Are there Different Types of Liposuction?


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Liposuction involves the breaking down and removal of body fat through a small tube. There are different types of liposuction that are more suitable to certain people but ultimately they all produce the same results.

Traditional liposuction:

This involves placing a cannula, which is a small tube, into the area of the body where the fat is to be removed. The tube is moved back and forth in order to force the fat to begin to break down. Then under high pressure the fat is suctioned out of the body and because no liquid is involved, it is known as a dry procedure. This technique tends not to be used as much today due to the risk of blood loss and nerve damage.

Wet technique liposuction:

This follows a similar procedure to the traditional technique but involves the insertion of liquid into the area of the body that is being treated. This helps to prevent blood loss during the procedure and makes the area number. The amount of liquid that is inserted will depend upon the amount of fat that is being removed.

Super wet technique liposuction:

As the name suggests this is the same procedure as the wet technique liposuction but involves far more liquid being inserted. The level of liquid tends to be equivalent to the amount of fat that is being removed and the inclusion of high levels of liquid helps to reduce the discomfort that is caused by the procedure.

Tumescent liposuction:

This procedure involves the insertion of three times more liquid than the amount of fat that is being removed. This is done because it causes the area that is being treated to become swollen and therefore helps to separate the fat cells from the surface of the skin. It is then much easier to suction the fat out through the cannula and any damage caused the surgery is more reduced. The liquid solution contains a local anaesthetic which helps to numb the area against pain so the patient should not require a general anaesthetic.

Ultrasonic assisted liposuction:

This procedure involves breaking down fat cells by using ultrasonic waves which turns the fat into liquid so that it is far easier to be suctioned out through the cannula. This type of liposuction does have the potential risk of causing burns due to the heat that is produced by the waves.

Power assisted liposuction:

This procedure follows the same course of treatment as tumescent liposuction but involves a slightly different cannula which produces vibrations that help to release the fat cells without inducing pain.

Laser assisted liposuction:

This procedure uses a laser to soften the fat until it is liquid which the enables it to be easily removed. This does not require any suction as the fat that is broken down is either dissolved in the body or drains out of the body through small incisions. The risk of bleeding is reduced as the laser helps to seal the blood vessels.

High volume liposuction:

This procedure is intended to remove large amounts of fat from the body. It has the potential for more risks as the level of side effects increases with the amount of fat that is removed such as high blood loss. This procedure will often require a stay in hospital and careful monitoring due to the increased chance of developing post surgery risks.

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