Liposuction (continued)

The first post on this subject was meant to be more of an introduction the the liposuction procedure and a brief overview on the entire subject rather than an in depth article. Delving further into liposuction is this post, letting readers know a little more on the topic for those who are interested. In this post we will briefly talk about the different techniques that are used for liposuction so that you have a better idea about what could possibly be used on you. The techniques are really only different in the amount of fluid that is used as well as the mechanism that is used.

Wet liposuction, super-wet liposuction, tumescent liposuction, and laser assisted liposuction all have to do with the amount of fluid that is used. Depending on the technique used it also can determine what the anesthetic used is.

The mechanisms that can be used are a little more to explain. There are many different types although the basic idea is always the same. The mechanisms are as follows:

(SAL) Suction-assisted Liposuction is just that; the small cannula is inserted into an incision and the fat is broken up and drawn out using suction.

(UAL) Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction is the same procedure except with the use of ultrasound vibrations. These vibrations burst the fat cells and cause them to liquefy, making the fat easier to suction out.

(PAL) Power-assisted Liposuction uses a different cannula that with an automated movement that requires the surgeon to make less manual movements.

(TCAL) Twisted Cannula Liposuction has a cannula that is a ’tube within a tube’ so that the first end is the part that cuts the fat away and the suction tube is in the inside. This way it is gentler on the patient.

(XUAL) External Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction is basically the same as (UAL) except that the ultrasound is applied outside of the skin and the special cannula is not needed.

Lastly (WAL) Water-assisted Liposuction is basically a procedure where water is used to loosen the fat structure and suck it through a specialized cannula. This cannula sucks in the water almost as soon as it is dispensed.

With these techniques in mind patients can know a little more about the different liposuction procedures before going into the surgeons office.

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery – serves the Beverly Hills / Los Angeles area. For more information please visit the Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery website.