The liposuction operation opens not with a scalpel, but with a marking pen, as the surgeon draws arrows on the targeted areas. Then, small half-inch incisions in the skin are made as the surgeon inserts a thin tube called a cannula into the selected fat deposits and literally "saws" back and forth. This creates tunnels in the fat, which can then be sucked out through the tube. A few micro sutures close the cuts. Though the procedure of the operation is simple, there are many variations.
Super-Wet Liposuction
In a procedure known as "Super-Wet Liposuction," fluid is infused into the area equal to the amount of fat expected to be removed. The advantage is it prevents an excess of fluid loss. But it takes longer to perform, and may require heavier sedation.
Tumescent Liposuction
In "Tumescent Liposuction," the surgeon bathes the fat area with a dilute solution of a local anesthetic and a vasoconstrictor. The eliminates the need for external anesthetics and I.V.'s, and can provide smoother results, but requires more time waiting for the anesthesia to take effect.
Twin-Cannula Liposuction
"Twin-Cannula Liposuction" uses a tube-within-a-tube construction, so that as one cannula withdraws the fat, the other cannula adds back the same amount of replacement fluid. This has less impact on the patient's tissues, reduces bleeding and allows for a faster recovery time.
There's also laser-assisted liposuction, ultrasound-assisted, power-assisted and water-assisted. Each procedure "assisting "the basic liposuction technique with variations to accommodate to each patient's, and surgeon's, unique needs.
The surgeon will advise you of the advantages of each procedure, and you can decide together. But you have some decisions to make alone. Choose a
plastic surgeon who is board certified in plastic surgery. If you've chosen to undergo
liposuction in the doctor's office make certain he has hospital privileges nearby in case of emergency. After the operation, stay out of the sun until all signs of bruising have disappeared.
Only after each patient fully understands what is involved, including the possible risks and complications, should a surgeon agree to operate. And don't expect liposuction to create molehills out of mountains. Liposuction does have its limitations, but once those fat cells are removed, they are gone forever so that even if you do regain weight, you won't put on much fat in those areas ever again.