Liposuction is one of the safest most effective treatments for the permanent removal of difficult localized areas of fat. The procedure is enticing in many ways, touting a minimal time requirement, local anesthetic, and little downtime. In terms of progression, the procedure is not only one of the top five procedures performed in the U.S., but the technology has evolved and improved, offering consumers a variety of methods to choose from. Depending upon the type of technology used, the number of areas that can be treated has grown into many possibilities, including:

Abdomen
Flank
Thighs
Saddles Bags
Hips
Buttocks
Face
Chin
Cheek
Neck
Sides of Breast Area
Upper Arms
Pubic Area
Back
Male Breasts
Knees

It's in the Technique

In terms of technique, traditional methods, new age philosophies and investigative strategies for the removal of fat exist today. Each of which may apply to different areas of the body or face and accommodate for different treatment area sizes. Here's a quick recap"¦

Traditional Liposuction:

Tumescent Liposuction, commonly referred to as Micro-Liposuction: Tumescent Liposuction is the most popular type of liposuction. It is the safest effective means for the permanent removal of fat that has passed the test of time. During this procedure, a combination of medications in the form of a solution is injected into the treatment area. Then, a cannula (hollow tube) in a size that is relational to the size of the treatment area (1.5mm to 6mm) is inserted so that the fat cells can be broken up and dispensed from the treatment area in a vacuum like manner. The procedure may be repeated in different areas of the body through small incisions to achieve the best results. Alternatively, one larger incision may be used when appropriate.

Ultrasound- Assisted Liposuction, also referred to as Ultrasonic Liposuction: An excellent option for the removal of larger and fibrous areas of fat, ultrasonic liposuction uses wave energy technology to break up fat cells and produce a liquid variation. The time required for this procedure is significantly longer than tumescent liposuction, but can produce effective results. The beauty of the procedure is that it is non-invasive.

Superwet Technique: In the super wet technique, a combination of medications is inserted into the treatment area to disrupt the fat cells. Then, a cannula is used to employ a vacuum like methodology to suction out the disrupted fat cells. The amount of medication used in this technique is equal to the amount of fat removed. Unlike tumescent liposuction which uses a much greater amount of medication to disrupt the fat cells.

New Age Methods for Liposuction:

There are a variety of laser and wave like forms of liposuction that are approaching the market today. The idea behind this methodology is to use energy forms of technology to break up the fat cells. The most popular and recently FDA approved is Smart Lipo.

Smart Lipo: Approved by the FDA in 2006, Smart Lipo can treat very small areas of the body or face. During the procedure, very small sized cannulas (hollow tube) that have a laser fiber are used to break up fat cells. In addition, the tissue coagulates. This may help prompt a contraction like effect on the skin. The disrupted fat cells are then removed through a cannula.

Investigative Techniques:

Lipo-dissolve: Lipodissolve is still in the analytical stage as a possible option for fat removal. The procedure involves a number of injections in the treatment area to dissolve fat. The treatment is also said to improve cellulite, stretch marks, scars and fat pads under the chin or eyes. The safety and effectiveness of the medications used in lipodissolve is still passing the test of time. The choice of medications varies among medical providers, including: phosphatidyl choline, multivitamins, alpha lipid acid, enzymes, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, and hormones.

Mesotherapy: Mesotherapy operates under a similar philosophy as lipo-dissolve. The primary difference is that mesotherapy has been used in other medical applications dating back to 1950. These medical applications include: skin disorders, inflammatory conditions, vascular disorders, and circulatory conditions.
The limitations of these two techniques are still being defined. Doctors are in agreement that the only proven safe and most effective solution for permanent fat removal is traditional liposuction at this time. Many contend that inappropriate candidates for mesotherapy and lipodissolve include, but are not necessarily limited to: pregnant women, individuals with diabetes or those with infections. In fact, the lack of standardization in medications for lipodissolve and mesotherpy are cause for concern among members of the medical community. By the same token, it will be interesting to see the improved outcomes of liposuction in years to come.

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