Liposuction has become a popular way to get rid of excess fat today, with a number of procedures to choose from that can be tailored to each patient's unique preferences and situation. However, the many choices available can also make it difficult to know which procedure will be the most effective, putting the patient at a distinct disadvantage. While the plastic surgeon of choice will be the best one to recommend a specific liposuction treatment, it is helpful if the patient has some basic information about the options before making the appointment for the initial consultation.

Tumescent Liposuction

One type of  liposuction that a patient may come across is known as tumescent liposuction. The term "tumescent" means firm and swollen, which is what happens when the tissue that is targeted for removal is infused with a solution during this type of treatment. The solution used will often include a local anesthetic, making the need for a general anesthetic during this procedure obsolete. While some say that this technique makes the fat removal process a bit easier, other surgeons complain that the swollen tissue makes it more challenging to effectively sculpt the body's contour. This procedure takes more time, so it is rarely done in a hospital setting. However, it is well suited to a clinic, where tumescent liposuction is most often performed.

The "Wet" Process

The liposuction known as the "wet" technique involves injecting fluid into the treatment site as well. The amount of solution is considerably less than what is used with the tumescent liposuction process and may or may not include anesthetic in the mix. With this technique, a small percentage of what is suctioned out may be blood. This is significant, since too much blood getting taken during the procedure may result in a need for a transfusion. While the "wet" process removes a small percentage of blood, it is still more than other techniques like tumescent liposuction might involve.

The "Super-Wet" Process

As the name implies, this type of  liposuction will inject greater amount of fluid into the treatment area so that less blood is removed during the procedure. In this case, the amount of fluid that is injected into the tissue will be roughly the same as the fat taken out. Since this technique cannot infuse as much anesthetic into the area as the tumescent liposuction process, a general anesthetic is also used much of the time for this type of  liposuction. This is another important consideration, since general anesthetic can carry significantly more risks and side effects than a local might.

Liposuction can be the perfect cosmetic treatment for reducing pockets of fat on the body that have not responded significantly to diet and exercise. By choosing the best technique for each individual situation, the odds are greatly increased that the liposuction treatment chosen will be safe and effective for the patient. When a patient is well educated about the choices available, she and her doctor can partner together to find the best treatment for successful results.