Liposuction Options and Techniques

What are your Liposuction options?

A lot has changed since the earliest days of the liposuction surgery. The procedure used to require hospitalization and general anesthesia for every patient undergoing the surgery, and even occasionally required blood transfusions to replace all of the blood lost during the procedure

This was under the old “dry technique,” a liposuction technique that has basically been made obsolete by technological advances in liposuction since the 1990’s. Dr. Stompro mentions that most procedures today can be performed with local anesthesia and with much quicker recovery.

Here are some of the more common liposuction techniques that are available in today’s world:

• The “Wet Technique” - Fluid is injected to the area of the procedure to help loosen fat cells and reduce bruising. Once the cells are loose, they are drawn out in a surgical vacuum device.
• The “Super-Wet Technique” - The same basic idea is used for this procedure as the wet technique, but the amount of saline in the fluid used is more diluted. This surgery is preferred by some surgeons for the way it balances fluid levels.
• The Tumescent Technique - A large amount of liquid is injected into the area of the procedure, with the contents of that liquid even more diluted than the wet and super wet techniques. More liquid means more space created in between muscles and fatty tissue, which gives the surgeon more space to operate. However, this procedure takes longer than both the wet technique and the super-wet technique.
• Internal Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction - Ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted inside the body that works to break down fat cells. This liquefies the fat and makes it easier to remove. This option requires less movement by the surgeon, which means it is easier on the patient’s body. However, there is an increased risk of developing seromas, burns, necrosis or scarring
• External Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction - Like the internal option, ultrasonic energy is used to liquefy the fat. But in the external option, the energy is applied from outside the body through the skin rather than from inside the body. Surgeons believe this creates less risk of seromas and necrosis.
• Power-Assisted Liposuction - A specialized cannula, that moves mechanically, is used to reduce the amount and the speed of movements required by the surgeon. This is a more subtle, smooth surgery option, which is easier on the patient’s body. This is a relatively new procedure.

If you are interested in having a liposuction surgery done, Call: 925-736-0401 or use our online contact form to contact the offices of Dr. Brett Stompro, M.D., and Dr. Chester Cheng, M.D., to schedule a consultation to determine which of these options is right for you!

Posted in: Liposculpture, Liposuction, Vaser