The Early Days of Liposuction
The first recorded liposuction procedure was performed in 1920 by a French doctor named Charles Dujarier. He used a large syringe with a metal cannula (a thin tube) attached to it to remove unwanted fat from the abdomen of a patient. However, the procedure had a high complication rate and was largely abandoned.
In the 1970s, an Italian gynaecologist named Giorgio Fischer developed a new technique for liposuction using a small cannula and a syringe to suction out the fat. This technique, known as the “Fischer technique,” was considered less invasive and had a lower complication rate.
The Development of Tumescent Liposuction
In 1985, an American plastic surgeon named Dr Jeffrey Klein introduced the tumescent technique for liposuction. The tumescent technique involves injecting a large amount of a diluted local anaesthetic (lidocaine) and epinephrine solution into the area to be treated before suctioning out the fat. Benefits of tumescent liposuction include:
- Reduced bleeding and bruising: The tumescent solution causes the blood vessels in the treatment area to constrict, which reduces bleeding and bruising.
- Less pain: The tumescent solution contains a local anaesthetic, which numbs the treatment area and makes the procedure less painful for patients.
- Faster recovery time: Because there is less bleeding and bruising, patients typically experience a faster recovery time compared to traditional liposuction techniques.
- Improved precision: The tumescent solution causes the fat cells to become swollen and firm, making them easier to remove and resulting in more precise and smooth contouring of the treatment area.
- Greater safety: Tumescent liposuction is considered one of the safest liposuction techniques, with a low risk of complications.
- Smaller incisions: Tumescent liposuction often requires smaller incisions than traditional liposuction, which results in less scarring.
- Lower risk of complications: Tumescent liposuction is less invasive than traditional liposuction, which means there is a lower risk of complications such as infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.
- Can be used for large-volume liposuction: Tumescent liposuction is ideal for large-volume liposuction as it enables the surgeon to remove large amounts of fat in a single session.
Advancements in Liposuction Techniques and Technologies
In the 1990s, new technologies such as ultrasound and laser-assisted liposuction were developed. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) uses ultrasound energy to break up fat cells before they are suctioned out. Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) uses laser energy to melt the fat before it is suctioned out.
In the 2000s, the development of the power-assisted liposuction (PAL) and water-jet assisted liposuction (WAL) technique, which uses a special cannula that oscillates rapidly to break up and remove fat, further improved the results of the procedure and reduced the risk of complications.
Minimally Invasive Liposuction Techniques
Recently, there has been a trend towards minimally invasive liposuction techniques such as liposuction with the tumescent technique, laser liposuction or ultrasound liposuction, which are less invasive than traditional liposuction, resulting in less pain and faster recovery time.
RELATED: What are the different types of liposuction?
Laser Liposuction vs Vaser Liposuction
Laser liposuction and Vaser liposuction are two different techniques used for removing unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. Both techniques use energy to break up and remove fat, but they use different types of energy and have different benefits.
Laser Liposuction
Laser liposuction, also known as laser-assisted liposuction (LAL), uses laser energy to melt the fat before it is suctioned out. The laser energy is delivered to the treatment area through a small cannula (thin tube) that is inserted through a small incision. The laser energy causes the fat cells to rupture and melt, which makes them easier to remove.
Benefits of Laser Liposuction:
- The heat generated by the laser energy causes the skin to tighten and contract, which can result in a more youthful appearance.
- The laser energy also causes the blood vessels in the treatment area to constrict, which reduces bleeding and bruising.
- The procedure is less invasive than traditional liposuction, which means there is a lower risk of complications.
- It can be used for large-volume liposuction.
Vaser Liposuction
Vaser liposuction, also known as ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL), uses ultrasound energy to break up the fat cells before they are suctioned out. The ultrasound energy is delivered to the treatment area through a small cannula inserted through a small incision. The ultrasound energy causes the fat cells to rupture and become loose, which makes them easier to remove.
Benefits of Vaser Liposuction:
- The ultrasound energy is targeted specifically to the fat cells, which allows for more precise contouring of the treatment area.
- The ultrasound energy also causes the blood vessels in the treatment area to constrict, which reduces bleeding and bruising.
- The procedure is less invasive than traditional liposuction, which means there is a lower risk of complications.
- It can be used for large-volume liposuction.
- Vaser liposuction effectively removes fat in fibrous areas, such as the male chest and back, which can be difficult to target with traditional liposuction techniques.
Both laser liposuction and Vaser liposuction are effective techniques for removing unwanted fat from specific areas of the body. Both use energy to break up and remove fat, but they use different types of energy. Laser liposuction uses laser energy to melt the fat, while Vaser liposuction uses ultrasound energy to break up the fat cells. Both techniques have their own advantages and limitations.
Conclusion
Liposuction has come a long way since its early days, with the development of new techniques and technologies that have made the procedure safer and more effective. Today, liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures performed worldwide. Advances in liposuction techniques and technologies have made the procedure less invasive, resulting in less pain and faster recovery times. It is important for patients to consult with a qualified surgeon who is experienced in the latest techniques and technologies in order to achieve the best results.
RELATED: What is the most effective type of liposuction?
Liposuction at Centre for Surgery
Liposuction is one of our most popular procedures at Centre for Surgery in London. We are home to some of the best liposuction surgeons in the UK, and they all have significant experience in all types of liposuction. Achieving the best liposuction results is more dependent on choosing a qualified and experienced Plastic Surgeon rather than the specific liposuction technique. Call us today on 020 7993 4849 to learn more about Liposuction and schedule a face-to-face consultation at our state-of-the-art plastic surgery clinic in Marylebone, central London.
