Liposuction is a medical technique that takes away fat from the body. This technique, also known as liposculpture, can be done in several areas. It can reduce fat from the abdomen, neck, thighs, buttocks, arms and other places.
The cannula or tube is a tool is used in liposuction. This destroys fat cells and suctions them out. This action is performed by a vacuum pump or a large syringe. In liposuction, however, fluid is eliminated together with fat. To prevent shock, it’s essential that fluid is restored during the procedure. This is why patients have to be carefully supervised and get intravenous fluids during and immediately after this procedure.
A medicated solution is usually injected into fatty areas before they are removed. This fluid is a mixture of intravenous salt solution, lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a drug that contracts blood vessels). The fluid helps remove fat easily, reduces blood loss, stops pain and also reduces bruising.
There are several methods of liposuction. Tumescent liposuction can take up to five hours. Large volumes of fluid, often as much as three times the amount of fat to be removed are injected in the body. The injected fluid contains an adequate amount of anesthesia.
The super-wet technique is the same as tumescent liposuction except that smaller amounts of fluid are used. Often the amount of fluid injected is the same as the amount of fat removed. This method normally requires general anesthesia and often takes one to two hours to do. In ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty, a special cannula emits ultrasonic energy that blasts away and melts fat cells. The fat is then removed with surgical liposuction.
Liposuction carries greater risks for individuals with medical problems such as diabetes, heart or lung disease, poor blood circulation, or those who recently had surgery near the area to be contoured. Always remember to check with a qualified surgeon who can advise you on other alternatives to remove fat.
