Liposuction Techniques

There are several different basic types of liposuction, and the techniques may be combined to create a unique treatment plan for a patient. Basically, liposuction surgeons refer to the traditional method, the tumescent method, laser lipolysis methods such as SmartLipo, ultrasonic procedures such as the VASER system, and power-assisted liposuction when they are talking about liposuction techniques. Each of these techniques is applied, depending upon the area being sculpted and the patient's expectations of surgery and recovery from surgery.

Traditional Method of Liposuction

Traditional liposuction is considered a more painful and riskier procedure than other methods. It is performed under general anesthesia, meaning you are put completely to sleep during the procedure. This extends the recovery time and many people experience nausea, extreme tiredness, or allergic reactions from general anesthesia.

Traditional liposuction is a more invasive procedure that may cause bleeding if not done very carefully by a well-trained liposuction surgeon. Prescription painkillers will be required after the procedure. It is typically performed in a hospital, making it a more expensive treatment option. Depending on your general state of health, you may experience a long recovery time -up to several weeks -before you can resume normal activities and return to work.

Other liposuction methods are preferred over the traditional method for good reason; they are less dangerous, less invasive, and more effective.

Tumescent Method of Liposuction

The tumescent method is usually performed by a highly trained liposuction surgeon in an office setting and requires only a local anesthesia most of the time. Because it is a milder procedure, it does not usually cause an extreme amount of pain or bleeding, and is also associated with lower risks of complications.

Tumescent liposuction uses large amounts of saline combined with a precise dosage of anesthetic to disperse the fatty tissue, thus the area is numbed at the same time the saline is injected. Most patients do not require any further numbing, though minor sedation may be administered.

As with all types of surgery, there will be a recovery period during which you will experience some pain and soreness. The tumescent method of liposuction minimizes pain so oral analgesics may be sufficient for you. Depending on the size of the surgical site, you may be able to return to normal activities and work within a few days.

This liposuction method forms the basis of several others that utilize new technologies and techniques to perform liposuction.

SmartLipo Method of Liposuction

SmartLipo is a highly innovative liposuction procedure that removes excess fat deposits, and tones and firms the skin at the same time. A low-powered laser is inserted into a very small incision and used to melt fat deposits which are then drained from the body. The laser is precisely controlled so it does not damage surrounding tissue.

SmartLipo can be used to remove several pounds of fat at a time or it can be used to carefully sculpt a very small area of the body. Depending on the extent of your surgery, you will walk out of the surgeon's office ready to resume a normal, more beautiful life immediately with a minimum of post-operative recovery time.

VASER Method of Liposuction

VASER liposuction is a highly advanced ultrasound technique. It uses high frequency sound to liquefy fat deposits that are then easily vacuumed from the body. VASER liposuction is used when the patient wants very precise sculpting of body tissues.

This liposuction procedure is also minimally invasive, using a very small incision that will often not even leave a scar. There is minimal blood loss, and the skin is toned and tightened at the same time, leading to better results after the surgery. It is typically performed in the liposuction surgeon's office under local anesthesia, giving you a quick recovery time with a minimum of discomfort.

Power-Assisted Method of Liposuction

The power-assisted method of liposuction is a variation of the tumescent technique. The procedure is extremely gentle because the surgeon uses a vibrating instrument to stir up and release the fat cells before removing them from the body. A specially designed cannula is used, so the incision is very small and the liposuction surgeon can target extremely specific areas. One of the benefits of power-assisted liposuction is that more fat is removed in less time with a less invasive procedure.

Power-assisted liposuction is usually performed in the surgeon's office under a local anesthesia, and patients recover quickly with a minimum amount of post-surgery pain and bruising. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days of surgery so your normal life can be disturbed as little as possible. NYC Liposuction Surgeons.com provides information and services on liposuction New York and the surrounding area. Visit online today for more information.