Liposuction history

Liposuction is one of the most popular and requested cosmetic surgery procedures in the U.S. Liposuction first came to the U.S. in the 1980’s. Today, there are several different techniques that have been developed to make liposuction a more safe and effective procedure for the patients, but in 1974, when Dr. Giorgio Fischer invented the procedure, only traditional liposuction was available. Previously, fat deposits could only be removed by a scalpel excision that resulted in uneven results and heavy bleeding.

Traditional liposuction was popularized throughout Europe and later reached the U.S. in the early 1980s. Liposuction did not have immediate popularity and success in the U.S. because of complications and several deaths that were associated to the procedure. The use of cannulas and suctions allowed a less aggressive and more effective way of removing fat. Despite the advance in the suction for liposuction bleeding and uneven results still occurred.

Two U.S. dermatologists developed the tumescent liposuction technique in the mid-1980s, which has become one of the most popular liposuction techniques today. The tumescent liposuction technique was a much safer alternative with better results. The concentration of local anesthetic solution used for tumescent liposuction was much lower, making it safer to use in a larger quantity. This helped avoid the liposuction risks associated to general anesthesia.

In the late 1990s ultrasonic liposuction became available and surgeons hoped to be able to increase the fat removal verses the traditional liposuction technique, but the results did not live up to the initial expectations. Then in early 2000, power assisted liposuction became available.

Tumescent liposuction has become the most popular liposuction technique used, but other liposuction techniques have certain advantages as well. If you are interested in learning more about your liposuction options contact us to speak with a liposuction surgeon.