Dry technique is the earliest and the very first liposuction procedure developed in 1970. The name "Dry technique" indicates no injection of fluid into the body. Today, the use of this technique is abandoned due to the associated side effects and is replaced by other wet liposuction procedures. Dry method is much more painful, results in much greater blood loss and other complications. With this technique, the patients required general anesthesia, hospitalization and blood transfusion due to excessive blood loss. Blood composed about 30% tissue in dry technique.
All these factors have discarded the use of dry technique today.
Eligibility for Liposuction: Dry technique
An individual who wishes to undergo dry liposuction, should have failed to benefit from all natural methods for weight loss such as diet and exercise. He/She should be at least 18 years and free from any infection or disease such as diabetes, blood clotting disorder, cardiac problems, cancer or HIV.
Body parts where liposuction may be performed by Dry technique:
Dry liposuction may be performed on buttocks, thighs, abdomen, flanks, back, arms, male breasts and chin.
Liposuction procedure: Dry Technique
At the beginning, the surgeon puts the patient under general anesthesia to prevent the feeling of pain. Later, small incisions are made into the area to be treated using a scalpel and a hollow stainless steel cannula is inserted within to break the fatty tissues. The cannula used is of a standard size unlike the micro cannula used in wet methods which is much smaller in diameter. Since, this being a dry technique, no fluid is injected into the body to separate the fatty tissues from muscles and capillaries. Due to this, it is difficult for the surgeon to remove fat without disturbing other tissues. Also, the surgeon needs to move the cannula back and forth continuously and break the fat manually. It is also a tiring job for the surgeon as this breaking needs heavy force.
Since, this procedure involves no liquid, high diameter cannula and manual efforts to remove fat, it poses extra strain on the patients body and causes more complications such as heavy bleeding and destruction of other tissues.
Time required for liposuction: Dry technique
Dry technique used to take much longer time than the recent methods. It consumed about 2-3 hours to complete the procedure, more than the recent methods. In this method, many a times the doctor may become tired and lose concentration.
Cost of Liposuction: Dry technique
Depending upon the body part, dry liposuction was charged about $2500-$5000.
Post Liposuction care: Dry technique
Most patients needed hospitalization and blood transfusion after the procedure due to excessive bleeding. The recovery period after dry liposuction used to be very critical and uncomfortable because of heavy pain, swelling and bruising. Doctors used to recommend pain killers and other antibiotics for the same. Taking regular medicines, wearing compression garments, consumption of extra fluids and iron rich and nutritious diet, keeping the incisions clean, increasing physical activity gradually was important. In case of excessive swelling and bruising, doctors recommended cold compressions around the treated area. Visit to the doctor every week for routine check up was mandatory after dry liposuction.
Diet after Liposuction: Dry technique
Due to excessive bleeding, the patients feel weak after this procedure. While starting with clear liquids and gradually shifting to normal meals, recipes rich in iron, protein, fluids are selected. Foods such as skim milk, fresh fruit purees, healthy soups, lean chicken, fish, egg whites are often recommended by the dietitian. Due to heavy blood loss and electrolyte imbalance, it is important to add more fluids to the diet. For example- non-sweetened fruit juices, coconut water, lemon water, buttermilk, etc. Include iron rich foods such as green leafy vegetables, lentils, kidney beans, soy, watercress, almonds, hazelnuts, wheat bran, etc.
Exercise after Liposuction: Dry technique
After the doctor permits, light exercises may be started after dry liposuction. Because physical activity is important to maintain the new body shape. At the beginning, light moderate pace walking may work well. At the incisions heal, you may start other cardio exercises such as jogging, aerobics, cycling or swimming after consulting your surgeon. As you develop some stamina, start weight training exercises by the end of first month of recovery.
Side effects of Dry technique:
Dry technique of liposuction has been dumped only because of the associated side effects. Since, it does not involve injection liquid for fat separation, it causes much more bleeding, bruising and swelling. Also, the procedure may be more painful and cause discomfort. If the surgeon fails to provide blood transfusion immediately after surgery, the patient may lose his/her life. The forceful breaking of the fat with the cannula by the surgeon may sometimes leave you disfigured.
The patient becomes very weak after this procedure and has to undergo a long recovery period. Long recovery period means longer time of physical inactivity and this increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis which is dangerous. Also, there are more chances of infections as the incisions are open for a longer time.
If you are planning a liposuction surgery, talk to your doctor, he/she will guide you about different methods. The tumescent techniques are considered much more popular and safe today over the traditional method such as the dry technique. Find out what suits you best!
