Classic Liposuction

Classic liposuction is still the most common type of body contouring treatment available. It involves the use of local anesthetic and the use of the tube to pull fat from an area of the body. A solution is also injected into that part of the body which reduces the amount of bleeding and makes it easier for the operation to be conducted smoothly. This anesthetic solution also generally eliminates the need for general anesthesia, and reduces the pain and bruising after the procedure.

Liposuction is almost always an outpatient procedure. However, if a large amount of fat is being removed, one night in the hospital may be required. Generally, patients treated with this procedure are able to return to work after only a few days. Recovery may take a longer period of time, depending on the amount of fat that was removed.

Ultrasonic Liposuction

Similar to classic liposuction, the ultrasonic option differs in that sonic waves are used to reduce fat to a liquid form prior to it being removed. This type takes longer than the classic technique, however it can make the removal of fat easier in areas where the fat is either more firm or where there is a large amount of fat.

What to Expect From Liposuction

Most people will have to wear a garment to compress their skin for three or four weeks after receiving the treatment. Other support hose and bandages may be necessary as well, depending on where the operation took place. Antibiotics may be required to prevent infection.

Depending on how large the area done, and how much fat was removed; the effects can be very dramatic. However, liposuction is not a method that should be used to reduce weight. It should only be used to get rid of fat deposits that do not respond to other methods such as diet and exercise.

Alternatives to Liposuction

Liposuction is the most used and highly regarded of body contouring treatments. However, there are new technologies becoming available that can achieve similar results. LipoSonix is a new treatment currently in development that may offer the opportunity for patients to experience body contouring without ever going under a knife. However, this treatment is still in development so its potential effectiveness is still unknown.

Mesotherapy is another cosmetic plastic surgery alternative to liposuction. The usefulness of this therapy is highly debated, and it seems to vary greatly depending on the cosmetic surgery doctor performing it. Go to docshop.com to learn more about this procedure as well as others such as cosmetic laser surgery.