Types of Liposuction

There are a variety of different types of liposuction, which vary in the way they are performed.

These include:

* Traditional liposuction
* Tumescent Liposuction
* Super-Wet Liposuction
* Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
* Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
* LipoSelection(R)

Traditional Liposuction

Traditional liposuction is based on the technique originally invented for surgical suction assisted fat removal. It is performed under general anaesthetic so you will be asleep throughout the procedure. The surgeon will make an incision and insert a cannula into the deep fat layer. This will be moved back and forth to break up and remove the fat cells with the assistance of suction from an attached vacuum pump. When the required amount of fat has been removed, the incisions will be closed using a few stitches or may be left open to limit the amount of bruising and swelling after the procedure. A drainage tube may be inserted for a few days to prevent any fluid build-up. There is an increased risk with this type of liposuction because it requires going under general anaesthetic, however because you are unconscious it enables the surgeon to treat larger areas and multiple areas at one time.

Tumescent Liposuction

Many cosmetic surgeons regard this technique as the safest and most effective form of liposuction surgery. Large amounts of saline fluid (possibly up to three times the amount of fat to be removed) consisting of lignocaine (local anaesthetic) and adrenaline (temporarily contracts blood vessels to reduce bleeding) are injected, via small incisions, into the fatty area to be treated. The saline solution helps separate the fat from muscle by causing the compartments of fat to swell and firm up, thus making for easier removal and also reducing blood loss. A cannula is then passed back and forth through the areas of excess fat and removed via a vacuum pump or syringe. Some remaining fat and fibrous cells will break down over the next few weeks as a result of the motion of the cannula, so it is important for the physician to have this in mind and to not remove too many of the fat cells which could result in dents or scarring in the skin afterwards. This procedure takes a bit longer than basic liposuction (sometimes up to four to five hours for large areas) as the fluid has to be allowed to have its effect first. General anaesthesia is avoided in this technique.

Super-Wet Liposuction

The amount of fluid used in this technique is less than with the tumescent technique (usually only equal to the amount of fat being removed). General anaesthesia is required for this technique. The treatment takes between one and two hours and is ideal for people who want to undergo other procedures at the same time as you are already under the general anaesthetic.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)

This technique is used in areas where the fat is denser and more difficult to remove such as the upper back, male breast area, chin, neck, cheeks, knees, calves and ankles. It involves using ultrasonic energy (high pitched sound waves) via a cannula to break up the fat and liquefy it and then using traditional suction to remove it. It is often used after tumescent liposuction as a ‘fine tuning’ method as it allows for more precision. An added advantage is that it tightens the skin during the process, making it a great alternative to tummy tucks or body lifts designed to remove excess or baggy skin. It does generally take longer than basic liposuction.

Power assisted liposuction (PAL)

This technique uses a powered cannula, which produces tiny, rapid vibrations (about 5,000 times a minute) from its tip, to loosen and break up fat cells. It allows the doctor to remove fat with controlled and precise motions and even though it sounds rough, it is actually gentler than traditional liposuction because the vibrations are also helping to break down fat cells. This means that the procedure allows more fat to be removed than with other techniques, can be performed more quickly and causes less discomfort for the patient as well as less post operative bruising. PAL uses the tumescent Liposuction technique for smooth fat transfer through the cannula and out of the body. This technique is especially useful for treating difficult areas such as the inner thighs, belly button area and male breasts.

LipoSelection(R)

This is an advanced form of ultrasonic liposuction, similar to UAL, which uses specialised grooved probes and a specialised cannula to remove fat. Ultrasonic energy emulsifies the fat before it is removed making for easier removal. It leaves surrounding nerves, blood vessels and tissue virtually unharmed. Pain and side effects are therefore less and swelling and bruising should subside more quickly afterwards, giving a shorter recovery time overall. This technique is especially useful for delicate areas of the body e.g. arms, chin, neck and inner thighs but can be used in most traditional liposuction areas.