Body Liposuction
Liposuction has become one of the most popular procedures in plastic surgery. This procedure was originally developed in France, by a gynecologist in the 1970’s. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, liposuction is the number one requested cosmetic procedure in the United States.
What is liposuction?
Traditionally, small metal cannulas are attached to high vacuum and inserted in areas of fatty deposits through small incisions. The fat is then vacuumed into a canister and the overlying skin shrinks to the new contour.
As techniques have improved, small cannulas are used, making scars more inconspicuous and creating less surface irregularities. Tumescent Liposuction utilizes the injection of a combination of anesthetic agent (Lidocaine) with a blood vessel constrictor (Epinephrine) mixed in Intravenous Fluid. This mixture is then injected through small cannulas into the areas that will be suctioned. The tumescent liposuction procedure improved the surgeon’s ability to suction more body areas safely and comfortably. Liposuction can now be used on the following areas: thighs, abdomen, flanks, breasts, legs, chin, neck, and chest.
Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction (UAL) was popular about 10 years ago. With this technique, ultrasound or sound waves are transmitted through a probe or cannula to break up or melt the fat. The liposuction instruments are then used to suction the treated fat. Originally met with great optimism, UAL is just one tool used for liposuction. The ultrasound liposuction is making a resurgence with VASER Liposelection, a newer type of ultrasonic liposuction.
Another popular new form of liposuction around Cincinnati utilizes the laser. Smart Lipo, Cool Lipo, and Slim Lipo are several of these new forms of laser liposuction. With a small flexible fiber, the laser is inserted under the skin to help melt the fat and tighten the skin from underneath. As with many new advances, the laser technology may not meet all the claims made by physicians and companies. Just as with the Ultrasonic liposuction, there is increased risk of burning the skin with the laser or ultrasound.
Another new low level laser, Zerona, is used to externally decrease the fat without liposuction or surgery. There are 4 or 5 lasers mounted to brackets. The patients are placed on a table with the Zerona lasers mounted over the area to be treated. As with all cosmetic procedures, if it sounds to good to be true… buyer beware. Although many centers claim a “3 inch loss guarantee, ” dieting and weight loss may help the fat loss as much as the low level laser.
Since scientific studies have clearly shown that traditional liposuction works, it is still our procedure of choice. The tumescent liposuction still remains the mainstay of treatment. Until scientific data independent of the laser or ultrasound companies clearly show that the increased risks or cost are worthwhile, at The Mandell-Brown Plastic Surgery Center, traditional liposuction is our recommendation.
