Liposuction in Seattle

It is important to make your decision in consultation with a plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in state-of-the-art techniques. There are several new technologies in liposuction, and these are often introduced with so much marketing hype that it can be difficult to separate truth from fiction. Remember that all of the current methods use the tumescent technique. So in and of itself, the tumescent technique is not really a specific method.

“Traditional” method: With the traditional or standard method, suctioning is done with a small instrument called a cannula. This is a blunt-tipped instrument about the diameter of a cocktail straw, with holes near the tip. After the area is infused with tumescent fluid, the cannula is connected to suction and the tip is inserted through a small incision in the skin. The cannula is moved continuously until the desired amount of fat has been removed and the planned contour change has been achieved.

Ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL): Ultrasound is high-frequency sound waves, which can help to soften and liquefy fat cells, making it easier to achieve good results in areas where the fat is more dense (such as abdomen, hips, back, and chest.) The internal UAL method uses a specially designed probe to deliver the ultrasonic energy directly into the fat compartment. The most widely used type of UAL is called VASER. Most UAL procedures employ a combination of ultrasonic and traditional techniques.

Laser-assisted liposuction: Out of all the new procedures that have appeared over the last several years, this one has undoubtedly received the most hype. But does it really offer any advantage over traditional techniques including ultrasound? The procedure still involves injection of anesthetic fluid and requires the use of a suction cannula just like regular liposuction. The only difference is the use of a laser, which is supposed to soften up the fat and stimulate the skin so that it might tighten better. Although some studies show a measurable increase in skin shrinkage, it is not likely to be clinically significant and the use of laser adds expense and the risk of burns and scarring. Paradoxically, laser lipo has been advertised as being less invasive and safer.

Keep in mind that liposuction is a body contouring procedure, not a weight-loss shortcut. And, even though the use of tumescent technique enables larger amounts of fat to be removed because of the reduced blood loss, infusion of large amounts of fluid creates a physiologic strain on the body. For these and other reasons, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has recommended that outpatient liposuction procedures remove no more than 5000cc (about 5 quarts of fat.) Very large volumes of fat removal are much less likely to result in either long-term weight reduction or satisfactory contours.

The number and distribution of fat cells is believed to be determined at an early age as a manifestation of genetics. With adult weight gain, there are not more fat cells, but rather the cells expand. Also, fat cells in different parts of the body respond differently to diet, exercise, and hormonal changes. That is why the usual liposuction patient has discrete problem areas such as the outer thighs that are out of proportion to the rest of the body. Liposuction does remove cells, permanently reducing the fat “storage capacity” in specific areas. Normally, this results in more even distribution of body fat.

Generally, there is relatively little discomfort after liposuction, although everyone’s experience is unique as with anything else. I recommend light activity for the first 5 days, followed by gradually progressing to normal routines over the next 2 weeks. Compression garments are highly recommended to be worn for 3 to 4 weeks, in order to control swelling and hold the skin smooth.