Detailed Explanation of Wet Liposuction: A Traditional Surgical Method for Scientifically Achieving Localized Weight Loss

Wet Liposuction

This procedure, also known as traditional liposuction, is widely used.

(I) Indications
Wet liposuction is primarily suitable for patients with mild to moderate obesity and localized fat deposits. Physiological diffuse obesity, which is affected by activity (such as bending, squatting, and walking), can also be improved through this surgery, partially altering its appearance. Some scholars have reported that liposuction of morbid obesity can improve diabetic conditions. If accompanied by skin and fat sagging, skin and fat excision can be performed simultaneously with liposuction.

Patients undergoing liposuction should have good local skin elasticity, allowing the skin to retract spontaneously post-surgery, achieving a smooth appearance. Therefore, this procedure is particularly suitable for young people with good skin elasticity. The general age is no more than 50 years old.

(II) Preoperative Examination
Most liposuction procedures are performed on an outpatient basis; therefore, routine preoperative examinations are necessary to ensure the safety of the procedure, especially ruling out obesity-related complications. Examinations should include: electrocardiogram (ECG), chest X-ray, complete blood and urine tests, and bleeding and clotting time. Blood lipids, blood biochemistry, liver and kidney function, etc.

Common liposuction sites include the abdomen, lumbar region, buttocks, inner and outer thighs, breasts, inner upper arms, calves, chin, and neck. Preoperative measurements of the suction area are taken and recorded. For example, abdominal circumference is measured between the umbilicus and the xiphoid process, and between the umbilicus and the highest point of the lower abdomen; hip circumference is measured via the greater trochanter; thigh circumference is measured via the groin, etc. Preoperatively, the suction area is marked using gentian violet according to the contour line method on a map while the patient is standing, and then fixed with iodine.

(III) Special Surgical Instruments and Materials

1. Electric Aspirator The suction rate should be no less than 30 L/min, and the pressure should be 65–101 kPa (500–760 mmHg), such as the Shanghai-made YB-DX23 electric aspirator and abortion aspirator.

2. Stainless Steel Suction Cannula: The cannula has a blunt tip and 1-3 oval-shaped side openings on the distal side. Fat tissue enters the lumen under negative pressure and is torn apart and suctioned out. An air control port is located on the handle side, and its tail end connects to the cannula. The proximal end of the cannula can be fitted onto the front end of the handle. Suction cannulas are available in several sizes based on their outer diameter and length. Larger sizes have thicker cannulas. Different manufacturers offer different sets of suction cannulas. Generally, thicker and longer cannulas are used for larger-area liposuction procedures, such as the abdomen, thighs, and buttocks, while thinner cannulas are used for smaller-area liposuction procedures and for further adjustments after liposuction with thicker cannulas.

3. Connecting Cannula: Used to connect the electric suction device to the stainless steel suction cannula. The connecting cannula has an inner diameter of 8-10mm and a length of 1.5-2.0m. It is a semi-transparent silicone tube with good elasticity, allowing observation of the aspirated fat and bleeding. Its rigidity must be such that it does not collapse under negative pressure of 101kPa (760mmHg).

4. Elastic Compression Suit Elastic compression suits are essential materials for compression bandaging after liposuction. They should have moderate elasticity, even pressure, be soft and breathable, easy to wash, and convenient to wear. Commonly used elastic compression suits are for the abdomen and groin. After abdominal liposuction, a combination of a waistband and compression stockings can be used.