Liposuction is constantly listed as one of the top five surgical cosmetic procedures in the United States. Last year alone, there was a 63% increase in the number of people who opted for liposuction procedures, according to the Aesthetic Society’s annual report.
What most people do not know, however, is that there are various types of liposuction. Karol Gutowski, MD, offers a number of liposuction procedures, including tumescent liposuction. Learn more about your options below.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that uses a machine to remove fat from specific areas in the body. This technique allows a skilled plastic surgeon to target pockets of fat that diet and exercise have not been able to remove.
Some of the most common treatment areas include the following:
- Upper arms
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Ankles
- Calves
- Chest
- Back
- Hips
- Thighs
- Neck
- Chin
Removing the fat cells is a permanent solution as long as you do not gain a significant amount of weight. After liposuction, your skin molds itself to your new contours, which is why it can be important to have a good amount of skin elasticity when undergoing liposuction.
There are a few types of liposuction procedures. The right one for you will depend on many factors, including the results you want to achieve, the treatment areas, and more.
Tumescent Liposuction
Tumescent liposuction (also called “super wet” liposuction or power-assisted liposuction) is a suction-assisted technique that uses a machine and a solution to suck out stubborn fat cells.
We inject the fat with a special liquid made of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine that helps us remove it more quickly. A tumescent liposuction procedure allows us to remove up to a few pounds of fat. If you want neck lipo or fat removal in particularly tricky areas, this is a good choice.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction
If you have dense areas of fat you want to be removed, ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) can be the right choice. The ultrasound waves we use for the procedure turn the fat into liquid, making it easier to remove using a small tube. It is a popular option for men, and it can help remove stubborn fat best from the stomach and thighs.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction
We use a laser to perform this liposuction, targeting fat with the beam to move the fat, break it up, and then turn it into liquid. Because it is much easier to remove fat when it is in a liquid state, we offer this procedure for people who do not want a long treatment session. It is the best choice for chin, arms, and neck lipo.
Water Lipo
Water lipo, also called body jet lipo, uses a pressurized saline solution to help loosen the fat, which we then remove through a small tube. It is one of the newest liposuction techniques we specialize in.
Candidates for Liposuction
The best candidates for liposuction are people who are within around ten pounds of their ideal weight and who want to remove pockets of fat that exercise and dieting cannot get rid of.
Liposuction is not a weight loss procedure. It is a body contouring technique that can help you achieve the look you want. The right candidates will work to maintain their ideal weight.
You should be in overall good health and not smoke. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have poor skin elasticity, have blood-clotting issues, or have certain other medical conditions, you may not be a candidate for the procedure.
Before Liposuction
The process begins with a consultation. Dr. Karol Gutowski and our team will evaluate the areas you want to treat and take your full medical history. Let us know of any medications or supplements you take.
We recommend that you stop taking NSAIDs and blood thinners for at least three weeks before the procedure, but you should always check with your doctor before stopping any medications. Avoid alcohol for a few days before the procedure.
Eight hours before the procedure, don’t eat or drink anything.
On the day of your appointment, do not shave the treatment area, especially for chin and neck lipo, and do not wear makeup, lotions, or any other products. Don’t wear contact lenses. Make sure you have a ride home since you will not be able to drive yourself.
After Liposuction
After the procedure, we will ask that you wear a compression garment for the following two or three weeks. Only take it off when you replace your bandages. You will need to take a few days off work, and you should plan to avoid heavy lifting or any strenuous exercise for at least a month. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol.
The incisions will take a couple of weeks to heal, but when you start seeing results depends on where you got the liposuction, what type of liposuction you received, and your own healing process.
Removing fat is permanent as long as you don’t gain weight, so having an exercise and diet regimen is important after liposuction.
Get Rid of Stubborn Fat
If diet and exercise are not able to target specific areas of fat, it may be time to turn to a cosmetic procedure like liposuction. With all of the various options, we will work with you to find the one that best suits your needs.
Nationally recognized plastic surgeon Dr. Karol Gutowski offers everything from tumescent liposuction to water liposuction. We also provide other cosmetic options to help you achieve your desired results.
Together, we will find the right procedures for your lifestyle, allowing you to look and feel your best. Call our plastic surgery practice in Chicago, IL, today to schedule your first consultation!
