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Types of Liposuction

Types of Liposuction

  1. Fluid Injection Liposuction
  2. Tumescent Liposuction
  3. Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
  4. What is the "super wet technique"?

1. Fluid Injection Liposuction
The Fluid Injection technique uses a medicated solution, which is injected into fatty areas before the fat is removed. The fluid is a mixture of an intravenous saline solution, a local anesthetic (lidocaine) and a drug that contracts blood vessels (epinephrine). The fluid solution helps the surgeon to remove the fat more easily, provides anesthesia and helps to reduce the amount of blood lost during the surgery. The fluid also helps to reduce the amount of bruising that accompanies the surgery. 

2. Tumescent Liposuction
The term "tumescence" refers to the swollen and firm state of the fatty tissues when they are filled with solution.

Tumescent liposuction is typically performed using a local anesthetic, which is contained in the fluid that is injected into the patient. In general, tumescent liposuction takes longer than traditional liposuction.

The volume of fluid used in the tumescent technique is greater than the volume of the fat to be removed. The injected fluid contains a sufficient quantity of anesthetic, often negating the need for additional anesthesia.

3. Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
There are two types of UAL - external and internal, which refers to where the ultrasonic vibrations are applied - above or below the surface of the skin. The technique requires the use of a special emitter (external) or a special cannula (internal) that produces ultrasonic energy. As it passes through the areas of fat, the energy disrupts the cell walls of the fat, causing it to liquefy. The fat is then removed with the traditional liposuction technique.

UAL has been shown to improve the ease and effectiveness of liposuction in fibrous areas of the body. UAL is also commonly used in secondary procedures (follow-up) when enhanced precision is needed.

In general, UAL takes longer to perform than traditional liposuction.

4. What is the "super wet technique"?
Like the tumescent technique, the super wet technique uses fluid to aid in the liposuction process. Compared to the tumescent technique, the super wet technique uses less fluid.

Generally the amount of fluid injected equals to the amount of fat to be removed. Patients undergoing liposuction using this technique often require general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. Liposuction using the super wet technique typically takes one to two hours of surgery time.


LipoSite Featured Practices

Atlanta, Georgia (GA) Liposuction, Abdominoplasty & Tummy Tuck by
Robert A. Colgrove, Jr., M.D.
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Dr. Sheryl Pilcher Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Berkley, Michigan (MI) Liposuction, Abdominoplasty & Tummy Tuck by
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