Refining The Body With Liposuction
Cosmetic procedures that slim and refine the body are very popular. Liposuction is a cosmetic surgical procedure that removes excess fat while contouring the body. Liposuction targets stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet or exercise. Doctors perform liposuction on different areas of the body, such as the face, neck, back, hips, and thighs. Liposuction techniques vary and may include ultrasound or laser-assisted technology. People interested in altering the body should learn more about liposuction and alternate options like non-surgical fat reduction methods.
What happens during suction-assisted liposuction?
The traditional liposuction procedure uses a suction device to remove fat from the body. Surgeons prepare the area using the tumescent anesthesia technique, which is a diluted anesthetic mixture made with sodium bicarbonate, lidocaine, epinephrine, and saline. The solution is injected into the surgical area to minimize bleeding, reduce pain, and prep the fat for removal. Then, doctors make incisions and use a vacuum device connected to a cannula to siphon fat from the body.
Comparing liposuction to non-surgical fat reduction methods
Liposuction is an invasive procedure that requires heavy medication and lots of recovery time. A non-surgical option may work for patients interested in minimal downtime and fewer surgical complications. Many non-surgical techniques focus on sculpting and contouring the body, not just fat removal. Non-surgical treatments may require more than one session to achieve the desired results, so patients should keep this factor in mind.
Cryolipolysis and the effect on the body
Cryolipolysis is a non-surgical treatment that freezes unwanted fat cells. The treatment targets fat deposits on areas like the chin, inner and outer thighs, and abdomen. Fat cells freeze and die under cold temperatures. Doctors use a device with a gel pad to apply suction pressure, which may give patients a tingly sensation. The treatment lasts for approximately 1 hour. The body responds to the cold temperature by sending white blood cells to the area to calm inflammation and flush out fat cells. Results may take a few weeks to a few months to be visible.
The science behind fat reduction laser treatments
Another common non-surgical fat reduction procedure is laser lipolysis. The two main types of laser lipolysis are minimally invasive and noninvasive laser lipolysis. During minimally invasive laser lipolysis, surgeons make an incision and use a special laser to melt fatty tissues and cells. With noninvasive laser lipolysis, surgeons don’t make an incision. Doctors place a laser on the skin, and the waves penetrate beneath the surface to warm the fat cells. Patients may also consider ultrasound fat reduction. This procedure uses pulsing or high-intensity sonic waves to disintegrate fat cells.
Speak with a surgeon
Liposuction is a major invasive surgery, and patients should speak to a surgeon to learn more about the procedure. Non-surgical fat reduction methods like laser lipolysis also have pros and cons that patients must consider. A qualified surgeon can answer patient questions regarding all these procedures and evaluate patients to determine the best procedure for this person.
