Liposuction has remained popular since its introduction in the early 1980’s. With over 210,500 procedures performed in 2014, liposuction was the third most popular cosmetic procedure (after breast augmentation and rhinoplasty). Ever popular, liposuction has continued to improve over the past 30 years; however, in the last ten or so years, there has been an influx of new liposuction technologies including ultrasonic and laser liposuction. Although these new technologies tout their advancements, it is important to note, that with each of these technologies, liposuction is still performed. What then is the difference? The largest difference lies in the approach prior the suctioning and actual fat removal.
Overwhelmed by the number of choices available to them, patients often come to Renaissance Plastic Surgery wondering what technology is right for them.
At RPS, our surgeons choose to perform traditional tumescent liposuction. With years of proven success, traditional liposuction has greatly evolved since its beginning days. Most commonly performed is tumescent liposuction. Made up of a local anesthetic and epinephrine (helps shrink capillaries), the tumescent solution is injected into subcutaneous fat prior to the actual suctioning. This helps the targeted area to become swollen and firm—or, ‘tumescent’—making it easier for your surgeon to remove fat cells. As the fat cells are more readily accessible, your surgeon is able to perform liposuction using a gentle back and forth motion.
Advantages of Tumescent Liposuction:
- Minimizes bleeding during and after the surgery
- Lessens the severity of post-surgical bruising
- With less surgical trauma, you are able to return home the same day
Along with the procedure itself, the tools used to perform liposuction have improved. Over the years, advancements have been made to make it possible to use a smaller cannula (a thin, rod-like tool used to “vacuum” out fat). Thus, a smaller incision is needed.
Tried and true, traditional liposuction is able to give consistently smooth and even results. Highly experienced and well trained in performing tumescent liposuction, our surgeon at RPS has developed an expert, refined, and precise technique.
Why Do We Choose Tumescent Liposuction?
Why break something that is not broken? As to be expected—just as with any new technology, there is a learning curve with these new liposuction techniques. Traditional tumescent has proven itself a reliable and effective method.
· Although the latest advancements may boast skin-tightening, there is little proof that they do more than traditional liposuction.
· Both laser and ultrasonic techniques require heat—increasing the risk of burning the surrounding skin and tissues.
· Often, these new techniques are much more expensive than traditional liposuction.
A Surgeon’s Skill Outweighs the Method of Liposuction
While opinions vary between which form of liposuction is the best, there is one common thread: a well-trained physician is more important than the technology being used. Your surgeon’s experience and skill are key to successful results. In addition, a beautiful outcome is dependent on your surgeon’s eye, artistry, and understanding of the body’s contours.
At Renaissance Plastic Surgery, we believe the best decisions are those that are well-informed. We are happy to take the time to sit down with you and explain your choices and the benefits of each method. We will work with you to develop a surgical plan that best suits your needs. Schedule a consultation with one of our board certified plastic surgeons to learn more.