedure today. He'll go over the options, your goals, and more to determine if you're an ideal candidate for liposuction.

References

• Strategies for Reducing Fatal Complications in Liposuction. (October 2017). Accessed at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5682182/
• About Liposuction. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liposuction/about/pac-20384586
• Liposuction Recovery. (n.d). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/recovery