There are two basic types of lyposuction - that is, the Tumescent Lyposuction and Ultrasonic Lyposuction.
Tumescent lyposuction has been performed in the US since the mid-70s, while Ultrasonic Lyposuction was first introduced in 1987, but is continually improving with the evolving ultrasonic technology.
Both of them use the same surgical elements, and to use ultrasonic lyposuction means to include tumescent as well in the operation.
But though on the whole, they have several similarities but they vary on some important points.
Tumescent Lyposuction is considered by many cosmetic surgeons and patients to be the safest and most effective form of lyposuction.
Before tumescent lyposuction, larger incisions were made in fatty areas using long cannulas which are quite larger than the cannulas used today.
This required large amount of anesthesia which resulted to long recovery time for patients, and possibly a larger risk for blood loss or reaction to anesthesia.
With the introduction of tumescent lyposuction, small incisions may be made that allow for a more gradual and controlled removal of fats; thus, enabling the surgeon to effectively work the area of the body.
It also uses a smaller amount of anesthesia, thereby reduces pain after surgery and reduces bleeding, swelling and skin irregularities.
Tumescent lyposuction is done by injecting a large dose of liquid (composed of licodaine, a local anesthetic, and epinephrine) into a certain part of the body.
After the liquid is injected into the fat, the fat swells and firms up.
It is then pulled out by tiny rods or by making small incisions.
The procedure alleviates pain as it uses anesthesia, and reduces blood loss due to small incisions made as compared to older lyposuction methods.
On the other hand, Ultrasonic Lyposuction is a procedure that uses high-pitched sound waves to liquefy fats in areas before it is removed.
Usually, ultrasonic lyposuction is done to patients who have undergone tumescent lyposuction but requires more precise body contouring.
The procedure for ultrasonic lyposuction starts with injecting fluid used in tumescent to make the fat stiff.
However, unlike in tumescent, the fat is then liquefied by high-frequency ultrasonic energy emitted from a thin rod, making the fat easier to remove.
It is then taken out by using the rod.
Ultrasonic differs mainly to Tumescent in the sense that it emulsifies the fats first before it is taken out of the body, as compared to the traditional method that suctions the fat without breaking it down first.
Both of these techniques are excellent choices for removing excess fat cells on the abdomen, thighs, arms and legs.
However, though both techniques are considered and recommended by cosmetic surgeons, most of these surgeons think that Ultrasonic Lyposuction is the gentler method as it is used to treat more sensitive areas in the body - i.
e chin, neck, inner thighs and arms.
Also, patients in general experience less pain, swelling, and bruising after undergoing Ultrasonic Lyposuction compared to Tumescent Lyposuction.
This can be credited to the fat being emulsified first before being suctioned.
Other than that, both techniques cause less blood and fluid loss so they are both considered safe procedures.
Since both techniques are recommended by surgeons, it is now up to the patients to decide which procedure will suit them best.
Tumescent lyposuction has been performed in the US since the mid-70s, while Ultrasonic Lyposuction was first introduced in 1987, but is continually improving with the evolving ultrasonic technology.
Both of them use the same surgical elements, and to use ultrasonic lyposuction means to include tumescent as well in the operation.
But though on the whole, they have several similarities but they vary on some important points.
Tumescent Lyposuction is considered by many cosmetic surgeons and patients to be the safest and most effective form of lyposuction.
Before tumescent lyposuction, larger incisions were made in fatty areas using long cannulas which are quite larger than the cannulas used today.
This required large amount of anesthesia which resulted to long recovery time for patients, and possibly a larger risk for blood loss or reaction to anesthesia.
With the introduction of tumescent lyposuction, small incisions may be made that allow for a more gradual and controlled removal of fats; thus, enabling the surgeon to effectively work the area of the body.
It also uses a smaller amount of anesthesia, thereby reduces pain after surgery and reduces bleeding, swelling and skin irregularities.
Tumescent lyposuction is done by injecting a large dose of liquid (composed of licodaine, a local anesthetic, and epinephrine) into a certain part of the body.
After the liquid is injected into the fat, the fat swells and firms up.
It is then pulled out by tiny rods or by making small incisions.
The procedure alleviates pain as it uses anesthesia, and reduces blood loss due to small incisions made as compared to older lyposuction methods.
On the other hand, Ultrasonic Lyposuction is a procedure that uses high-pitched sound waves to liquefy fats in areas before it is removed.
Usually, ultrasonic lyposuction is done to patients who have undergone tumescent lyposuction but requires more precise body contouring.
The procedure for ultrasonic lyposuction starts with injecting fluid used in tumescent to make the fat stiff.
However, unlike in tumescent, the fat is then liquefied by high-frequency ultrasonic energy emitted from a thin rod, making the fat easier to remove.
It is then taken out by using the rod.
Ultrasonic differs mainly to Tumescent in the sense that it emulsifies the fats first before it is taken out of the body, as compared to the traditional method that suctions the fat without breaking it down first.
Both of these techniques are excellent choices for removing excess fat cells on the abdomen, thighs, arms and legs.
However, though both techniques are considered and recommended by cosmetic surgeons, most of these surgeons think that Ultrasonic Lyposuction is the gentler method as it is used to treat more sensitive areas in the body - i.
e chin, neck, inner thighs and arms.
Also, patients in general experience less pain, swelling, and bruising after undergoing Ultrasonic Lyposuction compared to Tumescent Lyposuction.
This can be credited to the fat being emulsified first before being suctioned.
Other than that, both techniques cause less blood and fluid loss so they are both considered safe procedures.
Since both techniques are recommended by surgeons, it is now up to the patients to decide which procedure will suit them best.