Liposuction FAQs

Liposuction is now more accessible by a wider patient base and has higher safety standards than ever before, resulting in elevated popularity. Considering all the options for liposuction and SmartLipo™ can be challenging. For more information about these surgical procedures, please submit to this listing of frequently asked questions followed by a consultation with an experienced liposuction surgeon in Southeast Wisconsin about your particular case.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical operation intended to remove pockets of fat and adipose tissue for the purpose of contouring specific areas of the patient’s physique. It is routinely performed to diminish fat in the thighs, hips, abdominal area, upper arms, neck and jaw, and other areas. In a routine liposuction procedure, up to ten pounds of fat can be taken out using surgical suction and a cannula, or small tube. A miniature incision will be created at the site to allow the cannula access to fit into the wound. Your plastic surgeon will then remove surplus fat cells through the cannula using the surgical suction or in combination with ultrasound or laser technology. The wound site will then be sewn shut, and the patient can soon enjoy their enhanced body contour.

Are there Different Liposuction Techniques?

The four most commonly used liposuction techniques today are:

1. Tumescent liposuction - utilizes a steady flow of saline fluid to make fatty tissue break down from muscle for easier removal of fat.
2. Ultrasound assisted liposuction - also known as UAL or ultrasonic liposuction, uses tiny focused sound wave energy to break up fat prior to elimination.
3. LipoSelection® - this is a type of liposuction used in conjunction with ultrasound technology where grooved probes and a specialized cannula are used.
4. Power assisted liposuction - this is a variation of tumescent liposuction which involves a high-speed vibrating cannula. This technique breaks up fat swiftly for easier removal through suction.

What is Tumescent Liposuction?

The process of tumescent liposuction encompasses the injection of large amounts of saline solution into the area to be surgically treated. It allows for simpler elimination of the adipose tissue and reduces blood loss. Another variation of this procedure is called super-wet liposuction, which is similar to the tumescent technique but has a lesser amount of fluids introduced into the treatment site. The saline fluid gently divides muscle from fat, making it easier for your plastic surgeon to remove fat. This procedure is also known as suction assisted liposuction, and usually can take longer than a basic liposuction procedure due to the necessity of the saline percolation time before fat removal can begin.

What is Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL)?

The ultrasound-assisted liposuction procedure involves the use of a specialized cannula which emits small amounts of ultrasound energy. Also known simply as UAL, this energy has the ability to liquefy fat, making removal easier. The fat in its liquid form is then suctioned out using conventional techniques. Ultrasonic assisted liposuction is quite useful in taking care of challenging areas of the body such as the upper back and breast tissue in males (known as Gynecomastica), where dense body tissues makes fat more thick and more complex to take away.

What is LipoSelection®?

LipoSelection® is a sophisticated form of ultrasonic and UAL surgery which uses intricate grooved probes and a specifically designed cannula to remove fat cells. With LipoSelection®, excess adipose tissue is broken down with sound waves prior to elimination so that it is much easier for the plastic surgeon to do away with. Pain and side effects are lower with this surgery because the adipose tissue at the treatment site becomes less difficult to suction after ultrasonic energy has been utilized. Inflammation and contusions will go down faster and recovery time will be reduced overall.

What is Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL)?

A powered cannula is used in this liposuction procedure which produces small, swift vibrations to break up unwanted fatty deposits. The approach of the power assisted liposuction, or PAL, might imply a rough procedure; the truth is that this type of surgery is actually more gentle than conventional liposuction since it gives the physician better access to remove fat with more focused and accurate motions. This type of procedure causes less pain and discomfort for the patient, can be performed in a lower amount of time, and often results in the removal of more adipose tissue than would be feasible with other methods of liposuction.

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