Liposuction surgery can be confusing for many people, especially with all the different techniques available today. Every few months, it seems a new liposuction technology is released. Furthermore, many people wonder about body contouring vs liposuction or liposuction vs CoolSculpting when trying to decide which option is best.
This article will break down three common types of liposuction and attempt to explain the procedure and help make things clearer.
Liposuction Overview
Liposuction is a cosmetic surgery procedure that removes excess fat from specific areas of the body. It is designed for people struggling with stubborn fat that does not respond to diet and exercise. While it is not a weight loss solution, liposuction surgery can refine body shape and improve proportions.
The liposuction technique involves making small incisions in targeted liposuction areas. A thin tube is inserted to break up and remove fat cells using suction. Some forms of assisted liposuction also use laser energy, ultrasound energy, or mechanical vibration to enhance fat removal.
Liposuction Procedure Steps
Consultation and Planning
The process begins with a consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cynthia Diehl. During this appointment, she will assess the treatment area, discuss goals, and determine the best liposuction technique. Patients will also receive pre-surgery instructions, including avoiding certain medications and stopping smoking if necessary.
Anesthesia Administration
Liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia or general anesthesia, depending on the treatment area and technique used. Tumescent liposuction, one of the most common methods, involves injecting a solution containing saline, epinephrine, and anesthetic into the fat. This helps numb the area, shrink blood vessels, and make fat removal easier.
Fat Removal Process
A small incision is made, and a thin tube called a cannula is inserted to break apart and remove fat cells. Suction assisted liposuction is the traditional method, while power assisted liposuction (PAL) uses a vibrating cannula to loosen fat more efficiently. Some techniques, such as laser assisted liposuction and ultrasound assisted liposuction, use energy to liquefy fat cells before removal.
Skin tightening and closure
Some liposuction techniques provide skin tightening benefits by stimulating collagen production. Laser assisted liposuction LAL and ultrasound assisted liposuction UAL can help improve skin elasticity by triggering collagen production. Once the fat is removed, incisions are closed with small sutures or left to heal naturally.
Types of Liposuction
There are different types of liposuction, and each has unique benefits. Some methods focus on precise fat removal, while others offer additional skin tightening or reduced recovery time. The following sections explain what are the different types of liposuction and how they compare.
Smart Lipo (Laser Liposuction)
Laser assisted liposuction LAL, also known as Smart Lipo, uses laser energy to target fat cells. The laser stimulates collagen production, which helps improve skin tightening while reducing excess fat. This technique is often recommended for patients concerned about sagging skin after liposuction.
During the procedure, laser energy is applied to the fat layer, causing it to liquefy fat cells before removal. The melted fat is then suctioned out using a thin tube. Since the laser stimulates collagen production, this technique may be beneficial for areas with mild skin laxity.
Smart Lipo can be performed under local anesthesia and typically results in less bruising than traditional liposuction. However, it may not be as effective for removing large volumes of fat compared to other methods.
Traditional Liposuction (Tumescent Liposuction)
Traditional liposuction, also known as tumescent liposuction, remains one of the most commonly performed liposuction techniques. Tumescent lipo involves injecting a fluid mixture into the fat before removal. This solution contains lidocaine for numbing, epinephrine to shrink blood vessels, and saline to help break up fat cells.
Suction assisted liposuction is typically used in this method, where a thin tube is inserted to manually remove fat. While it does not offer the skin tightening benefits of laser or ultrasound assisted liposuction, it is highly effective for fat reduction in larger areas.
Tumescent liposuction is versatile and can be used on multiple body areas. Since it shrinks blood vessels, it reduces bleeding and bruising, leading to a safer and smoother recovery. Many patients choose this option when looking for effective body contouring.
SAFELipo
SAFELipo is a specialized liposuction technique designed to improve results and reduce complications. It follows a three-step process: fat separation, aspiration, and fat equalization. This method helps remove excess fat while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
Unlike traditional liposuction, SAFELipo focuses on gently loosening fat cells before removal. This reduces trauma to blood vessels and nerves, resulting in smoother results and a lower risk of contour irregularities. Some patients also experience improved skin tightening due to this approach.
SAFELipo is often used for spot liposuction in delicate areas, such as the arms or inner thighs. Since it causes less trauma, recovery may be slightly faster compared to other methods. However, the effectiveness of this technique depends on individual needs and goals.
Most Common Liposuction Areas
Liposuction can target various parts of the body, depending on a patient’s concerns. Some of the most common liposuction areas include the abdomen, thighs, flanks, arms, and back. Patients also seek liposuction for cellulite reduction, particularly on the thighs and buttocks.
Other areas, such as the chin and neck, can be treated using laser-assisted liposuction or ultrasound-assisted liposuction UAL for a more refined look. Some patients combine multiple liposuction areas to enhance overall body shape and balance.
FAQs: Liposuction
Can liposuction help with cellulite?
Liposuction for cellulite can improve the appearance of dimpled skin, but it does not always eliminate it. Some techniques, such as laser-assisted liposuction, may help by tightening the skin and reducing fat deposits. However, other treatments, like skin tightening procedures, may be more commonly recommended for severe cellulite.
How much does liposuction usually cost?
When reviewing pricing, it’s important to note that types of liposuction and costs go together. In other words, the cost of your procedure—whether it’s laser-assisted, ultrasonic liposuction, or otherwise—will depend on what technique you choose. Other cost factors include who your chosen surgeon is and what their credentials are, geographic location, and more.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Diehl
Ready to schedule a consultation appointment for liposuction? Please call today to set up your own one-on-one appointment with board-certified cosmetic surgeon Dr. Cynthia Diehl. We look forward to your call!
