Types of Liposuction Options
Liposuction is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Developments in the plastic surgery industry have made it so that there are a number of different options and ways to approach this standard plastic surgery procedure. Understand the options that are available to you so that you can make an informed decision about the type of liposuction procedure you’d like to undergo.
Wet Liposuction
This is where a solution made of lidocaine, epinephrine and saline is injected into the area that is to have fat removed. The solution helps to loosen the fat and protect the area from bruising, pain and excessive bleeding. The amount used is usually less than the amount of fat that is being removed. The fat is then removed with a cannula via suction.
Super-Wet Liposuction
A solution similar to the one used in the wet technique is injected into the body. The primary difference is that there is more saline in this solution to dilute the medications in it. The amount of the solution used is roughly equal to the fat that is being removed. This makes high-volume liposuction procedures a little easier because the fluid levels are better balanced.
Tumescent Liposuction
In this procedure, the solution used in super-wet liposuction is diluted even more. The amount of solution that is injected into the body is equal to three or four times the volume of the fat that is being removed. The extra solution creates more space between the muscle and the fatty tissue so that the surgeon has more room to loosen the fat cells with the cannula. Because of the increased liquid volume, this procedure tends to take a much longer time than standard liposuction in Las Vegas.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)
This is a relatively new development in liposuction that uses a powered cannula. The tip of the cannula used can move quickly with a calculated spinning rotation or in-and-out-movement. This power-assisted technology reduces how much the plastic surgeon needs to mechanically move the cannula. This decreases the discomfort and complications the patient is likely to experience.
Internal Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
This type of liposuction procedure uses a special cannula that sends ultrasonic vibrations into the body. The vibrations make fat cells explode so that they become liquefied and easier to remove. This is said to result in a procedure that is less traumatic for the patient because there is reduced bleeding and damage to connective tissues.
This procedure is usually done with general anesthesia or another form of heavy sedation because it can take longer than standard liposuction. This is also because there is an increased risk for burns, tissue death and scarring.
External Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (EUAL)
This procedure is very similar to UAL except that the ultrasonic waves are applied outside of the skin using a paddle rather than inside the skin with a cannula. This reduces the patient’s risk of complication and discomfort.
Just remember that this liposuction method isn’t used often because studies regarding the procedure’s safety and effectiveness aren’t completely conclusive.
Learn more about the liposuction treatment options available to you by scheduling a consultation with the plastic surgeons Las Vegas offers at Reynolds Plastic Surgery. These friendly professionals are dedicated to providing you with quality care and an enjoyable experience. For more information about our board certified liposuction doctor in Las Vegas, call 702.410.9800.