What happens during your surgery depends on the type of liposuction you’ve selected to undergo. There are three types that are currently most popular: tumescent, laser assisted, and ultrasound assisted. All generally involve the removal of unwanted subcutaneous fat by a cannula, and it is the process by which the fat is made removable that differs.

Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction administers anesthesia diluted with intravenous fluid into the target area. The unwanted fat is then suctioned out with a microcannulae inserted through incisions made in the skin.

Newer Liposuction Methods
Liposuction, like all forms of cosmetic surgery, is always advancing alongside technological developments and medical breakthroughs. Two of the most exciting new forms of liposuction surgery are techniques that leverage the power of laser and ultrasound energy, administered with special equipment, to provide exceptional results.

How Traditional Liposuction Works
The standard form of liposuction begins with the physician administering either local anaesthetic, intravenous sedation or a general anaesthetic. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect the physician will infuse the treatment area with a medicated saline solution that minimizes bleeding and pain.

An incision is then made and a small, hollow tube is inserted into the layer of fat that lies just beneath the skin. The tube is attached to a vacuum and is gently moved throughout the surgical site in order to break up fat deposits so they can be removed from the body.

How Laser and Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction Works
Laser and ultrasound assisted liposuction are carried out through slightly different procedures. These surgical methods involve the use of special medical devices (that must be FDA approved for use in liposuction surgery).

Laser assisted liposuction uses the heating abilities of laser energy to liquefy fat deposits before removing it from the body. Ultrasound assisted liposuction uses a medical device called a cannula to deliver ultrasound energy to the fat deposits. The cannula vibrates incredibly rapidly while passing through fat cells and, like in laser liposuction, liquefies it before it’s suctioned out of the body. Ultrasound assisted liposuction using a cannula takes place below the skin’s surface but special emitters also make it possible for the procedure to be administered above the skin.

Make sure to discuss the various methods of liposuction available to you with your surgeon. S/he will help you to choose the proper form of surgery for your needs.