Liposuction for Tampa men and women is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures preformed these days. And it’s not a trend just in Florida either; lipo was ranked as number two on the list of top five cosmetic surgery procedures within the United States by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and as number one in the world according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. What is it that makes liposuction such a sought-after procedure?
The Basics of Lipo
The basics of liposuction are pretty straightforward. A tiny incision is made near the target area, and one of the primary liposuction methods (fluid injection, ultrasonic waves or laser energy) will be used to break apart the fat cells. Next, a small hollow surgical tube called a cannula is inserted through the incision and the fat cells are permanently removed. The result is a smooth, sculpted appearance in the area where the fat deposits were removed.
Since liposuction requires only small incisions, scarring is minimal and recovery is faster than after a major surgery such as a tummy tuck. Yet, the results of liposuction are both impressive and rewarding; liposuction carries a 76 percent “Worth It” rating on the popular online plastic surgery community RealSelf, indicating that about three-fourths of liposuction patients felt that the results of their procedure were worth the investment.
Types of Lipo
There are several different types of liposuction available in Tampa, giving patients and surgeons the option for choosing which method will work best for them.
- Tumescent Liposuction is the gold standard of lipo. During tumescent liposuction, a special fluid is injected into the target area to loosen fat cells and facilitate their removal. This fluid often incorporates a local anesthetic, allowing the patient to remain awake during the procedure without discomfort.
- Power-Assisted Liposuction, also known as PAL, uses a vibrating medical wand to help with breaking up fat cells in the treatment area. This method reduces the manual effort needed to break up the cells.
- Ultrasound Liposuction, also known by the brand name VASER LipoSelection®, uses ultrasonic waves to break apart fat cells. Because the sound waves target only fat cells, the surrounding nerves and tissues may suffer less damage compared to tumescent liposuction alone. Proponents of ultrasound liposuction suggest that the results are superior, and the healing time faster.
- Laser Liposuction, marketed under brand names like Smartlipo®, uses laser energy to rupture fat cells, while the heat from the lasers coagulates the blood vessels at the same time and prevents excessive bleeding. Fans of laser liposuction say that the lasers also tighten the surrounding tissues so the skin looks smoother and younger.
Benefits of Lipo
There is a common misconception that liposuction is used primarily as a solution to lose excess weight. In reality, liposuction results work best on men and women who have already reached their target weight, and who enjoy an active and healthy lifestyle. Liposuction is not intended – and should not be used – to attempt removing several pounds of fat from the body. Instead, liposuction is designed to sculpt the body, eliminating the stubborn pockets of fat that diet and exercise leave behind.
If you eat all the right foods and stick to a regular exercise routine, yet struggle with one or two problem areas that just won’t slim down, liposuction may be the solution you’ve been looking for. During liposuction, those fat deposits can be smoothed away, allowing your muscle tone to show through and presenting a slimmer, shapelier body to the world.
