Modern Liposuction Techniques

There are several types of liposuction used in cosmetic surgery today. First of all there is tumescent liposuction, which requires the use of a large amount of local anesthetic that has been diluted. This stuff is injected through your tissues, washing them with numbness, as the fat is removed. Usually this procedure does not require any general anesthesia or sedation. Recovery from tumescent liposuction is usually just a few days and individuals can return to work quickly.

Another type of liposuction used frequently in cosmetic surgery today is superficial liposuction. This is achieved through using cannulas, which are hollow cylindrical instruments that are hooked up to an aspirator. The cannula is placed under the skin and the aspirator liquefies and sucks up the fat. The smaller the vacuum that the plastic surgeon uses, the more finely tuned the results of the plastic surgery will be.  Very smooth results can be achieved using superficial liposuction.

Yet another common type of modern liposuction is what is called power liposuction. Power liposuction involves the use of a cannula that whirs inside of the body and emulsifies the fat to be vacuumed from the body quickly. It moves a few millimeters several times a second.  This shortens the time of the operation and also discomfort for the patient.

The best candidates for liposuction are those that cannot seem to lose fat despite sticking to a healthy diet and regular exercise program.  Liposuction cosmetic surgery can also be used to remove stubborn fat such as saddlebags on the thighs, lower tummy pouches or love handles on the hips. The ideal candidate for liposuction is not the person who is very overweight. Liposuction works best on individuals who are only ten pounds or so overweight. 

Usually this operation is completed on the same day. Recovery is not sedentary and you will not be given a lot of painkillers. Instead of bed rest you will be encouraged to walk around quite a bit to encourage drainage from the affected tissues.

Many ethical plastic surgeons will not work on individuals under thirty as they feel that their problems can be fixed with diet and exercise. Yet another requirement that must be met before a cosmetic surgeon will consider doing a liposuction operation in general good health. Before approving liposuction a good doctor will always carefully review your medical history. If you have had a history of liver failure, alcoholism, being addicted to cigarette smoking. If you suffer from hypertension or diabetes then you may be strongly discouraged from having this type of cosmetic surgery done. Cigarette smoking during recovery can also completely sabotage the effects of liposuction so if you are an addict you may be out of luck.