Multiple variations in the technique of suction assisted lipectomy are now available. These include superficial suctioning techniques as well as the most recent technological advance in liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction. Be sure to choose a physician who is adequately trained in all of the available techniques and maintains an American Board of Plastic Surgery Certification or Eligibility. The procedure itself is usually performed in a fully accredited ambulatory operative suite by a plastic surgeon. Multiple small incisions are usually utilized. The scars resulting from these small incisions are relatively inconspicuous.
Ultrasonic liposuction is the latest technique available in liposuction/body contour surgery. This technology uses sonic (sound) energy to emulsify or melt fat cells. After the fat cells are emulsified, they are evacuated with gentle vacuum suction. Vital structures such as blood vessels are selectively spared from injury by the ultrasound energy. This results in a less traumatic procedure with lower blood loss.
It has also been reported that less swelling and bruising occur with this technique, although this remains to be proven in large series of patients. The safety of this technique has been proven in Europe where UAL has been in use for over a decade. In this country we are in the process of defining which situations and body regions would benefit most from this newly available technology.
An even newer technological advance in liposuction surgery has recently received press, that of External Ultrasonic Liposuction (EUL). This technique applies the ultrasonic energy through the skin. Incisions and an evacuation phase are still required, however. Ultrasonic technology is available at many certified operating suites.
Another body contouring plastic surgery procedure that many people benefit from is abdominoplasty. Abdominoplasty, or "tummy tuck", is a procedure in which excess fat and skin is removed from the lower portion of the abdomen. An incision is made just above the pubic region below the "bikini line" and the excess fat of the abdominal region may be removed. The surrounding tissue may be liposculptured at the same time. There are two types of tummy tucks, a full tummy tuck and a mini- tummy tuck. A full tummy tuck involves an incision on the very lower portion of the abdomen above the pubic region which is well-hidden by bathing suits and clothing.
The skin and fat layer is dissected away from the abdominal musculature layer and an incision is made around the umbilicus, or belly button. Sometimes a small amount of liposuction is also included in the procedure when necessary. This procedure is extremely useful in patients who have had one or more pregnancies which caused the abdominal wall musculature to become significantly weaker, even when a great amount of exercise is done. Once the musculature is tightened surgically, a firm taut tummy can then be obtained. A significant change in body contour can be successfully achieved with a full tummy tuck.
A mini-tummy tuck is a procedure in which a smaller incision, (approximately 8 inches long) is made in the lower abdomen. It is located in the same portion where a C-section is performed, and many times is actually performed at the same time as a C-section in conjunction with an Obstetric Gynecologist. The advantage of the mini-tummy tuck is that the scar is smaller, the procedure is not as drastic, and the down time is less. Not all patients are candidates for this operation and discussion with a plastic surgeon should be made in deciding which of these two operations should be performed.
Dave Stringham, the President of LookingYourBest.com writes about plastic surgery in New York City and cosmetic surgery such as new york city liposuction, tummy tuck, facelift, breast augmentation, brachioplasty, rhinoplasty, and cheek implants.
Tags: body contouring, liposuction, tummy tuck, abdominoplasty, beauty, lipoplasty, new york, new york city