Liposuction Surgery (Lipoplasty) – Fort Worth, TX
Overview
While regular exercise and a healthy diet are the most effective means of controlling and reducing body fat, our bodies can stubbornly resist even the most stringent attempts, making it difficult to eliminate isolated deposits of fatty tissue. The best solution for you may be liposuction, a safe and effective surgical procedure. At Fort Worth Plastic Surgery, liposuction specialists perform liposuction to slim the hips and thighs, flatten the abdomen, shape the calves and ankles, sculpt the back, or eliminate a double chin. This procedure is often used in combination with a tummy tuck or breast reduction to help maximize the aesthetic results. It is important for patients to remember that liposuction is not a treatment for obesity, but an opportunity to achieve a more attractive shape through body contouring. You should be close to your ideal body weight to be a good candidate. It is important to have the right goals and expectations – contouring, slimming, and reshaping rather than weight loss or seeing a smaller number on the scale.
Surgical Technique
Tumescent “Super-Wet”
Tumescent liposuction is a common approach used by surgeons. It is a suction-assisted (SAL) form of lipo that first injects a liquid agent into the area that is to be treated. The liquid agent includes saline, Lidocaine (a numbing agent) and Epinephrine (a medication that controls bleeding). A cannula is then inserted and passed through the fat deposits, suctioning them out. An attached power-aided motor allows the surgeon to control the speed of the fat removal, which can be as great as a few pounds or as little as several ounces.
Ultrasound-Assisted (UAL)
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (known as “ultrasonic”) is a technique used on areas where a greater amount of dense fat resides. UAL is a dual process using ultrasound and suction. First, ultrasound waves transmit energy through a special device aimed to help loosen and melt the fat. Ultrasound energy breaks fat down into a liquified substance. This liquid is then suctioned out using a cannula. UAL is commonly used on men seeking a higher level of muscular definition. You may hear this type of liposuction referred to as hi-def lipo or VASER® Lipo.
Laser Assisted (LAL)
Laser-assisted liposuction uses laser technology to introduce a burst of energy to the specified area of fat. The laser loosens and melts the fat for easier removal. This type of liposuction includes brand names such as SmartLipo, SlimLipo, Lipolite Laser Liposculpture, LipoLite, and ProLipo PLUS.
