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Tumescent Liposuction Versus Ultrasonic Liposuction

Many people, even after diet and exercise, have trouble areas where pockets of stubborn fat remain. Often, these fat deposits have a genetic component, and as such do not respond to even extreme exercise regimens. To rid themselves of this unwanted fat, people often turn to liposuction. This is a procedure in which a doctor will insert long, thin tubes (called cannulae) through small incisions and suction the fat from the body. But there are different types of liposuction and one has to wonder what the difference is between tumescent liposuction and ultrasonic liposuction.

The Procedure

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On the surface, the processes used in tumescent liposuction and ultrasonic liposuction are somewhat similar. In both, the fat is filled with fluid. This is where they begin to differ in methodology. In tumescent liposuction, the fat is suctioned from the body at this point. However, in ultrasonic liposuction, ultrasonic technology (through the cannula or a surface ultrasound) is used to liquefy the fat before it is removed.

The Break-down
At this point the only obvious distinction is whether the fat is liquefied or solid when it is removed from the body. However, the real differences between tumescent liposuction and ultrasonic liposuction go beyond the procedural steps. And that is also the point where the difficulties in comparison begin. While tumescent liposuction has been fairly set for years, ultrasonic liposuction equipment and techniques are still developing. As such distinctions must be made between early ultrasonic and recent (stage 3) ultrasonic liposuction.

Tumescent liposuction is most commonly performed in an office setting, though surgical center and even hospital procedures are not unheard of. Ultrasonic liposuction is the opposite; this technique is almost always performed in a surgical center or hospital, with offices being a much less likely locale.

A main reason for this difference is the recovery time. Tumescent liposuction is usually a walk in, walk out technique. Ultrasonic liposuction recovery is a bit less certain, with recuperation from stage 3 techniques more closely mirroring tumescent liposuction. Blood loss can also be a problem. Blood loss with early stage ultrasonic techniques varies greatly, with late stage ultrasonic and tumescent liposuction showing much less blood loss. Another issue is fluid replacement. Though tumescent liposuction and stage 3 ultrasonic generally do not require IV fluids, earlier stages of ultrasonic liposuction techniques are variable in their usage of IVs.

The risks involved are yet another problem. Tumescent liposuction has the best safety record of all methods. Ultrasonic liposuction is much iffier. The cannulae used in early stage procedures have been known to break while inside patients, causing all sorts of damage. Additionally, as these cannulae are not cooled, they can cause burning. Stage 3 procedures, if performed by experienced surgeons are much safer.

While no form of liposuction is inexpensive, ultrasonic tends to cost more than tumescent, with stage 3 facilities being both rare and the priciest. Even with all that, surgeons are split on the tumescent liposuction versus ultrasonic liposuction debate. There are some that swear by each of the methods. The fact is that whichever technique a specific surgeon is most comfortable with is likely the one they will perform most safely and efficiently. Therefore, be certain to talk to a certified plastic surgeon about their recommendations before making any decisions.

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