What Is The Most Commonly Performed Liposuction Procedure?
Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the world. Last year, over 300,000 people underwent the procedure in America alone. For twelve out of the past thirteen years, liposuction (also known as suction lipectomy or lipoplasty) has topped the charts as the number one cosmetic surgery in America. The procedure is similarly popular in many other parts of the world, including Europe, South America and parts of Asia.
However, lipoplasties are not always performed exactly the same way. While the basic idea of using suction powered hollow tubes called cannulas to remove fat from the body is same throughout all forms of suction lipectomy, a number of different techniques and a wide variety of variations exist. Some techniques utilize surgical lasers to help in the removal. Others use ultrasound waves. Still others use water to help wash away fat deposits.
The most commonly performed method of liposuction is called the tumescent method. Interestingly, it is also one of the older forms of lipoplasty still on the market. The tumescent method was developed in the mid 80's by a California surgeon.
In the tumescent method, large amounts of fluids are introduced into the target area. These fluids include pain killers and medications that help minimize blood loss. As the fluids enter the area, the additional liquids cause the fatty tissue to "tumesce," or swell up and become firm. This firmness makes it easier for the operating surgeon to carefully and precisely remove the desired fat.
The surgeon removes the fat by inserting a cannula into the target area through small incisions and moving the cannula back and forth through the now-firm fatty tissue. The excess fluids drain from the body in the days and weeks following the surgery.
For some surgeons, tumescent liposuction is the procedure of choice. To them, it is a surgery that has stood the test of time and that can deliver better than satisfactory results. Some other surgeons disagree, saying that some of the newer methods offer a greater degree of control and safety.
Whichever camp you side with, it is clear that the surgeon you pick is at least as important as the method you pick. A surgeon's skill, experience and eye for beauty can make a huge difference in the safety and aesthetic appeal of your liposuction.
One key that can help you to find a skilled and qualified surgeon is to go to a number of consultations in your area. Many cosmetic surgeons offer free consultations to potential clients. If you visit a number of offices, you will be better able to assess the skill and professionalism of the surgeons you find.
However, lipoplasties are not always performed exactly the same way. While the basic idea of using suction powered hollow tubes called cannulas to remove fat from the body is same throughout all forms of suction lipectomy, a number of different techniques and a wide variety of variations exist. Some techniques utilize surgical lasers to help in the removal. Others use ultrasound waves. Still others use water to help wash away fat deposits.
The most commonly performed method of liposuction is called the tumescent method. Interestingly, it is also one of the older forms of lipoplasty still on the market. The tumescent method was developed in the mid 80's by a California surgeon.
In the tumescent method, large amounts of fluids are introduced into the target area. These fluids include pain killers and medications that help minimize blood loss. As the fluids enter the area, the additional liquids cause the fatty tissue to "tumesce," or swell up and become firm. This firmness makes it easier for the operating surgeon to carefully and precisely remove the desired fat.
The surgeon removes the fat by inserting a cannula into the target area through small incisions and moving the cannula back and forth through the now-firm fatty tissue. The excess fluids drain from the body in the days and weeks following the surgery.
For some surgeons, tumescent liposuction is the procedure of choice. To them, it is a surgery that has stood the test of time and that can deliver better than satisfactory results. Some other surgeons disagree, saying that some of the newer methods offer a greater degree of control and safety.
Whichever camp you side with, it is clear that the surgeon you pick is at least as important as the method you pick. A surgeon's skill, experience and eye for beauty can make a huge difference in the safety and aesthetic appeal of your liposuction.
One key that can help you to find a skilled and qualified surgeon is to go to a number of consultations in your area. Many cosmetic surgeons offer free consultations to potential clients. If you visit a number of offices, you will be better able to assess the skill and professionalism of the surgeons you find.
Source...