Liposuction is an extremely popular cosmetic procedure. According to the 2015 ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) Cosmetic Surgery statistics, liposuction was the second most popular procedure, right behind breast augmentations, with 222,051 procedures performed in 2015 alone. This procedure slims and reshapes specific areas of the body by removing excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body. Also known as lipoplasty, or suction assisted lipectomy, this procedure is used to contour and shape specific areas.
A healthy diet and exercise program may still leave stubborn fat deposits in certain areas. These deposits may be genetic and very difficult to remove with diet and exercise. Bulging fatty tissue can accumulate almost anywhere on the body, most commonly along the abdomen, thighs, upper arms, and buttocks. Unwanted fat can keep clothing from fitting appropriately, and the ‘cottage cheese’ look can decrease confidence in a bathing suit or shorts.
Liposuction is great in dealing with these hard to change areas, but most people don’t realize there are different techniques that used to help achieve ultimate results. There are several types of techniques for liposuction, the most popular Power Assisted Liposuction (PAL). S.A.F.E. liposuction, Vaser liposuction, all while using Tumescent Liposuction.
Power Assisted Liposuction
Power assisted liposuction (PAL) is a method that uses tumescent liposuction but instead of using a regular cannula, it is performed using a special cannula that breaks up fat cells using rapid and tiny vibrations, so the fat can be suctioned out of the body. The vibrations allow the surgeon to remove more fat in a shorter period of time and it is gentler on body’s tissues because the fat cells are loosen and can be suctioned away easier. The motions of vibrating tip of the cannula are small and precise allowing for specific areas of fat to be targeted without damaging surrounding tissues.
S.A.F.E. Liposuction
S.A.F.E. liposuction is a 3-step process of fat Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalization, that provides a non-thermal liposuction, fat-shifting, and fat-grafting method that aims to minimize bleeding, tissue trauma, and contour deformities while maximizing smooth and even fat removal. It can provide impressive results in the treatment of first-time liposuction patients and is very effective for contour correction in secondary liposuction or body contouring procedures. S.A.F.E liposuction can be combined with PAL liposuction or regular liposuction.
Vaser Liposuction
Vaser liposuction (ultrasound assisted liposuction) is a form of ultrasonic liposuction that stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. This form of liposuction uses ultrasonic energy to break apart the fat cells, shaking them apart but preserving other important tissues. The fat is then removed using small cannulas. This method allows for selective targeting and liquefying the fat, minimizing risks of injury to the nerves, connective tissues and blood vessels promoting smooth contours and rapid healing, though if performed incorrectly can result in thermal burn injuries.
Tumescent Liposuction
All types of liposuction are done with tumescent solution, tumescent means anything that is swollen and firm. This involves the injection of a large amount of medicated solution into the fat beneath the skin causing the area to become swollen and firm. This fluid contains a salt solution and a local anesthetic. The epinephrine (adrenaline) in the anesthetic solution causes widespread capillary constriction resulting in minimal bleeding during and after surgery. This is a major improvement in the liposuction technique compared to the older methods that simply use general anesthesia.
Liposuction may be done under general anesthesia, or a local anesthesia with IV sedation. On average, the procedure takes about an hour per area to complete, depending on the anatomy of the patient and extent of correction. Every surgeon has a personal preference on the method they use to achieve the best results for their patients.
If you are considering inner thigh liposuction and want to discuss your options in depth, email me directly at info@azadplasticsurgery.com, to schedule a consultation.