Liposuction: Learn Some of the Most Common Techniques

There are several types of liposuction, many of which involve varying amounts of liquid. The traditional method is dry, in which case no extra liquid is added during surgery, but this often results in a long recovery period. For this reason, most patients and doctors alike now prefer the kinds in which fluids are added. Find out the typical kinds of liposuction that are considered wetter than the traditional dry method.

The wet method involves the use of local anesthesia, which is injected into the body during surgery. The result is less bleeding than during the dry procedure. You would still need general anesthesia during it, though, so the local anesthesia does not replace it, as there is very little lidocaine in the solution that is injected. However, this technique is rarely used since it often requires a blood transfusion afterward. If your doctor offers this procedure to you, be aware that it is considered outdated, so ask about a more updated type.

One such technique is the super wet method, in which more liquid is injected under the skin. Similar to the wet method, general anesthesia is required since there is little pain reliever in the solution that is injected. The result of this technique is less of a blood loss, which equals a shorter recovery period than other, older methods. However, this is still not considered the most modern tactic since there is still a lot of blood that is lost during the operation. Thus, most surgeons today are more eager to use more recent techniques so that your recovery period is as short as possible, and so that transfusions are not necessary.

One of the most recent methods of liposuction is tumescent, which uses the most fluid. In fact, the amount of fluid used is twice the amount in the super wet tactic, and the results are generally better, too. The liquid contains lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic that numbs the area during surgery. It also contains epinephrine, which restricts the capillaries so that less blood comes out. Finally, there is also saline in the solution, and the result is firmer fat that swells up during the operation. Since the fat swells up, the lidocaine takes longer to be absorbed by the body, which means that general anesthesia is not necessary. In addition, there is less bruising and swelling afterward, which makes the recovery period a lot shorter, and the surgery is less risky.

Clearly, the most recent type of liposuction is usually preferred since it is the result of testing out the other kinds until there is a vast improvement. Of course, plastic surgery techniques are always improving, so in a few years, the tumescent technique will not necessarily be the best. Therefore, do some research on the best methods before you get this operation, and talk to your surgeon to ensure that you both agree on the best tactic to use in your case. This way, you can get the results you want with as short a recovery period as possible.