Understanding The Facts About A Few Different Types Of Liposuction

If you have been recently working out and dieting to try to lose weight, then you may be surprised to learn that certain areas of the body hold fat for a long time. The hormone levels in your body typically have a lot to do with the amount of fat that you store, and they also dictate where the fat is kept. This may mean that your body is working against you when it comes to losing your love handles or back fat. If you feel that your weight loss regimen has left you with very few positive results, then liposuction may be right for you. You have several options when it comes to the treatment, so keep reading to learn a bit about a few of your liposuction choices. 

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is the traditional type of liposuction. While the procedure may require general anesthesia if large amounts of fat are removed, this is generally unnecessary. A local anesthetic will be injected into the body instead. Injections will occur in the layer of fat that will be removed. The anesthetic does several things. It numbs the area to block pain and it also firms up the pocket of fat so it can be removed much more easily. A small amount of epinephrine will be added to the injection, which helps to constrict the blood vessels so bleeding risks are reduced. 

Once you are fully prepared, a long, hollow, and thin metal tube is connected to a vacuum. The tube is called a cannula. Small incisions are made deep in the skin so the layer of fat can be reached. The cannula is moved into the body and shifted around the fat. The firm fat is then sucked up through the cannula, where it moves into a large container. The incisions are sutured and compression garments are wrapped around your body. 

Traditional liposuction is considered to be highly effective. It can be painful though, and it can cause bruising across the body. You may notice some scars as well around larger incision sites. If you are not prepared for a serious surgical procedure, then tumescent liposuction may not be right for you.

Ultrasound Liposuction

If you are looking for a far less invasive form of fat removal, then ultrasound liposuction may be a better option for you. The procedure may start out with an epinephrine anesthetic fluid much like the traditional liposuction to help harden layers of fat. Incisions will be required as well. However, the treatment eliminates the need for the violent pumping motions that typically occur with the traditional cannula. This can reduce some bleeding, bruising, and scarring concerns. A cannula will still be used, but the device will generate ultrasonic sound waves. The cannula is slipped into the body and the waves cause the previously hardened fat to break down. Liquid fat then fills the body cavity and the cannula sucks it up. 

Ultrasound liposuction has the benefit of creating far less tissue damage, since the cannula will not need to be moved or shifted aggressively to remove fat. Incisions can be made smaller as well since the tool can be slipped more gently underneath the skin. However, the treatment may not remove as much fat as traditional liposuction. Also, the sound waves will create some heat. If the metal tube is left in one area too long, then it can cause burns and blisters to form on the body. 

Laser-assisted liposuction can be completed in addition to or in place of the ultrasound treatment. Lasers will remove less fat than the ultrasonic cannula though, so make sure to speak with your cosmetic professional to learn about how much fat you want removed from the body. This will help to determine which type of treatment will work best for your needs. For more information, contact a medical center like Medilaser, Cosmetic Surgery and Vein Center.