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Tumescent Liposuction

There are several different liposuction techniques used today, each offering its own benefits and drawbacks.

While traditional suction-assisted liposuction remains the standard fat-removal method, other techniques that use lasers and ultrasound are gaining in popularity.

Dry Liposuction
This method removes fat without injecting any fluid into the body. Dry lipo is rarely used today since newer, safer techniques have been developed.

Wet Liposuction
During wet lipo, a small amount of fluid is injected into the targeted area. Known as infusate, this fluid contains Lidocaine (a local anesthetic), Epinephrine (which reduces bleeding) and a saline solution. Infusate loosens fat cells, minimizes pain and prevents bruise-forming subcutaneous bleeding. The fat cells are then suctioned out.

 

Super-wet Liposuction
In this method, infusate equal to the amount of fat removed is injected into the targeted body area.

Tumescent Liposuction
During tumescent lipo, a large amount of infusate (about three or four times the amount of fat removed) is injected into the targeted area. The additional fluid creates more space between muscles and fatty tissue, which allows extra space for the suction tube. Most surgeons prefer tumescent and super-wet techniques for high-volume liposuction because they can better control bleeding and fluid balance.

Liposculpture
In liposculpture, a surgeon carefully reshapes the body, paying special attention to individual curves and contours. A microcannula, or an ultra-fine suction tube, is sometimes used to create a more detailed, natural result.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
This technique uses a specially designed cannula to emit ultrasonic vibrations. These vibrations cause fat cells to burst and liquefy, making them easier to remove than with traditional SAL.

Though ultrasonic liposuction often causes less scarring than wet liposuction, the procedure takes longer and can carry a greater risk of subcutaneous fluid pockets. When performing UAL, surgeons sometimes use a mechanized cannula to reduce manual movements. This is called Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL).

External Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (XUAL or EUAL)
XUAL is a type of UAL in which the ultrasonic energy is applied through the skin from outside the body. This technique was developed to lessen the risk of skin death (necrosis) and fluid pockets (seromas) associated with UAL and other lipo techniques. XUAL patients usually experience less discomfort and blood loss, and can have more areas targeted than with traditional methods. Despite its benefits, XUAL is not yet widely used.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction

Laser-assisted lipo can be performed using one of two methods.

The first employs a cold or low-level laser that has no effect on outer skin layers. This fine-tuned laser allows surgeons to liquefy fat deposits prior to liposuction without burning or puncturing tissue, leaving patients with less pain and minimal scarring.

The second method, called Smartlipo, uses a small cannula with a laser-emitting tip. The tube is inserted through a small incision, directly targeting and rupturing fat cells. The ruptured cells can be suctioned out, or they may naturally dissipate through the body.  While melting fat, Smartlipo also tightens skin by causing collagen to retract. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved both of these methods in 2006. 

 

Water-Assisted Liposuction (WAL)
A new technique, WAL is not yet approved by the FDA in the U.S. The technique uses a thin, fan-shaped beam of fluid, and reportedly requires less solution and causes much less pain than traditional techniques.

 

Now that you've learned about liposuction procedures like tumescent liposuction, move on to the liposuction warnings and risks page.

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