Surgical Procedures for Ultrasonic and Tumescent Liposuction
Many people who eat right, exercise regularly, and take great care of themselves still have issues with fat in certain problem areas of the body, such as the stomach, the hips, the thighs, and the buttocks. You can do all the crunches you want, all the lunges you want, and other targeted exercises, but the fact remains: spot reduction is a myth.
One of the only ways to get rid of those last problematic pockets of fat is to meet with a plastic surgeon to discuss liposuction. We'd like to look at liposuction right now, with a particular focus on two different ways that it is performed.
About Liposuction
Liposuction refers to the surgical removal of fat in certain areas of the body. This is achieved using a small metal tube known as a cannula. Suction is carefully applied in order to extract the body fat.
We should note that liposuction is not meant as a weight loss tool or option. Only a certain amount of body fat can be removed safely without affecting overall health or wellness. Many times surgeons will ask that patients try their best to lose weight naturally through normal means in order to improve results of surgery.
Ideal Candidates for Liposuction
The best candidates for liposuction are people who have small amounts of fat in certain areas of the body that they would like to be rid of. These candidates should be in generally good health and not suffer from any conditions that would make surgical procedures of any sort a risky proposition.
Why are there different kinds of liposuction?
Different kinds of liposuction exist since the fat and surrounding tissues differ a great deal in various parts of the body. By using different cosmetic plastic surgery technologies and techniques, we can help ensure the most effective and efficient fat removal while improving overall patient experience and healing time.
Two of the most popular kinds of liposuction are tumescent liposuction and ultrasonic liposuction. Let's conclude by looking at each.
How Tumescent Liposuction Works
Tumescent liposuction is a very popular body contouring option, especially in the abdominal area. The tumescent liposuction procedure will begin with the injection of a special solution into the treatment area. This solution will cause the fat cells in that area to expand, which makes the fat easier to remove.
The solution used for the tumescent liposuction surgery usually contains the following:
- Saline - This salt water solution is closely matched to the fluid that naturally occurs in the body
- Lidocane - This is a local anesthetic which will reduce patient discomfort
- Epinepherine - This substance helps control and reduce bleeding both before and after the surgery is performed
How Ultrasonic Liposuction Works
Ultrasonic liposuction is often used to treat the abdomen, the hips, the back, and the chest of men. Rather than use a tumescent fluid, the ultrasonic procedure uses a cannula that emits sound waves to help break up fat and make it easier to extract. This leads to less tissue damage of the surrounding nerves and blood vessels when liposuction is performed.
Schedule a Consultation for Liposuction
If you would like to learn more about liposuction and how it can be of great benefit to you, be sure to contact our Halifax cosmetic plastic surgery practice today. Our entire team is eager to discuss these matters with you in greater detail and help you make informed decisions about your overall appearance.