How Liposuction Works

By: N. Messe Click author's name for more of his/her articles

Liposuction or lipoplasty is a type of cosmetic surgery or a procedure for body sculpting. It is a technique which removes pockets of excess fat from certain troublesome regions of the body like the abdomen, thighs, hips, and under arms. It is one of the most popular and safest body contouring surgeries.

Liposuction is a straightforward technique which is performed usually under local anesthesia. The stubborn excess fatty tissue that has accumulated in certain areas of the body are targeted and suctioned from beneath the skin. This is done by inserting a cannula through tiny incisions made in the skin. The cannula is then pushed and pulled, breaking up the fatty tissues and the surrounding fluid. This is suctioned out by a vacuuming device that is attached to the cannula.

There are three different types of liposuction that are performed today. Tumescent Liposuction is the most popular, effective, and safest method. This is performed by using larger amounts of anesthesia which reduces any swelling, bleeding, and post-surgery pain and irregularities of the skin.

There are two variations of this procedure, one known as the wet technique and the other known as the super-wet technique. During the wet method, the surgeon administers the local anesthesia directly into the tissue. In the super-wet technique, intravenous sedation, or a general anesthesia is used.

Ultrasonic liposuction uses ultrasonic waves that are transmitted through the cannula which liquefies the fat cells. This liquid is then easily suctioned out with the help of a vacuum pump. The patient receives only local anesthesia in this case.

Power assisted liposuction is performed with the help of a special type of cannula that produces small rapid vibrations. These vibrations effectively break up the fat cells which are then vacuumed out.

Like any surgery that is performed under anesthesia, there are certain risk factors to consider. However, since a great deal of liposuction procedures can be performed under a local anesthesia, many problems are reduced. These include skin irregularities, nerve damage, and delays in the healing process. Some more serious risks such as fat clots, blood clots, and seizures become less of a problem as well. Of course, the reactions to anesthetic that some patients experience are virtually eliminated by using a local.

Liposuction is less invasive, so there is less scarring and bruising than regular surgery. The patient heals quickly with no side effects or complications in the vast majority of cases. This procedure can treat several areas at one time and so enormous amounts of fat and cellulite can be removed all at once.

However, we have saved the best advantage until last. It is the tremendous boost in self esteem that the patient experiences when they view themselves in front of the mirror. In order to maintain the new look, it is advisable to stick to a healthy lifestyle, with a proper diet and plenty of regular exercise.

Obviously you should only agree to have liposuction performed on your body if it is recommended by a skilled liposuction practitioner working in an established clinic with a history of successful operations. Find out as much information as you can about any clinic and physician you are considering. Check with local medical regulatory bodies to confirm they are in good standing within the medical community.

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About The Author: Nick Messe is president of Lead Frog LLC. In the Chicago Land area the Women's Institute of Cosmetic & Laser Surgery provides liposuction and other types of cosmetic and laser surgery. The Institute is an all female {Chicago cosmetic surgery|Chicago plastic surgery|Chicago liposuction|Illinois cosmetic surgery|Illinois plastic surgery practice with medical offices throughout Chicago Land.