What are the Different Techniques for Lipoplasty?

If you are considering undergoing liposuction, you should discuss different treatment options with your surgeon.   There are four basic types of lipoplasty and your surgeon will help you decide which is the best option for you and he will be able to tell you which he performs as well. Basic liposuction, fluid injection liposuction (or wet liposuction), tumescent liposuction, and ultrasound assisted liposuction are all types of lipoplasty.  New advances are being made constantly to improve outcomes and shorten recovery times.  Many procedures exist that combine these techniques or add other modalities to the four basic techniques. 

Four Types of Lipoplasty

  • Traditional Liposuction: is performed by the surgeon and involves sucking the fat, or adipose tissue, out through a cannula.  A cannula is a tube that is attached to a hose.  Basic (or “dry”) liposuction was the original form of liposuction and is rarely used today. 
  • Fluid Injection Liposuction (or “wet” liposuction): Also known as Hydro Liposculpture is more common than basic liposuction.  This technique involves fluid containing a local anesthetic, a medicine to constrict blood vessels and saline solution being injected under the skin.  The fluid helps loosen the adipose cells and makes the liposuction a little easier. 
  • Tumescent Liposuction: is performed using a similar technique, but involves injecting larger amounts of fluid into the fatty tissue.  This is generally a safer procedure than traditional “wet” liposuction because often the patient does not need to undergo general anesthesia. 
  • Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction: uses ultrasonic waves to help liquefy fat cells making them easier to remove.  This method due to complications is not widely used.

Consult a Professional

You should, of course, meet with a plastic surgeon trained in liposuction prior to a procedure.  A skilled surgeon will be able to discuss the risks and benefits of each type of liposuction. 

 

Suggested Doctors

Sorry, there are no matching doctors in your area
Please choose a different location

,

,

See more Suggested Doctors