Tumescent Versus Traditional Liposuction

Many people dislike exercising.  However, though the idea that liposuction can serve place of exercise is an appealing one, it is also incorrect.  Liposuction is not a procedure which can make a person who is out of shape fit.  Rather, it is an ideal procedure for individuals who are already healthy and exercise regularly get rid of stubborn fat deposits which exercise doesn’t affect.

If you are a good candidate for liposuction you should be aware that there are different kinds of liposuction.  Two prevalent types of liposuction are traditional and tumescent.

Traditional Liposuction

Liposuction as a procedure has been available as a procedure since 1974 when an Italian gynecologist invented the procedure based on research in the late 1960’s.  Liposuction has existed in its modern, safer incarnation since 1982 and was first used in France.

The procedure for traditional liposuction is still very similar to that initial safer version, and consists of the plastic surgeon moving a cannula back and forth under the skin to loosen it, and using simultaneous suction to remove the loosened portions of fat deposits.  This method traditionally doesn’t use any fluid in conjunction with the suction.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction differs from traditional liposuction in one major detail.  Before the cannula is used, the surgeon injects a fluid solution which includes a local anesthetic in it into the fatty area to be suctioned, and which also contains a vasoconstrictor, or fluid to make the blood vessels constrict.  The fluid creates a cushion between the muscle and fat tissues, providing space and making it easier for the cannula to loosen and break up the fat deposits.

The word “tumescent” is derived from the concept of adding fluid to a particular area.  Though it is the precursor to “wet liposuction” the solutions used are slightly different.  Tumescent liposuction and wet liposuction both help minimize bruising and increase the ease with which the fat can be suctioned from the body.

Which is Better?

Most cosmetic surgeons prefer one type of liposuction or the other, and tumescent liposuction is often favored because it helps keep bruising to a minimum and makes the procedure easier for the surgeon to perform.  In addition to fluids, many cosmetic surgeons now use laser-assisted liposuction, or liposculpture, which not only helps reduce blood loss and bruising, but provides a smoother end result in the tissue, as well.