Like dieting, exercise and most other weight loss programs, there’s no single way to get a liposuction done. Just like there are many ways to skin the cat, there are also many ways to lose the fat with liposuction. Several techniques exist, each one with its own pros and cons. If you’re planning to have liposuction done, this is just one of the things that you have to discuss with your physician prior to the procedure.
Liposuction techniques vary in two ways: the amount of liquid that’s injected into your skin during the procedure and the mechanism that’s used. The surgeon will inject solutions that can be composed of a vasoconstrictor, a local anesthetic and sometimes saline solution in varying ratios. These help the fat get sucked out, minimize the pain and decrease bleeding and negative post-operative effects.
The most common variant of this quick weight loss solution is tumescent liposuction, which dilutes the subcutaneous fat with a local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor solution. With a ratio of three parts dilute solution to one part fat, it creates a large space in the subcutaneous area that allows the cannula or the fat-sucking proboscis to pass safely. This is the de facto standard for liposuction techniques.
In terms of technology, suction-assisted liposuction (SAL) is the standard technology used all over the world. A cannula – a long, hollow metal rod that resembles a straw – is thrust repeatedly into the subcutaneous layer of fat to break it down into smaller bits. The smaller chunks of fat are then suctioned out using an aspirator machine through the same cannula.
Your physician should inform you of all your options with regard to the technique to be used in liposuction. Your body will react and heal differently to each technique, so your choice should be based on your fitness level and recovery time frame.
