Problem fat and tricky "lumpy" areas can be a thing of the past with the help of liposuction, and fortunately new advanced technologies mean procedures are smoother, gentler, and more thorough than ever – with recovery taking as little as two weeks.
Top Options in Liposuction
In a typical liposuction procedure a doctor creates a series of tiny incisions through which he or she inserts a liposuction wand below the skin. The surgeon then very gently "strokes" excess fat to remove it.
The top 4 techniques are:
• Wet, superwet, and tumescent liposuction – Tumescent liposuction is the current "standard" for fat removal. In this approach the surgeon infuses excess fat with a saltwater-and-anasthetic solution to loosen it for gentler, smoother removal. Some surgeons find that using slightly less solution ("wet" liposuction) allows for greater precision, while others prefer using more solution to loosen fat as fully as possible.
• Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) – Using a liposuction wand that vibrates gently, this approach breaks up fat deposits for quick removal while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. This option is particularly effective for larger, denser fatty deposits at the hips and lower belly.
• Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL) – In this approach ultrasonic heat melts fat cells before they are removed, allowing for easy removal of fat even when it is "trapped" between more fibrous tissues. This approach is particularly popular for fat in the pectoral area and the inner thighs.
• Laser-assisted liposuction – Like UAL, laser liposuction melts fat for smoother, easier removal, but in this approach a separate laser wand is used to destroy fat cells thoroughly. Both UAL and laser liposuction help tighten skin from the inside out, making them favorite approaches for older and thinner-skinned patients.
Is It Right for You?
Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss, so the ideal candidate is within a normal weight range and aiming to refine a few specific problem areas. Good candidates also should not be planning to lose or gain significant amounts of weight in the near future, since weight fluctuations can damage results.
For better outcomes patients should have consistent, healthy exercise habits; good nutrition; and relatively firm, elastic skin.
Tips for Better Results
• Choose a surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and with multiple years' experience in body contouring specifically. A highly credentialed surgeon will be more capable to assess your needs accurately and adapt their technique to match.
• Wear your compression garments faithfully, and have your doctor show you how to massage your tissues after surgery. Together, these steps will stimulate your skin to re-tighten as much as possible.
• Choose surgeons over techniques. Newer options like laser liposuction and a few branded "wet" techniques get plenty of media attention, but in reality the vast majority of surgeons would confirm that there is no universal "best" technique. A good surgeon will have plenty of experience in a range of methodologies and will recommend an approach on the basis of that experience and your needs.
Top Options in Liposuction
In a typical liposuction procedure a doctor creates a series of tiny incisions through which he or she inserts a liposuction wand below the skin. The surgeon then very gently "strokes" excess fat to remove it.
The top 4 techniques are:
• Wet, superwet, and tumescent liposuction – Tumescent liposuction is the current "standard" for fat removal. In this approach the surgeon infuses excess fat with a saltwater-and-anasthetic solution to loosen it for gentler, smoother removal. Some surgeons find that using slightly less solution ("wet" liposuction) allows for greater precision, while others prefer using more solution to loosen fat as fully as possible.
• Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL) – Using a liposuction wand that vibrates gently, this approach breaks up fat deposits for quick removal while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues. This option is particularly effective for larger, denser fatty deposits at the hips and lower belly.
• Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL) – In this approach ultrasonic heat melts fat cells before they are removed, allowing for easy removal of fat even when it is "trapped" between more fibrous tissues. This approach is particularly popular for fat in the pectoral area and the inner thighs.
• Laser-assisted liposuction – Like UAL, laser liposuction melts fat for smoother, easier removal, but in this approach a separate laser wand is used to destroy fat cells thoroughly. Both UAL and laser liposuction help tighten skin from the inside out, making them favorite approaches for older and thinner-skinned patients.
Is It Right for You?
Liposuction is not a substitute for weight loss, so the ideal candidate is within a normal weight range and aiming to refine a few specific problem areas. Good candidates also should not be planning to lose or gain significant amounts of weight in the near future, since weight fluctuations can damage results.
For better outcomes patients should have consistent, healthy exercise habits; good nutrition; and relatively firm, elastic skin.
Tips for Better Results
• Choose a surgeon board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and with multiple years' experience in body contouring specifically. A highly credentialed surgeon will be more capable to assess your needs accurately and adapt their technique to match.
• Wear your compression garments faithfully, and have your doctor show you how to massage your tissues after surgery. Together, these steps will stimulate your skin to re-tighten as much as possible.
• Choose surgeons over techniques. Newer options like laser liposuction and a few branded "wet" techniques get plenty of media attention, but in reality the vast majority of surgeons would confirm that there is no universal "best" technique. A good surgeon will have plenty of experience in a range of methodologies and will recommend an approach on the basis of that experience and your needs.
