Liposuction Techniques

Liposuction can be performed using a wide range of techniques. Dr. Rifai focuses on maximizing the many benefits of tumescent and ultrasound-assisted liposuction. These particular techniques have a high safety profile and produce excellent, predictable results.

What is Tumescent Liposuction?

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), tumescent liposuction is the preferred liposuction method among board-certified cosmetic surgeons. The tumescent technique involves the use of three different solutions:

• Lidocaine – A local anesthetic.
• Epinephrine – A capillary constrictor that shrinks your blood vessels to reduce bleeding during the procedure.
• Saline solution – Injected into the treatment area to cause the fat to swell up, making it easier to remove.

These fluids allow Dr. Rifai to gently and precisely remove fat from your body, while at the same time keeping side effects like swelling, bruising, and discomfort to a minimum. Not only does the tumescent technique improve the safety of liposuction, it also produces fewer skin irregularities (e.g. lumps and depressions in the skin), which are sometimes a consequence of non-tumescent liposuction.

What is Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction?

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction – also called “ultrasonic liposuction” – uses a special device to deliver sound waves to targeted fat cells. The ultrasonic energy softens and liquefies your fat cells, making them easier to remove and reducing damage to other nearby tissues, including nerves and blood vessels.

Ultrasonic liposuction is especially helpful when used on fibrous areas of the body, such as:

• Abdomen
• Back
• Hips
• Male chest

Another advantage of ultrasound-assisted liposuction is increased skin tightening. The energy produced by the sound waves stimulates the collagen in your skin, helping your skin contract over the treatment area.

If you have further questions about Dr. Rifai’s liposuction techniques, please contact Birmingham Cosmetic Surgery & today or call (248) 723-9370 to schedule your initial consultation. We serve patients throughout Detroit, Southfield, Port Huron, and Jackson, Michigan.