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Discover Modern Liposuction Methods

Liposuction has been offering patients safer and less invasive options for body contouring. In this blog, we will discuss the newest liposuction techniques available today.

Tumescent Liposuction Technique:

Tumescent liposuction stands out as the most prevalent form of liposuction in the United States, and for good reason. This new liposuction method involves injecting a solution of saline, epinephrine, and lidocaine into the targeted fat deposits. It not only facilitates easier fat removal but also minimizes blood loss and reduces post-operative pain. Moreover, tumescent lipo can be performed on an outpatient basis without the need for general anesthesia, making it a convenient option for many patients.

Ultrasonic Liposuction Technique:

As one of the new liposuction techniques, ultrasonic liposuction, also known as ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), utilizes ultrasonic waves to liquefy fat cells before their extraction. By breaking down fat tissue with ultrasound energy, UAL lipo technique allows for smoother and more precise fat removal. It is ,mainly utilized in fibrous areas such as the back or male chest. Despite its effectiveness, ultrasonic liposuction may carry a slightly higher risk of complications compared to other methods. This necessitates careful patient selection and surgical expertise.

Local Anesthesia Liposuction Technique:

Local anesthesia liposuction has gained traction as a preferred option for patients seeking a more comfortable experience during their procedure. By numbing the treatment area with local anesthetic solutions, surgeons can perform liposuction without the need for general anesthesia. This minimizes the associated risks and enables quicker recovery times. However, the suitability of local anesthesia liposuction depends on various factors. These include the extent of the procedure and the patient’s medical history.

Power-Assisted Liposuction Technique:

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) is one of the newest liposuction techniques in 2024. It has revolutionized traditional liposuction techniques by incorporating mechanical assistance for fat removal. Unlike manual liposuction, which relies on the surgeon’s physical effort to dislodge and suction fat cells, PAL utilizes a powered cannula. This oscillates rapidly, facilitating smoother and more efficient fat extraction. This type of liposuction method not only reduces operative time but also minimizes trauma to surrounding tissues. Ultimately it helps in less post-operative discomfort and faster healing.

Water-Assisted Liposuction Technique:

Water-assisted liposuction is a safe liposuction technique. It offers a gentler alternative to traditional liposuction methods. It utilizes a pressurized stream of saline solution to dislodge fat cells before suction. This innovative approach reduces trauma to the body’s connective tissues, leading to less bruising, swelling, and downtime for patients. Moreover, water-assisted liposuction can be particularly beneficial for treating areas with delicate skin or high vascularity, such as the face or neck.

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How The Most Common Liposuction Techniques Are Performed

With the advances in US plastic surgery, patients can choose from different types of liposuction or fat removal procedures to improve their body’s contour.  It is important to note that while this treatment is designed to eliminate excess fat, it should not be treated as a substitute for any weight loss surgery.

The tumescent liposuction technique is the most popular way to remove excess fat. Considered the best liposuction technique, plastic surgery specialists inject the target area with a solution that can make the fatty deposits firmer and swollen; as a result, these can be removed much more easily without exposing the surrounding tissue to high levels of trauma.

The solution mainly contains lidocaine, which is said to be the safest type of local anesthesia, and epinephrine, which constricts the blood vessels, which in turn minimizes bleeding and reduces the risk of toxicity by prolonging the numbing effect of the lidocaine for up to 36 hours.

In some cases, plastic surgeons combine this technique with other latest fat removal techniques such as laser- ultrasonic, and power-assisted liposuction, particularly when treating areas that have fibrous fat.

Another popular liposuction technique involves the use of a laser attached to a probe inserted into the skin; the heat energy then destroys and liquefies the fats for easier and faster removal.  And because the laser may burn the internal tissue, some doctors use an infrared thermometer to make sure that the skin’s temperature does not get too hot.

The primary advantage of these types of new liposuction procedures is that they can make the skin tighter, although this is not enough to address body areas that have a severe case of cellulitis.

While this technique has a risk of burning the internal tissue, this is not the case in ultrasonic liposuction, which uses short bursts of sound waves that will not burn the skin and tissue.

Plastic surgeons commonly use laser liposuction to treat small areas such as the chin, neck, and face, which need more precision. At the same time, they usually prefer the ultrasonic technique when addressing larger parts, such as the abdomen and back.

Regardless of which liposuction technique is used, the procedure involves risks of complications and recovery, particularly if plastic surgeons collect more than 3 or 4 liters of fat in a single day.  With this in mind, experienced doctors perform several sessions if they need to remove more fatty deposits.  

The Takeaway

Modern advancements in liposuction techniques have provided patients with different liposuction techniques to achieve their desired body contours safely and effectively. Whether opting for tumescent liposuction, or water-assisted liposuction, individuals can consult with an expert like Dr. Smiley, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and Upland to determine the most suitable method based on their unique needs and goals.

Dr Smiley

Regarded as the preeminent plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, Dr. Smiley performs groundbreaking cosmetic procedures with a combination of delicacy and accuracy. He has gained worldwide recognition as a prominent figure in the field of plastic surgery.

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