Liposuction - Liposuction Procedure Overview

Liposuction Cannula Image Liposuction cosmetic surgery is one of the most popular procedures along with breast augmentation, tummy tucks and facelifts. Liposuction is used to remove excess fat deposits from a variety of areas that include the stomach, hips, neck, outer thighs, inner thighs, back and arms. It is a procedure that helps improve the contour of the patients body.

This is done via the use of the cannula, which is a small stainless steel tube. Once a small incision is made on the area to be treated, the cannula is inserted into the fatty tissue. The cannula is connected to a powerful suction pump which sucks out the excess fat. Before the patient undergoes liposuction surgery, they are put under either local, regional or general anasthetic. The surgeon then injects epinephrine and saltwater. Epinephrine is a hormone and neurotransmitter that is designed to shrink the blood cells around the injected area. This helps limit bleeding as well as bruising. Saltwater is used to help the suction process by the cannula. Then it is simply a matter of making an incision, inserting the cannula to remove excess fat and stitching up the incision. Another type of liposuction procedure available is Ultrasound Assisted liposuction. In this case, the cannula will be connected to an ultrasound machine that blasts the affected area. This helps break apart the cells in the excess fat for easier removal.

Liposuction is usually performed in conjunction with other plastic surgery procedures. It works best when attempting to remove fat from areas that seem to retain fat despite exercise and dieting. These areas include the love handles, thighs, abdomen area and arms. It is possible to perform liposuction on a variety of areas in a single surgery. As with all plastic surgeries, there are risks (Liposuction Risks).

Liposuction is one area of plastic surgery that has seen rapid technological advancement through the years. As such, there are now some newer techniques that may or may not be available to you depending on your geographical location. Smart Lipo uses lasers to break up fat cells prior to suction. This helps the removal process tremendously. Slim lipo was desisgned as a competitor to Smart Lipo. This technique also uses lasers to break up fat cells but with a claimed advantage of less bleeding and faster healing.

Power Assisted Liposuction is a procedure that makes us of a vibrating cannula. The vibrations help fat removal to a degree better than traditional liposuction techniques.