Liposuction Cannulas
The first methods of removing fat through liposuction were developed more than 40 years ago. A German physician named Schrudde first described the technique, and several surgeons combined it with aspiration to remove more fat. The technique quickly fell out of favor due to frequent complications, but it soon became a popular procedure. In response, a German physician developed a blunt cannula technique. The procedure was later renamed “lipoaspiration” because of these complications.
The process of liposuction requires a small, long tube called a cannula. It is made of steel with holes at the end to remove fat. The shape and size of the cannula depend on the preferences of the surgeon and the patient. A cannula’s diameter has decreased over the years. A cannula with a narrow tip is more accurate, and the procedure is less invasive.
The first liposuction procedure was performed in the 1920s. Illouz, a Brazilian surgeon, popularised it in the early 1970s. He developed blunt cannulas that were smaller in diameter, which increased the precision of the procedure. He also used a wet infusion technique that reduced blood loss and improved patient safety. He also pioneered the tumescent local anaesthesia technique in 1987, which allows for a more refined body contouring. This technique is less invasive, which means a shorter recovery time and reduced scarring.
The next evolution in the technique began in the late 1980s. Using a thinner cannula, the surgeon can more easily reach hard-to-reach areas. As the number of patients grew, so did the need for larger cannulas. A 12-gauge cannula, which was used for body liposuction, now is able to remove deeper layers of fat.
How Liposuction Cannulas Have Evolved
Cannulas for liposuction have evolved significantly since the first procedure. The original cannulas were made of plastic, and were not made to be too flexible to move the fat. Aspiration is a common complication and can be dangerous, but with careful attention to safety and the right cannulas, the results can be great.
In 1977, the tumescent anesthetic was introduced. Its effects were not yet fully understood, but the technique became more popular. The use of tumescent anesthetics has greatly improved the procedure. It is now possible to perform liposuction without any anaesthesia. A local anesthetic is applied before the procedure. The anesthesia is important to prevent bleeding.
The techniques of liposuction have changed dramatically. Today, surgeons use large or extra large cannulas depending on the size of the area that needs to be removed. While larger cannulas are often more efficient, they still have their disadvantages. They have to be properly directed in order to get the best results. In addition, they can cause the surgeon to lose too much fat in an unintended area.