Tumescent Liposuction

Most of you understand what liposuction procedure is all about and what is involve. But a handful of people have knowledge of a specialized liposuction procedure called as tumescent liposuction. This type of liposuction uses traditional methods and quite common nowadays. The patient is put under local anesthesia, a solution of saline, lidocaine and epinephrine is then injected under the skin where the fatty deposit lies and then the excess fat is removed by suction through a thin tube called cannulae a much smaller than any other types.

In the mid 1980’s this type of liposuction was developed by dermatologic surgeons. But its popularity did not prosper until these recent years. Nowadays liposuction is the easiest and fastest way to lose weight, rather than exercising regularly, having a good diet or eating healthy food, people much rather have this radical procedure.

What are the benefits of having a tumescent liposuction?

There are a number of benefits particularly on other liposuction procedures. In contrast with other surgical methods these types of liposuction procedure generate less skin irregularities, have less bleeding, bruise-free and have a quicker recovery time.

What are the risks involve in this type of procedure?

These types of liposuction procedure have its own certain risk and complications. Such risks and side effects of the procedure includes skin irregularity, some cases may lead to skin lumpiness or dimpling, loosed skin and some infections. Although these risks seems to be a frightening, in reality this type of procedure is very safe and have quite a few side effects.

How long will it take me to recover?

Recovery time typically takes about six weeks or so for the scars to soften up, but as the healing process continues these scars will become faint and hardly noticeable. You might feel some numbness in the treated area due to the general anesthetic given to you but I assure you that this effect is temporary.
Stay away from doing physical activity at least for the first week because you are fresh from surgery and may cause strain on treated area and may cause unnecessary problems. Most patients that undergo this procedure are alert and proficient to function and do not complain of any nausea or grogginess.
Having a tumescent liposuction is very favorable procedure, you can have the body that you always wanted, have the self confidence and feel good inside and out.

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Tumescent Liposuction Tips

A Guide to Tumescent Liposuction

Finding out information on tumescent liposuction is very important if this is a procedure that you are interested in going through with. This is not only for your own safety, but as well to ensure that you are as comfortable and prepared for the procedure as possible. In comparison to most other cosmetic surgery procedures, tumescent liposuction is not considered as being a major procedure, but is still a procedure nonetheless.

Therefore you need to take it seriously and you need to learn the details about this procedure and make yourself more comfortable before going into it.

What it is

Do you know just what tumescent liposuction is? Many people have a misconception about this procedure, and although it is a good fix for some people, it may not even address the issues that you are concerned with. If you are overweight and want to lose a ton of weight, this is not going to be the right procedure for you. Tumescent liposuction is simply not going to change your body figure that much.

Instead, it is going to be able to remove excess fat pockets from off your body, for instance if you have lost a great deal of weight and have fat left over, liposuction can help to remove it and leave you feeling better about yourself.

What Happens

For liposuction, a tube is inserted through a very small incision in order to suction the fat, and the tube is then pushed and pulled through the fat layer, breaking up the fat cell and vacuuming them out as a result. It is really no different than any other type of plastic surgery, but tumescent liposuction tends to have less risks and complications than others.

It is important to be aware of the possible dangers of liposuction. It is important to remember that liposuction is a surgical procedure but it is not risk free. Lumps and bumps are often a result of liposuction and these are often very unsightly. There are scars as well that you may be left with, and post-operative liposuction scars are permanent, so you will want to be aware of this before going into it.

Usually only two incisions will need to be made to perform the procedure and so it is not like you will be left with lots of different scars all over your body. Swelling is another common side effect of the procedure, but by wearing an appropriately fitting garment afterwards this will help to deal with the swelling.

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Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent Liposuction Risks?

When it concerns undergoing any form of surgery there are a number of associated risks that need to be understood and acted upon. So too when it concerns tumescent liposuction there are a number of tumescent liposuction risks that must be understood and there are in fact two main risks that you must be aware of before making up your mind to go in for this form of fat removal procedure. The first important tumescent liposuction risks is the one known as lidocaine toxicity while the other major tumescent liposuction risks is accumulation of fluids.

Lidocaine Toxicity

Lidocaine toxicity normally only occurs when the doctor injects excessive amounts of lidocaine into the patient’s body and then it becomes hard for the body to break down the excess lidocaine as its metabolism will not be able to handle such conditions and when too much lidocaine is present in the body it can lead to the second tumescent liposuction risk which is that of fluid accumulation.

Infections are another form of tumescent liposuction risk that can even prove to be life threatening as well as very serious. In fact, one such serious infection is the one known as necrotizing fasciitis in which bacteria begins to eat away tissues in the body. Another common form of infection that you should watch out for, toxic shock syndrome is serious and can also prove to be fatal.

Embolism is another type of tumescent liposuction risk and this is one risk that often arises whenever the fat becomes loose and gets into the blood through a ruptured blood vessel and then this fatty matter can get stuck in the blood vessels or gathers in the lungs or even can travel to the brain.

Visceral perforations might occur when the intestines get punctured during an abdominal tumescent liposuction procedure and when any organs get damaged then repairing them is only possible through further surgical procedures. This is too is another serious tumescent liposuction risk.

Another important tumescent liposuction risk, nerve compression as well as changes in your sensations occur following the treatment and these can lead to sensitivity in the affected area and also experiencing numbness. In addition, you should learn about common tumescent liposuction risks such as swelling, burns and fluid imbalances.

Some women actually prefer undergoing tumescent liposuction breast reduction procedures. The plain truth is that women that have extra large breasts might consider reducing the size of their breasts and this in turn can make them opt for tumescent liposuction. Other reasons to take this option include being physically impaired and also because of certain psychological reasons.

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Tumescent Liposuction Risks

It Is Best To Evaluate Tumescent Liposuction Results After Six Months Have Elapsed

As with any form of surgery so too with tumescent liposuction, it is necessary to realize a few things at the outset. Patients need to be worried about the kinds of results that will be forthcoming once the desired treatment has been completed. Liposuction helps to provide some notable results but is generally most useful in helping with removing pockets of fat in people that find it quite difficult to remove the fat through use of exercise and diet. One of the things that you will get to learn in regard to determining what kind of tumescent liposuction results you can expect is that following tumescent liposuction you will have to deal with some amount of swelling as well as bruising.

Very Little Loss Of Blood

However, as compared with traditional liposuction, tumescent liposuction results are far less worrisome and even bleeding are not a major concern. However, if you are to undergo tumescent liposuction it is then quite realistic to expect that in order to get the procedure performed it requires taking a few days break from work to help you recover sufficiently to resume your daily activities. This is the time it takes for you to completely recover though tumescent liposuction results and also the time taken to heal vary from person to person.

Furthermore, to get the final tumescent liposuction results it is also necessary that patients wait for up to 6 months after which you will get to see how well or poorly the procedure was. Nevertheless, you can see some tumescent liposuction results immediately after the procedure has been completed though these results will be partial at best. You will however be able to feel that the fat is no longer present where the tumescent liposuction was performed.

What’s more, the solution used in the tumescent liposuction procedure will remain in the body for a few days and so it makes it hard to distinguish the real tumescent liposuction results from what was the case prior to getting the procedure done. There is also sure to be some swelling which may create an impression that the fat is still there. It is therefore safe to say that about four weeks after the tumescent liposuction procedure has been performed that patients will be able to notice definite tumescent liposuction results and that after these four weeks there will also be continuous improvement – albeit slowly – but which will continue up to six months from the time of the procedure having been completed. So, it is only after these six months are over that you will definitely see what the final tumescent liposuction results are.

In regard to tumescent liposuction recovery times it has to be emphasized that the time taken will vary according to whether the procedure was performed under local or general anesthesia. In the former case, there is hardly any recovery time to talk about though in the case of general anesthesia recovery can take a few days more.

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Tumescent Liposuction Results

Tumescent Liposuction Fort Worth

Tumescent liposuction has become popular in Fort Worth and other places around the country. This type of liposuction seems to have the least amount of side effects to it, although ultrasonic liposuction is close behind. Tumescent liposuction Fort Worth is a great choice because most individuals do not have to have additional anesthesia or sedatives with the procedure since the procedure itself uses a local anesthetic. In addition, it does not have much blood loss with the technique which is hazardous during surgery and can cause complications.

Those considering tumescent liposuction should always go through a consultation with the plastic surgeon. During this time, the plastic surgeon will tell them if they are a good candidate for the procedure. Unlike what might be expected, the person who is the best candidate for liposuction is one who is very close to his or her ideal body weight. In addition, the person should have maintained that body weight for at least six months before the surgery, because fluctuations in body weight ruin the effects of liposuction. In addition, the person should have good skin tone and little to no stretch marks or saggy skin in the area to be liposuctioned.

Once the patient is determined to be a good candidate, the surgeon in Fort Worth will explain the tumescent liposuction procedure and do a thorough consult where the patient describes exactly what he or she wants done to the hard to lose fatty areas of his or her body. The surgeon will also explain what results are reasonable to expect after the procedure is finished.

There are some complications that can occur during tumescent liposuction, especially if the surgeon is not as experienced. There can be a reaction to the local anesthesia that is used, as is true with any surgery. There can also be an abnormal body contour after the surgery if the body is not sculpted correctly by the surgeon. There can be a blood clot that is life threatening, which is again a threat in any surgical procedure. In addition, since the suction tube is inserted into the body, there is the danger of puncturing the bowels or abdomen if the surgeon is not careful during that part of the procedure. There is always some sort of swelling that occurs with liposuction during the healing process, but extreme swelling, tingling and possible necrosis or skin death can also occur which are more serious issues.

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Tumescent Liposuction Fort Worth

Tumescent Liposuction in Dallas: Are You Interested?

Liposuction is a fantastic option for people who have some excess fat on their body that they would like to have removed.

So you are interested in tumescent liposuction Dallas but you are not sure of where to go. As long as you know that you want to take the time to find an appropriate tumescent liposuction facility, you should be alright. There are too many people who are in too much of a rush to have the liposuction procedure done, and then end up choosing the wrong doctor and not being happy with the results.

There are a few easy steps that you can follow to ensure that you choose just the right clinic, and which will be discussed here.

Surgeon

The first step, if you want to go through with tumescent liposuction Dallas is you have to find the right plastic surgeon. You want a plastic surgeon that is going to be qualified and experienced and that you feel comfortable with. You will want to ask how many people they have performed the procedure on, what their prices are, and whether or not they think that you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Not only is it important for you to pick the right Dallas tumescent liposuction plastic surgeon, but as well the right facility. You want to go in and meet with the surgeon, and when you do, take a look around at the facility. It should be very clean, and you will want to take a look at the staff. Are they friendly? Did they offer you information and advice when you needed it? You really want to be comfortable and make sure that you get along with the people working there before deciding on it.

Now you should get a list of the different things that you can and cannot do before your surgery. Typically before the procedure, for the last two weeks before, there are a few rules at least that you are going to need to abide by in order to ensure that the procedure goes as smoothly as possible.

Make sure that you listen to everything your surgeon tells you to do, and take it seriously. A lot of patients feel that they can just do whatever they want and that the procedure will still go well, and this may be the case, but to stay safe, follow their rules.

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Tumescent Liposuction Dallas

Getting Tumescent Liposuction in Texas

Some doctors in Texas use tumescent liposuction as opposed to ultrasonic liposuction or other liposuction techniques. These doctors choose this method saying that it is the safest and most efficient way to perform liposuction on their patients. Patients need to carefully consider the opinions and qualifications of the tumescent liposuction doctors in Texas to see what equipment they use and also view portfolios of their previous work. This helps to ensure that the patient will get the results that he or she wants from the liposuction procedure.

How It Works and Recovery

Tumescent liposuction in Texas and in other places uses the same types of techniques for removing fat from the body and reshaping it to the look the person desires to have. There are some people who might require a tummy tuck in addition to the liposuction because they have loose skin or stretch marks so that when the extra fat is removed it leaves too much skin for the body to heal properly so that the stomach looks normal again.

Texas tumescent liposuction starts with the meeting between the doctor and patient where they discuss what areas need to be treated and look at pictures that fit what the patient can expect to look like after the surgery. The doctor will also usually explain how the process works and what the patient can expect to happen before, during and after the surgery.

The way tumescent liposuction works is that the fat cells in the affected areas are flooded with a solution that contains a local anesthetic as well as a saline solution. This solution helps to make the fat cells more firm before suctioning it out of the body. The suctioning is done through some small incisions made in the skin through which the thin tubes are inserted to suction out the fat cells. Individuals should check with their surgeon to see that the smallest possible tube is used since that is the least likely to cause problems during a tumescent liposuction procedure in Texas.

Since the local anesthetic is inserted into the fat cells, individuals usually do not need more anesthetic or sedation during the procedure. This fact makes the procedure less of a risk to the health of the individual. It also makes it less likely that the individual will need a narcotic pain killer after the surgery since the local anesthetic will still be in affect. During recovery, the individual will have to wear a body compression garment that helps to reduce swelling and allows the body to heal more quickly.

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Tumescent Liposuction Texas

What Is Tumescent Liposuction

Most people are aware of the liposuction procedure and what is involved with it, but few people are aware of the specialized liposuction procedure known as tumescent liposuction. This is a very common form of liposuction which is done under local anesthesia, and which involves the pumping of a solution of saline, lidocaine and epinephrine. During this technique the surgeon injects the solution into fatty areas on the body before the fat is removed.

Tumescent liposuction was developed by dermatologic surgeons decades ago, in the mid 1980s, however it did not truly come into popularity until recent years. The tumescent liposuction method uses smaller cannulae than that of any other type of liposuction which results in less bruising and bleeding.

The Benefits

There are a number of benefits that are offered by the tumescent liposuction procedure, especially over other liposuction treatments. Compared to other surgical methods it offers fewer skin irregularities, less bleeding, reduced bruising and a much faster recovery time.

The Risks

There are also certain risks and complications that are associated with tumescent liposuction, as with any other procedure. This includes skin irregularity, lumpiness, dimpling, loose skin, and infections. Although these risks are associated with the procedure it is important to realize that tumescent liposuction is a very safe procedure, one that typically comes with very few side effects.

Recovery Time

It usually takes about six weeks for any scars to begin to soften, but after this they will become so faint that they will be hardly be noticeable, if at all. You may feel temporary numbness in the treated area because the local anesthetic that was given to you before the procedure remains in the tissue for a day or two after the surgery.

You should also avoid any physical activity, at least for the first week after surgery, as this can cause strain on the treated area and result in causing problems. Most patients that go through this procedure are alert and able to function even immediately after the surgery, and do not experience any nausea or grogginess.

Liposuction can be a very beneficial procedure, one that can help shape your body and remove excess fat, leaving you with the body that you desire. It is also very inexpensive especially when compared to other procedures, thereby making it accessible to the average person. Just make sure that you find a surgeon who is qualified and experienced and who you feel comfortable with so that the procedure will go as smoothly as possible.

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What Is Tumescent Liposuction

Pennsylvania Tumescent Liposuction

Pennsylvania tumescent liposuction is no different than the tumescent liposuction that is performed anywhere else in the country. But most Pennsylvania residents do seem to find comfort in being close to home so Pennsylvania tumescent liposuction operations are often what they look for.

To truly understand what all is to be expected with this type of procedure, it is important to understand what liposuction basically is. Liposuction is the removal of fat cells under the skin. The old fashioned way is still used today but is less common now that Pennsylvania tumescent liposuction is being discovered.

There are a lot of benefits to going with this type of liposuction as this method greatly reduces the discomfort that is experienced after the operation. Also, because of the combination of lidocaine, epinephrine for shrinking capillaries, and a local anesthetic, the anesthesia lasts for a good 12 hours or so. This means that unlike a lot of other procedures, over the counter aspirin is generally the only pain medication needed. Also, with Pennsylvania tumescent liposuction, there is no longer the feeling of nausea that usually comes along with general anesthesia.

More Benefits

Besides the fact that Pennsylvania tumescent liposuction is medically better for you, there are a lot of other reasons to go that route instead of the old way of liposuction procedures. With such a procedure, the patient is able to return to work in as early as four days after surgery which means that the patient will not have to miss to much work and miss out on their normal vacation time. Also, while a patient may notice a small difference in their body shape within a week of surgery, it takes a full six months or so to truly see the final results. This is helpful for those wanting to hide the fact that they had liposuction of any sort done and instead can allow people to believe they lost some weight on their own.

Also, one of the best benefits to having Pennsylvania tumescent liposuction done is that the incision areas are so small that stitches are never really required. You will be bandaged up though and you will be placed in elastic garments to wear home. This is excellent as stitches mean more pain and sometimes require a trip back to the doctor to have them removed. Also, since the incisions are so small, there is very little scarring if any at all which means you can still wear a lot of your favorite clothes or beach wear.

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Pennsylvania Tumescent Liposuction

Over the last 10 years, surgical liposuction (also known as lipoplasty or suction lipectomy) has undergone some refinements. New techniques in the market now include ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL), the tumescent technique, and the super-wet technique.

Surgical Liposuction

During liposuction, localized fat deposits are removed to re-contour certain areas of the body. Through a tiny incision, a narrow tube or cannula is inserted and used to vacuum the fat layer that lies beneath the skin. The cannula breaks up the fat cells, suctioning them out. The suction action is provided by a vacuum pump or a large syringe, depending on the surgeon’s preference.

The problem with liposuction plastic surgery is that fluid is lost along with the fat, and it is vital that this fluid be replaced during the procedure to prevent shock. For this reason, patients need to be carefully supervised and receive intravenous fluids during and immediately after this procedure.

Fluid injection: a medicated solution is injected into fatty areas before the fat is removed. The fluid is a mixture of intravenous salt solution, lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels). The fluid helps to remove fat easily, helps reduce blood loss and provides anesthesia pre and post surgery and also helps reduce bruising.

Tumescent liposuction: a technique used on patients who only need a local anesthetic. This procedure can take up to 5 hours. Large volumes of fluid, often as much as three times the amount of fat to be removed are injected in this technique. The injected fluid contains an adequate amount of anesthetic, which could cut the anesthetists costs.

The Super-Wet technique: similar to the tumescent technique, except that lesser amounts of fluid are used. Usually the amount of fluid injected is equal to the amount of fat removed. This technique often requires IV sedation or general anesthesia and typically takes one to two hours of surgery time.

Non-surgical Liposuction
A new breakthrough in non-invasive body technology is Body Contouring, which removes excess fat cells without surgery, focusing on the hips, stomach, thighs, bottoms and flanks.

This non-surgical liposuction is a safe, painless, surgery-free body contouring treatment. The process sends ultrasound beams into the problem area to destroy fat cells. The entire procedure is guided by innovative tracking technology that ensures smooth, uniform contouring.

Body Contouring is the latest successful technology for the effective removal of excess fat. Together with Ultrashape, a scientific breakthrough which redefines the contours of your body, it is a great alternative to surgery. There are no side effects to this treatment that takes between 1 and 2 hours, and it is possible to resume your daily routine immediately thereafter.
Liposuction can give you the body you so desire, but do remember to know all about the procedure before you decide to take the plunge.

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Liposuction Techniques and Methods

Candidates

Three categories of men and women seek Liposuction to achieve their ideal appearance, after trying unsuccessfully to do so through diet and exercise.

The first category of patients includes those who wish to reduce their size, including women who have gained weight due to pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations or medications. This category also includes men and women who undergo Large Volume Liposuction. Normally, this procedure involves the removal of about two litres of fat, about the size of a “Coke” bottle. During Large Volume Liposuction, however, five or more litres of fat are removed – resulting in a dramatic reduction in size.

The second category includes those who have disproportionate areas of fat in their abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, knees, cheeks and neck. These problem areas are commonly known as “saddlebags,” “thunder thighs,” “love handles” and “double chins.” Often, these stubborn areas of fat have genetic origins, and cannot be reduced by diet and exercise.

The third category of patients includes men who suffer from Gynecomastia, excessive breast growth due to the enlargement of breast glands, and excess fatty tissue.

In all cases, men and women who undergo Liposculpture should have had a stabilized weight for at least six months. Lipoplastyis not a solution for ridding of stretch marks or of cellulite.

Techniques

There are three techniques which vary in safety and effectiveness. All involve the insertion of a cannula — a small wand-like instrument connected to a high-powered suction machine — into tiny incisions made by the plastic surgeon into the targeted area. It is through this instrument that the plastic surgeon draws fat from beneath the skin.

Tumescent Liposuction refers to the commonest, and safest, method. “Tumescence” is the swelling and firming of fatty tissues through the infusion of a saline solution that contains Lidocaine, an anesthetic with adrenaline, which reduces blood loss and bruising.

Your plastic surgeon will soak the area with a solution that is two to three times the amount of fat and fluids to be removed. In Super-Wet Tumescent Liposuction, however, tissues are infused with fluids equal to the amount of fat and fluids to be removed. Super-Wet Liposuction uses a solution that has smaller amounts of, or no, Lidocaine, reducing the risk of Lidocaine toxicity.

Once the area is sufficiently plumped up, the plastic surgeon removes the loosened fat cells, suctioning fat and fluid through transparent vacuum-like tubes.

Power Assisted Liposuction hastens the process by an electronic-powered cannula which, like a jackhammer, suctions fat more quickly. While it lessens the plastic surgeon’s exertion, it also reduces the ability to contour with precision, especially in delicate areas like the neck and the face. Likewise, Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction, which bombards subcutaneous fatty tissues with waves of heat and energy and was developed for use in more fibrous areas, has a high rate of risks and complications such as burns, and is not a patient’s best option.

Results

For optimal results, this procedure should be performed by a plastic surgeon who has a honed aesthetic sense, as well as excellent surgical skills. The surgeon must work diligently to locate the appropriate areas of subcutaneous fat in order to successfully sculpt and contour those areas. It is therefore of the utmost importance to select a cosmetic surgeon who has the highest credentials, a fine artistic sense and who is highly experienced.

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Liposuction Information – Body Contouring

Generally, it is women who choose to have upper arm liposuction because they are unable to remove excess fat in this area through regular diet and exercise. Microcannular tumescent liposuction produces excellent results when used on the upper arms of women.

- The Goal of Upper Arm Liposuction

The primary goal of upper arm liposuction is to reduce the appearance of fat upper arms which often comes with weight gain or simply age. Fatty upper arms generally result in self-conscious feelings in women when they need to wear short sleeved clothing or a bathing suit.

Thankfully, with today’s advanced techniques, upper arms can be contoured and excess fat can be easily removed. This results in much more proportional looking arms and helps to promote self-confidence in the women who undergo the procedure.

- The Upper Arm Surgical Technique

Using the Microcannular tumescent liposuction technique, very small incisions are placed in various places around the arms, and microcannulas are inserted to remove excess fat tissue all the way around the arm.

The goal of the surgery is to remove the excess fat but at the same time to leave a thin layer of residual fat to ensure that the arms remain soft and supple, as would be expected for the arms of a woman.

If all of the fat of the upper arms is removed the woman can end up looking masculine or like she has some from of physical deformity.

- The Anterior Axillary Fat Pads

The anterior axillary fat pads are located in the front of the arm-pit area of the chest. While they are not technically part of the upper arm, they are often enlarged on women as they age and should also be reduced during the procedure.

Fat deposits in this area often bulge when you wear a bra, and if not included in the procedure, often appear out of place next to a newly shaped upper arm.

- The Posterior Axillary Fat Pads

In addition to the anterior axillary fat pads, are the posterior axillary fat pads which are located on the back near the arm-pit area. Just as the anterior axillary fat pads cause unsightly bulging, so do those on the posterior.

These also should also be removed at the time of upper arm liposuction to achieve the best result possible.

- Post-Operative Care

Once your procedure is completed on your upper arms and axillary fat pads, absorbent bandages and compression bandages will be applied to the area. Within 48 hours you should notice that drainage has stopped from the surgical area, and soon there after you will be instructed to remove all bandages.

While any surgical procedure has risks, you can greatly reduce your risks from having upper arm liposuction by working with a skilled, experienced plastic surgeon.

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Liposuction For Flabby Upper Arms

Liposuction is no different, and it’s especially important for those considering the surgery. The best candidates for liposuction are at or close to the healthiest weight for their height. The candidates who achieve the best results are those who have elastic, firm skin with pockets of excess fat in areas that are impervious to exercise and diet. Usually, these are genetic or are more difficult to change because of age. (Though age is not necessarily a major consideration in determining whether someone is a good candidate for liposuction or not – elasticity is the primary consideration).

Also, there are different kinds of liposuction, which may be a consideration when a person and their doctor are considering the procedure. The tumescent technique is a relatively new method, which can reduce the pain, swelling and bruising involved because blood loss is minimized during the procedure. And, because of this, the possibility of needing a blood transfusion is greatly reduced.

Specifically, using the tumescent technique, pockets of excess fat are injected with large amounts of anesthetic liquid before the surgery. Because the pockets of fat become swollen and firm, it allows the liposuction cannula to move easily beneath the skin and remove the fat. Typically, people who have large areas of excess fat can be good candidates for tumescent liposuction, as well as those who need more precision on places such as the face, neck, ankles and calves.

Another relatively new liposuction is done by ultrasound, which “liquefies” the fat molecules and makes it easier for the doctor to remove it and make the contours necessary. Sometimes a doctor will use a combination of these techniques.

However, though it sounds easy and is performed millions of times a year, it should be understood that liposuction is not for everyone. It is very risky for people with medical issues, particularly diabetes, heart or lung disease, bad blood circulation or anyone who have had surgery near the site to be sculpted so consult with a certified liposuction doctor to find out if you are physically able to handle this specific type of surgery.

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The Best Candidate for Liposuction

Liposuction Candidates

Three categories of men and women seek Liposuction to achieve their ideal appearance, after trying unsuccessfully to do so through diet and exercise.

The first category of patients includes those who wish to reduce their size, including women who have gained weight due to pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations or medications. This category also includes men and women who undergo Large Volume Liposuction. Normally, Liposuction involves the removal of about two litres of fat, about the size of a “Coke” bottle. During Large Volume Liposuction, however, five or more litres of fat are removed resulting in a dramatic reduction in size.

The second category includes those who have disproportionate areas of fat in their abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, knees, cheeks and neck. These problem areas are commonly known as “saddlebags,” “thunder thighs,” “love handles” and “double chins.” Often, these stubborn areas of fat have genetic origins, and cannot be reduced by diet and exercise.

The third category of patients includes men who suffer from Gynecomastia, excessive breast growth due to the enlargement of breast glands, and excess fatty tissue.

In all cases, men and women who undergo Liposculpture should have had a stabilized weight for at least six months. Liposuction is not a solution for ridding of stretch marks or of cellulite.

Liposuction Techniques

There are three techniques for performing Liposuction, which vary in safety and effectiveness. All involve the insertion of a cannula — a small wand-like instrument connected to a high-powered suction machine — into tiny incisions made by the plastic surgeon into the targeted area. It is through this instrument that the plastic surgeon draws fat from beneath the skin.

Tumescent Liposuction refers to the commonest, and safest, method. “Tumescence” is the swelling and firming of fatty tissues through the infusion of a saline solution that contains Lidocaine, an anesthetic with adrenaline, which reduces blood loss and bruising.

Your plastic surgeon will soak the area with a solution that is two to three times the amount of fat and fluids to be removed. In Super-Wet Tumescent Liposuction, however, tissues are infused with fluids equal to the amount of fat and fluids to be removed. Super-Wet Liposuction uses a solution that has smaller amounts of, or no, Lidocaine, reducing the risk of Lidocaine toxicity.

Once the area is sufficiently plumped up, the plastic surgeon removes the loosened fat cells, suctioning fat and fluid through transparent vacuum-like tubes.

Power Assisted Liposuction hastens the process by an electronic-powered cannula which, like a jackhammer, suctions fat more quickly. While it lessens the plastic surgeon’s exertion, it also reduces the ability to contour with precision, especially in delicate areas like the neck and the face. Likewise, Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction, which bombards subcutaneous fatty tissues with waves of heat and energy and was developed for use in more fibrous areas, has a high rate of risks and complications such as burns, and is not a patient’s best option.

Liposuction Results

For optimal results, Liposuction should be performed by a plastic surgeon who has a honed aesthetic sense, as well as excellent surgical skills. The surgeon must work diligently to locate the appropriate areas of subcutaneous fat in order to successfully sculpt and contour those areas. It is therefore of the utmost importance to select a cosmetic surgeon who has the highest credentials, a fine artistic sense and who is highly experienced in performing Liposuction.

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Liposuction Surgery by a Board Certfied Plastic Surgeon

While people who are average or above average in weight or have firm elastic skin and are in overall good health, are the best candidate for the procedure, not all procedures have expected outcomes; consider the five deaths that occurred after tumescent liposuction.

The five patients reportedly between the ages 33 to 54. Only one of the patients was a man and all five had lidocaine injected into their systems – a drug sometimes used to slow dangerously rapid heart rates in emergency situations. Three of the five died because their blood pressure dropped and a slower heart rate ensued – the result of lidocaine.

A female victim died of too much fluid in her body. This woman essentially drowned to death when her lungs filled with liquid. During the procedure over 13 quarts of liquids had been given to this woman; and a blood clot which made its way to her lungs was the cause of the demise of the fifth patient – a clot that developed in her calf veins then freed itself and wound up in her lungs.

Tumescent liposuction involves pumping several quarts of a solution consisting of salt water, lidocaine – a numbing agent, – and epinephrine – a vessel constrictor to help minimize bleeding. Afterward, the fat is then suctioned out of the body through small tubes.

What makes tumescent liposuction a higher danger is in part due to the use of lidocaine – the drug itself is toxic, the patient may be taking medication that may cause complicated reactions to lidocaine.

Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL) is when the cannula – a hollow instrument – is energized with ultrasonic energy which causes the fat to melt away on contact. While an advantage to UAL is that it treats scar tissue, the dangers appear to be more pronounced.

UAL needs longer incisions in the skin whereas the potential for infection increases and the potential for skin or internal burns are greater because of the use of ultrasonic energy. The dangers notwithstanding, there is also a greater cost associated with UAL and the healing time is often longer.

In general liposuction has a good track record of safety, however, as with any surgery; there are risks of infection and skin discoloration. Although, you can minimize these risks by avoiding long procedures or excessive fat removal.

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Baby Got Back – the Dangers of Liposuction

There are many different types of liposuction available. So-called “dry liposuction” is rare, since wet and tumescent surgeries have proven easier, safer, and more aesthetically sound. Tumescent, laser-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and water-assisted liposuction therapies may also be considered.

Liposuction can be performed under general or local anesthesia. Ideally, patients are locally anesthetized to limit the possible side effects and complications of general anesthesia. In a number of wet liposuction techniques, fluid is injected subcutaneously to emulsify the fat to make it easier for aspiration. This fluid often contains an anesthetic (such as lidocaine), a vasoconstricting agent, such as epinephrine, and a saline solution to ensure a static osmotic balance in the body.

In laser-assisted surgery, a laser beam emulsifies fat via electromagnetic radiation. In ultrasound-assisted liposuction, high energy sound waves bombard the area to be treated and literally smash fat cells open, liquifying their contents. Ultrasound liposuction was initially a very popular alternative to traditional wet liposuction. However, studies found that ultrasound liposuction created a higher risk of fluid pocket formation.

In preapring for the procedure, most patients are forbidden from taking anticoagulants for 14 days prior to surgery. Patients who must undergo general anesthesia are typically prohibited from eating in the hours prior to surgery, as well. Finally, liposuction patients must forgo smoking and nicotine gum for several weeks before surgery, since nicotine can have an adverse effect on both circulation and tissue functionality.

On the day of surgery, the patient will sign a consent form, take antibiotics, and discuss last minute preparations with the surgeon. A sedative is then given — either intravenously or orally — and the surgeon then makes an incision to drain the adipose tissue. Most patients under local anesthesia report feeling some sensation at the area of suction — typically a scraping feeling — but ordinarily go home the same day. Complications from liposuction are relatively rare — one out of every 200 patients experiences a minor complication and only one out of every 500 patients experiences a major complication, according to a published report in the trade journal, Dermatologic Surgery.

Following surgery, patients may experience a number of side effects, including reduced ability to move, slight scarring and swelling, bruising at the site of surgery, pain and numbness, and some dizziness. If you experience severe symptoms that don’t respond to over-the-counter medications, contact your doctor right away. Incision areas are often left un-sutured for a day or two to drain whatever fluids remain. Swelling, numbness, and bruising can persist for a few weeks to several months after the operation. For patients who have large adipose deposits, several liposuction surgeries may be required to ensure satisfactory results.

Controlled tumescent liposuction can be a safe and effective way to combat the long-term complications of obesity, such as diabetes, arthrosclerosis, and heart disease. However, liposuction patients should also school themselves on the physiology of obesity. Contrary to what many in the public (and medical establishment) believe, the notion that obesity is caused by a combination of overeating and underexercising is but a hypothesis. In fact, this hypothesis has not stood up very well against the data collected over the past hundred years. Epidemiologists and physicians have found again and again that obesity and malnutrition coexist both in populations and patients. In other words, contrary to all that we’ve been taught by dietary authorities, fat regulation may not, in fact, be determined by “caloric balance.”

Fat tissue does not simply act as a “bag.” Adipose tissue is complex, and it is regulated by the body’s hormonal system. The competing hypothesis to the “caloric balance” idea (which has pervaded every aspect of our medical culture) is the idea that obesity is caused by the dysregulation of fat tissue. In other words, something causes us to get fat, and then our body remembers this “set point” and returns our fat levels to that set point, regardless of how much we exercise or how many calories we intake.

The important insight here is that liposuction alters the body’s regulation of adipose tissue by literally removing some of it. The key to safe and effective weight loss, according to this alternative hypothesis of why we get fat, is to avoid doing whatever caused the fat dysregulation in the first place. And mounting evidence suggests that, for the vast majority of the obese, simple carbohydrates in the diet may be at fault. To read up on this alternative hypothesis, check out award winning science journalist Gary Taubes’ book, Good Calories, Bad Calories.

A diet low in simple carbohydrates and sugars combined with carefully performed liposuction therapy can permanently and positively transform your body. Whether you consider the health benefits of primary importance or just a nice fringe benefit along with your physical transformation, you will, in fact, reduce your risks of developing any number of debilitating conditions.

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Have a Body You Can be Proud of What to Expect With Liposuction

The amount of fluid that is injected varies depending on the preference of the surgeon.

Large volumes of fluid — sometimes as much as three times the amount of fat to be removed — are injected in the tumescent technique. Tumescent liposuction, typically performed on patients who need only a local anesthetic, usually takes significantly longer than traditional liposuction (sometimes as long as 4 to 5 hours). However, because the injected fluid contains an adequate amount of anesthetic, additional anesthesia may not be necessary. The name of this technique refers to the swollen and firm or “tumesced” state of the fatty tissues when they are filled with solution.

The super-wet technique is similar to the tumescent technique, except that lesser amounts of fluid are used. Usually the amount of fluid injected is equal to the amount of fat to be removed. This technique often requires IV sedation or general anesthesia and typically takes one to two hours of surgery time.

Ultrasound-Assisted Lipoplasty (UAL). This technique requires the use of a special cannula that produces ultrasonic energy. As it passes through the areas of fat, the energy explodes the walls of the fat cells, liquefying the fat. 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, such as the upper back or the enlarged male breast. It is also commonly used in secondary procedures, when enhanced precision is needed. In general, UAL takes longer to perform than traditional liposuction.

Power Assisted Liposuction

Lipoplasty (liposuction) has proven to be a very popular surgical cosmetic procedure; see current American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) statistics. Power-Assisted Lipoplasty (PAL) is a relatively new technique, approved for general use by the FDA in December 1998, and is not yet widely used. Most lipoplasty procedures are performed using traditional suction-assisted lipoplasty (SAL) and certain procedures can benefit from ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty (UAL).

Technique:

In PAL, a reciprocating cannula, or hollow tube (powered by gas or electricity) powers through tissue and vacuums out fat and fibrous or scarred tissue reportedly with minimal effort. The back and forth motion of the tip of the cannula facilitates passage through tissue.

Benefits:

Procedure may be gentler for the patient, possibly causing less bruising, swelling and discomfort.

May provide a more rapid recovery, with quicker return to work and activities.

Patients may spend less time in the operating room and under anesthesia than with other lipoplasty techniques.

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Liposuction Surgery Information – Technique Variations

The two most common methods to get rid of it are the tumescent technique and Ultrasonic. The most modern of these techniques is Tumescent and has become one of the most commonly practiced aesthetic cosmetic procedures in America.

Fat is removed by a smaller tube and this also helps to reduce the amount of bruising that occurs with the traditional method. The Tumescent liposuction technique has proven to be safer than the standard method using general anesthesia but it also less painful and has minimized post operative recovery time.

Ultrasonic liposuction enables the removal of fat in areas that were previously unable to have liposuction such as the back, upper abdomen and male breast.

During the more traditional technique it is difficult for the surgeon to see where the probe is and therefore it is possible to puncture or damage internal organs. If you are considering this type of treatment then discuss it with your cosmetic surgeon who will be able to give advice on the most appropriate method for you.

There is danger in every medical procedure and although liposuction is normally safe when performed by a professional, there is still a risk involved, even death, although this is very rare. In order to minimize the danger, patients will have a medical to ensure their health is good so the chances of complications are reduced. Keeping the wounds clean and free from infection after the procedure is imperative so plastic surgeons prescribe antibiotics to all patients during the healing process. Techniques in cosmetic surgery have moved forward in leaps and bounds especially in the field of fat removal.

An alternative to liposuction in Lipo Dissolve; this is where fat is dissolved by the application of many small injections although this treatment is mainly used for the treatment of cellulite and lumpy skin. Because Lipo Dissolve does not cause any pain, it can be performed without the need for any anesthetic and be used with other skin treatments that do not require surgical intervention.

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Liposuction: Fat Loss Cosmetic Surgery

Fluid Injection Liposuction

Fluid injection is a technique where a medicated solution is injected into the fatty areas before the fat is removed. The medicated solution is generally made up of saline solution, a local anesthetic, and a medication which is used to contract blood vessels in the area.

Fluid injection helps your plastic surgeon remove the fatty deposits much easier, and at the same time provides you with the added benefit of pain reduction and less blood loss. In addition, the injection of fluid works to lessen the bruising you will experience post-procedure.

Tumescent Liposuction

The word “tumescence” describes a swollen and firm state of fatty tissues when they have been filled with a medical solution. With tumescent liposuction, a general anesthetic is generally used which is in a solution injected into the fatty deposits which will be removed.

While this technique generally takes longer for a plastic surgeon to perform, the injection fluid generally contains the entire amount of anesthetic you will need as a patient. This means that you will not need to take any further anesthetic risk for the procedure.

Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction

There are two variations of ultrasonic assisted liposuction (UAL) performed today. They are external UAL and internal UAL.

With external UAL, ultrasonic vibrations are applied above the surface of your skin. The ultrasonic waves pass through the areas of fat to be removed and cause it to turn to liquid. Once the area has been liquefied, traditional techniques are used to remove it.

With internal UAL a special cannula is used and the ultrasonic energy is applied inside of the body directly on the fat tissue to be removed. UAL allows for more precision than traditional methods and generally is a longer procedure for your plastic surgeon to perform.

Super Wet Liposuction Technique

The super wet technique is similar to that of the tumescent method in that fluid is injected into the areas where fat will be removed.

However, the super wet technique uses less fluid and generally the amount of fluid that is introduced is the same as the amount of fat which will be removed. The super wet technique generally requires general anesthesia and takes over an hour to perform.

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Four Types of Liposuction

Next would be the ultrasonic liposuction procedure which is most ideal for those who want a quick and low bruising recovery. Last but not least you have the laser liposuction for individuals who are older  which is best recommended procedure for their age bracket.

Ultrasonic Liposuction – Discovering The Details

The methods on how fat is removed from the body differs for each procedure. With the ultrasonic liposuction procedure you have ultrasound that breaks up the layers of fat where the tumescent procedure utilizes saline and the laser liposuction procedure utilizes laser beams to assist in the removal of fat.

Ultrasonic liposuction uses two types of methods – one is external and the other is internal. During the procedure the fat is exposed to ultrasonic waves where it is then transformed into an oil like substance that can easily be removed through the use of suction from a thin tube.

Ultrasonic liposuction is followed by an improved version of the traditional method. Similar to traditional liposuction, the ultrasonic method also needs the use of saline or other types of tumescent fluid that is initially injected into the areas of fat deposits. Once the optimal tumescence is reached, the ultrasonic waves are utilized to transform the fat into and oily type of emulsion which can then be easily removed with the use of a hollow cannula that is inserted into the persons skin through a two-three millimeter surgical incision.

One of the most ideal applications of ultrasonic liposuction is that it has the ability to remove fat from hard to handle areas such as upper arms, hips, under the chin, etc.

Some Risks and Possible Complications

Even though ultrasonic liposuction may look like a relatively simple procedure, it is nevertheless surgery and hence is subject to all the associated risks that surgery entails. The possibility exists that it may incite sudden and unanticipated hemorraging; it may also cause an allergic reaction, it may also have other side effects from the anesthesia etc. There are some cases where mortality has resulted in a liposuction procedure, however incidents such as these are few and far between.

Maker certain that you hammer out all your fears and concerns and have all your doubts dealt with prior to making the decision to go through this procedure. Locate a doctor who is not just highly qualified but also has a good amount of experience because this is a more recent technique and necessitates a certain amount of dexterity. Also, it is also comforting to realize that your surgeon has done quite a few of these types of procedures in the past.

Do not be afraid to inquire with your doctor all your thoughts and concerns until you locate the answers you need or to back out if you feel that the doctor is not up to your standards. Only go through with it when you feel one hundred percent safe and certain about it.

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Ultrasonic Liposuction – What You Need to Know

Liposuction Recovery Period

General anesthesia is not used in tumescent liposuction so there is less bleeding and trauma to the tissues and the recovery is easier and more rapid than the recovery after non-tumescent liposuction.

Though liposuction recovery is usually uneventful, the best results are often gained in younger people because their skin has greater elasticity. It is also important that the person undergoing the surgery is healthy. People suffering from heart, lung or liver problems appear to be at greater risk of complications. It is therefore very important that you make your doctor aware of any health issues you are experiencing so he can be fully prepared for any adverse reaction during or after the liposuction.

There have been many instances where failure to know the full medical history of a patient created serious complications during or after the surgery that interfered with the successful liposuction recovery. It is also very important that you follow all instructions given by your doctor after the liposuction.

Liposuction recovery is generally easy, quick and complication free. The recovery period begins as soon as the surgery is over and many people are able to return to work within three to ten days of their surgery, depending on the area of the body where the surgery was performed.

Immediately after the surgery the patient is usually taken to a recovery area, where the drugs wear off. The patient is then usually able to get up and move around and is sent home shortly afterwards. You won’t be permitted to drive yourself so you should arrange for a friend or family member to be available to drive you home and, ideally, to stay with you on your first night at home.

Expect some discomfort in the days following the surgery. During the first few weeks most people will experience some degree of pain, swelling and temporary numbness. Pain medications will usually alleviate the discomfort and a compression garment will assist in minimizing the swelling. You should refrain from any exercise other than walking for about a week after the procedure. Slowly resume your old exercise routine.

You should be able to take a shower whenever you like, but do not take a bath for the first ten days.

For the first three days after the surgery there will be quite a lot of drainage from the incisions. The liposuction incisions are not routinely sutured because the swelling reduces more rapidly if the tumescent solution and excess fluid can drain out rather than having the body absorb then remove it. The small liposuction wounds appear to heal with the same cosmetic result whether or not they are sutured.

You should expect some bruising after a liposuction procedure. This will usually last from a couple of days up to two weeks. The swelling decreases rapidly during the first week or so then more slowly for a month or more.

Compression garments are usually worn for the first several days. These compression garments play a major role in liposuction recovery. They assist the wound to heal while preventing tissue movement and they can often prevent blood clots. The decreased bleeding from the smaller instruments used in tumescent liposuction make prolonged use of liposuction compression garments unnecessary.

When you go home after your cosmetic surgery procedure you will be given a list of instructions. Follow your doctor’s instructions and you should anticipate a trouble-free liposuction recovery.

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Liposuction Recovery – How To Achieve The Best Outcome

Newer techniques of liposuction such as tumescent liposuction result in less bruising, less swelling and a quicker recovery than older traditional methods of liposuction. Tumescent liposuction is used more often for this type of liposuction surgery. Abdominal liposuction is sometimes accompanied by a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), wherein a large excision of skin is also performed. Tumescent abdominal liposuction is performed with local anesthetic only , and thus side effects and risks of liposuction are markedly decreased. The abdominal area is anesthetized with the tumescent solution which is spread throughout the area to be treated. The incisions which are used to perform the liposuction are very small, and there are usually several.

Even though abdominal liposuction is not a very complicated plastic surgery procedure, as with all surgery, it has certain risks. The risk of drug reactions is possible in people who are allergic to certain substances. The cost of the procedure depends upon the extent of the surgery, technique used, and clinic. It also may differ in various regions. The average price varies from $3,000 to $6,500. The results of abdominal liposuction are long-lasting, since fat cells from a certain area are removed during the procedure. However, additional weight gain might lead to accumulation of fat in the close areas resulting in uneven look and contour.Liposuction is not means to lose or control weight. It is a procedure designed to remove deposits of localized fat which are resistant to diet and exercise.

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Abdominal Liposuction

Ultrasonic liposuction, otherwise known as ultrasonic-assisted liposuction or UAL, is an advanced procedure used by liposuction doctors to assist them in removing body fats more efficiently and effectively. Body shaping procedures like liposuction are as much an art as a science. By using this tool to assist in breaking up the fat cells the surgeon can remove more fat, more easily. Ultrasonic liposuction works by using “ultrasonic energy” to break up fat cells in certain areas and converting these unwanted fats into oil. The areas involved are usually the flanks, back, hips, upper abdomen and areas where you have had liposuction before. These areas have been found to be more complicated than others.

The Procedure Itself

Ultrasonic liposuction uses a generator. As with traditional liposuction a vacuum is involved but this one is specifically designed for this. Fatty areas are better identified by injecting them with tumescent fluids. Then, a canula with an ultrasonic probe is attached to the generator and suction vacuum. As the canula passes through the fat, the energy breaks down fat cells and converts them to oil. This oil will then blend with the tumescent fluids to form a mixture that can be easily sucked out through the canula.

Currently ultrasonic liposuction is not considered a replacement for traditional liposuction because in most cases the same outcome can be expected. It can be used in conjunction with traditional procedures because it can easily reduce or treat fats that have been difficult to remove using traditional liposuction.

What are the risks associated with Ultrasonic Liposuction?

There are more complications and risks associated with this procedure than with traditional liposuction. These include:

*Burning of the patient’s skin
*Possible scarring from the burns
*Blood Clots
*Injury to the sensory nerves

The use of ultrasonic energy for this purpose is new so many of the long term risks are not yet known. There have been some studies that have shown a relationship between exposure to ultrasound and damage to the peripheral nerves. More so in sensitive areas like the face and neck. The heat of given off by the procedure can burn as well as cause blood clots to form.

All the above said the use of ultrasonic liposuction is growing because it can help the surgeon remove more fat than traditional methods. The equipment costs more so the cost of ultrasonic liposuction is higher than traditional liposuction. It may be worth it particularly if you find you need a lot of fat removed in areas like the back and upper abdomen. The trouble areas that benefit from the use of ultrasonic liposuction are usually the ones men need done. Whether you are male or female the results may be worth the added risks.

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The Basics Of Ultrasonic Liposuction

Developed about 15 years ago, this is the most common, and safest, method. The term “tumescence” refers to the swelling and firming of fatty tissues by the means of infusing fluid into the tissue. After tiny incisions are made where the patient’s skin covers fatty tissue, the area is soaked with a saline solution that contains an anesthetic (Lidocaine) and adrenaline to reduce blood loss and bruising. This reduction of blood loss through the shrinking of capillaries has been a great advance, enabling plastic surgeons to remove much fat with little blood loss.Tumescent liposuction involves swelling the areas to be suctioned with a solution that equals two to three times the amount of the fat and fluid that will be suctioned out. In the Super-Wet technique however, the tissues are infused with an amount of fluid that equals the fat and fluids that will be suctioned. Super-wet involves the use smaller amounts of, or no, Lidocaine, thereby reducing the risk of Lidocaine toxicity.

Once the area has been sufficiently plumped up, the surgeon removes these fat cells through the insertion of a cannula, a tiny wand like instrument that suctions and removes the loosened fat cells via a high-power suction machine. The fat then glides through transparent vacuum-like tubes as fat and fluid are suctioned from your body. Because of the fluid loss, you need to be monitored carefully by an experienced anesthesiologist who can balance your fluid intake and output throughout the procedure.

There is nothing arbitrary about this process. A skilled surgeon, like a sculptor, has to use his sense of sight and touch to assess the areas of fat buildup and to contour and sculpt these areas into an ideal form. It also requires a great deal of arm movement and exertion by the surgeon, as he or she both suctions and sculpts. The tumescent technique has a low complication rate in and of itself, yet is also used as preparation for other kinds of liposuction techniques.

Power Assisted Liposuction

In essence, this is liposuction hastened by a vibrating suction cannula. Developed by a German surgeon, this technique employs an electric-powered cannula, which like a jackhammer sucks out the fat faster. In my opinion, while it might help the surgeon to do his or her job faster, it takes away from the surgeon’s ability to feel the contour and the topography of tissue as this machine vibrates. Also, this machine might not be safe to be used in delicate or potentially dangerous areas such as the neck and face.

Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

This method was first used in the 1990’s, and was considered an advance in treating especially fibrous areas, such as the male chests, back, and flanks. It uses cannulas that bombard subcutaneous fatty tissues with waves of ultrasound, thereby liquefying them through ultrasound energy and heat. An external method also delivers this energy by applying a paddle-shaped instrument to the skin. The higher general complication rate of this technique as compared to other conventional techniques has recently drawn surgeons away from this fad. Specifically, ultrasonic assisted lipoplasty (UAL) carries an increased risk of skin and tissue burns, permanent tissue damage and scarring, nerve damage causing lasting skin irritation or pain, and fluid buildup or formation of seroma – cavities of fluid beneath the skin. Because there is insufficient proof of the safety of UAL devices, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has never approved the marketing and advertising of UAL devices.

What is Large Volume Liposuction?

What person today has not heard of gastric bypass surgery, more commonly known as “stomach stapling?” The news stories about musicians, new anchors and other celebrities who have undergone this procedure are frequent. Yet, only twenty years ago, the mere mention of gastric bypass would have elicited a declaration of “that would be malpractice!” In much the same way, our assessments about the safety of Large Volume Liposuction are progressing.

Notions of what is attractive are constantly evolving. The voluptuous actresses of the 1950’s would today be considered overweight. However, while we can’t really define what an “ideal” weight is, it is widely accepted that a significant portion of Americans today are overweight. This is both a health issue, and a self-esteem issue. More than half of American women wear a size 10 or more, and are unhappy with their size.

Just as the safety of gastric bypass surgery was once questioned, so is the acceptability of Large Volume Liposuction. However, in the hands of a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who takes all of the usual precautions that are observed during any major surgery, a patient can successfully and safely have large amounts of fat removed.

When approximately two liters of fat (about the size of a Coca-Cola bottle) are removed, this is considered Small Volume Liposuction. This is successful when smaller localized “problem” areas of the body are being contoured. However, the removal of this quantity of fat will not make a difference in a large person whose goal is significant size reduction. In the latter case, large volumes of fat, five or more liters are removed, with the dramatic outcomes- 2 to 5 size reduction in cloth size. The surgeon removes the fat with an eye towards contouring the area as well. In this procedure, it is a good practice to combine the Tumescent with the Super-Wet Technique, as the latter does not use Lidocaine (or uses less), thereby avoiding the risk of Lidocaine toxicity.

If you are considering liposuction you should seek a plastic surgeon who has very extensive experience in performing this procedure in an optimal surgical facility. A minority of qualified plastic surgeons specializes in this.

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Liposuction Surgery Techniques in Body Contouring

Thanks to the popularity of cosmetic surgery, liposuction procedures have undergone repeated refinements since their introduction in 1982. Selection of the how for a liposuction generally introduces the need for a review of those refinements. The patient and doctor choose how the procedure should be performed. The patient must study carefully the pros and cons associated with each of the available liposuction methods.

When first performed on patients, the plastic surgery now called liposuction required the use of general anesthesia. Dermatologists in the U.S, found a way to offer some forms of liposuction using local anesthesia. Liposuction done with local anesthesia is called tumescent liposuction. The patient should not assume that a tumescent liposuction, one that covers fat with a saline solution, involves use of the so-called “wet method”.

The tumescent liposuction, unlike traditional liposuction, can often be done in the doctor’s office. For that reason, it allows the doctor to lower the costs of the cosmetic surgery. The tumescent liposuction also uses a smaller needle, and therefore produces a smaller incision. A patient can expect to heal more quickly after a tumescent liposuction.

Sometimes patients have sought the removal of fat from areas with very fibrous tissue. A doctor specializing in plastic surgery would expect added problems when seeking to draw out the fat from such tissue. Some specialists have developed a way to liquefy the fat using ultrasound. Though now refined, that original method had certain drawbacks.

Prior to the introduction of present-day refinements, the use of ultrasound introduced risks not usually associated with cosmetic surgery. Prior to introduction of the refinements, the shaking of the cannulae could cause breakage. Shattered cannulae could expose a patient’s internal organs to potentially harmful objects.

The current liposuction that makes use of ultrasound has managed to remove the threat of cannulae breakage. It offers the patient a safe procedure, assuming that it is done by a competent specialist. A competent specialist avoids removing too much fat, thus giving the patient an area of lumpy skin. A competent surgeon also makes every effort to remove the fat without damaging any blood vessels or connective tissue. The competent surgeon arranges for replenishment of any fluids removed along with the body fat.

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Liposuction: How And Where