Making The Most Of Your Cosmetic Procedure

If you have areas on your body where fat pockets refuse to leave even after dieting, then liposuction might be the next step. Genetics often play a role in where fat is stored on the body. Other times, when you lose weight, you can't control where it comes off. You could be at your ideal weight yet still be unhappy with the way the fat is distributed on your body. Liposuction can help because it removes pockets of fat from just about anywhere it's needed such as the back, abdomen, thighs, and neck. There are different types of liposuction. This is how they differ. 

Traditional And Tumescent Liposuction

Traditional liposuction is usually done under general anesthesia. The doctor makes an incision in the area to be treated and then inserts a cannula that pulls out fat. The fat has to be broken up first, so the doctor does this manually with the cannula. This is why traditional liposuction is associated with bruising and soreness.

This type of procedure can be enhanced in a couple of ways. One is to use a power-assisted cannula that vibrates. The vibrations break up the fat so it is easier to remove. Another method involves injecting fluid into the fat pocket first. This makes it easier to separate the fat from the other tissues.

One type of fluid injection is called tumescent liposuction. For this, the doctor injects a large amount of fluid that contains an anesthetic. That means you may not need to undergo general anesthesia for the procedure. The solution causes fat cells to swell so they can be removed easier and it causes blood vessels to constrict so there is less bleeding and bruising.

Ultrasound And Laser Liposuction Treatments

Newer methods of liposuction may use an ultrasound device or laser to assist in fat removal. The ultrasound treatment uses an ultrasonic device attached to a cannula that liquefies fat before it is pulled out of your body. This makes the treatment easier for the doctor to do and it allows for larger amounts of fat and deeper fat to be removed during the session.

Laser liposuction works in a similar way in that the laser energy liquefies the fat cells so they can be removed easier. This type of procedure usually requires a smaller incision and it is suitable for areas around the neck and face where precision sculpting is required. Different types of lasers are used in liposuction treatments depending on the area of the body being treated and the desired results. Both ultrasonic and laser procedures generally have less bruising and soreness than traditional liposuction.

Your doctor must consider several factors when determining the best type of liposuction to use for your situation. However, no matter which method you choose, you'll get the best results if you are already near your goal weight and if you have good skin tone so your skin will tighten up after the fat is removed.