Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that sculpts and smoothes the body by removing excess fatty deposits that create uneven contours. Unlike popular belief, it is not a weight loss method but more of a body shaping tool. It is used on a variety of areas of the body, including the thighs, neck, arms, and midsection.

If you’re considering undergoing this procedure, there are a variety of techniques used by plastic surgeons. In the past, a hollow tube called a cannula was inserted into the target area. It broke up the fat while sucking it out into a high-powered vacuum device.

This particular method resulted in excessive blood loss and tissue damage. Today, it is no longer one size fits all procedure. New technologies and methods such as ultrasonic liposuction, have made this plastic surgery much safer and effective than it used to be.

1. Wet and Super-Wet

The main difference between these techniques and the original method is the addition of fluids before fat removal. Saline solution and Lidocaine, an anesthetic, are injected into the body to help loosen the cells and ease fat removal. The difference between the two is that the super-wet has an equal ratio of liquid injected as fat will be removed.

2. Tumescent Liposuction

This is one of the most commonly performed methods of fat removal. Similar to the wet technique, fluids are injected into the body only in a greater amount and with the addition of epinephrine, which constricts blood vessels. The excess of fluids helps loosen the cells. This is often considered more effective than the wet methods.

3. Ultrasonic Liposuction

This method is rapidly gaining popularity among plastic surgeons. Ultrasound waves break up fat by shaking it apart and heating it, converting it to liquid for easier removal. The cells are then removed by cannula, just as with the other methods. By liquefying the fat, the ultrasonic method is able to target much difficult areas that are more resistant to liposuction.

4. Micro Liposuction

While many liposuction procedures are performed on larger areas, some people desire fat to be removed from the face and neck area. Since these areas are small and need to be carefully sculpted, different cannulas are used as are multiple miniature incisions. The small size of the tubes allows surgeons to delicately break apart and remove the fat cells, creating the smoothest appearance possible.

5. Power-Assisted Liposuction

This method is similar to traditional liposuction as it uses the same cannula to remove fat; however, during this procedure the cannula uses highly specialized linear-reciprocating suction. The cannula creates rapid vibrations that assist in breaking apart fat for easier removal.

As with any plastic surgery, there are risks involved with each technique. For example, the tumescent method carries the risk of Lidocaine toxicity, while the ultrasonic liposuction can cause burns from the excessive heat. Since the methods vary greatly, you should be aware all possible dangers. Consult with a qualified plastic surgeon on which would work best for your aesthetic goals and health background.

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