What is Liposuction?
Although there were European surgeons practicing some form of surgical fat removal as far back as the 1920’s, modern liposuction has been performed for over 35 years. It was first invented in Italy in 1974 by Dr. Giorgio Fischer, an American working in Rome. During liposuction (also called lipoplasty) surgery, excess fat deposits are removed from beneath the skin using a surgical instrument called a cannula, which essentially is a hollow tube. The movement of the cannula, guided by the surgeon, breaks up fat deposits which are then vacuumed out of the body through the cannula opening.
When the term “traditional liposuction” is used, it refers to the technique used to break up the fat deposits – namely, the movement of the cannula and the removal by suction using a vacuum device called an aspirator. Traditional liposuction is also referred to as SAL, or Suction-assisted liposuction.
In more recent years the technology has evolved and more options are now available to liposuction surgeons. One of these options, developed in the 1980’s, makes use of sound waves to help break up the fat deposits. Referred to as “ultrasonic liposuction”,or UAL, this technique still utilizes a cannula and aspirator; however the cannula is a specialized version which produces ultrasound vibrations within the body. Patents for ultrasonic liposuction devices were first issued in 1987. The fat is liquefied by the sound waves rather than broken up simply by the movement of the cannula. This makes the fat easier to remove and typically results in less blood loss for the patient.
Ultrasonic technology, too, has evolved, becoming more precise and safe. Vaser Liposelection equipment is a third-generation ultrasonic liposuction device which has fine-tuned ultrasonic technology. Utilizing the Vaser system, ultrasonic liposuction becomes extremely precise and very safe. Given the obvious benefits to patients, the Vaser system was selected by The Center for Beautiful Bodies as one of their preferred liposuction techniques.
Liposuction Methods
There is another way of labeling liposuction that does not depend on the equipment used, but instead categorizes the surgery according to how much and what type of fluid is injected into the target site by the surgeon.
The Dry technique, just as it sounds, is performed without any fluid being injected into the area. This technique is no longer common, mostly because it requires general anesthesia and results in significantly more blood loss than the ‘wetter’ techniques. Also, the potential complications associated with general anesthesia, plus potential damage to the tissues surrounding the targeted fat, make this a less desirable option.
With the Wet technique, a mixture of fluid, including local anesthetic, saline solution and adrenaline is injected into the target area. This reduces swelling and bruising, significantly reduces blood loss, and removes the need for general anesthesia from the liposuction procedure.
The amount of solution injected is the difference between “wet” and “tumescent” techniques; with the “tumescent” technique up to 5 times the amount of fluid is injected. This makes the target area firm and inflated. Using the tumescent technique aids the surgeon to extricate the fat in a smoother, more controlled manner. In addition, there is less chance of damage to surrounding tissues, and patients typically recover in a shorter period of time
The tumescent technique was invented by Dr. Jeffrey Klein, a California cosmetic surgeon, in 1986. Dr. Klein pioneered the use of tumescent solution in liposuction surgery. His mixture includes:
- Adrenaline, to reduce bleeding by temporarily closing capillaries
- Lidocaine for local anesthetic value
- Bicarbonate to reduce acidity, thereby reducing the discomfort of the patient
These ingredients are combined with a saline solution and injected into the target area.
How Do I Know What Is Right For Me?
Do your homework, and learn what you can about the procedures available! However, be aware that there is no substitute for talking with your surgeon and, together, coming up with a solution that will achieve your specific goals safely and effectively. Whether your hoping to have a few stubborn fat deposits removed or are interested in re-shaping the contours of your body, a consultation is a critical step in the process.
Dr. Rassoli at The Center for Beautiful Bodies knows how crucial the consultation is to the success of the procedure, and offers free consultations to Houston area residents interested in learning more about liposuction and the benefits it can provide to your appearance and your psyche. Sign up for your free consultation today at centerforbeautifulbodies.com
Dr. Amir Rassoli, a long-practicing internist and emergency room physician, heads the Center for Beautiful Bodies http://centerforbeautifulbodies.com, a premier cosmetic surgery clinic in Houston, TX.
Author: Dr. Amir Rassoli
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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