When stubborn fat just won’t go away, even with a healthy diet and exercise, liposuction might be the solution you’ve been looking for. But what you might not know is that there are several different techniques that can be used to help contour your body and achieve the slimmer, smoother shape you want.
If you’re not quite sure which one could be right for you, take a look at this liposuction technique comparison, then schedule a consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon to discuss your needs in more detail.
Traditional Tumescent Liposuction vs. Liposculpture
Tumescent liposuction is the technique that is traditionally used to get rid of unwanted pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. During this procedure, your cosmetic surgeon will first inject a saline solution that contains a local anesthetic. This causes the targeted area to become swollen and firm, or “tumescent” – and much easier for fat cells to be removed via suction.
Although liposuction and liposculpture sound similar, they require two slightly different techniques. Liposculpture uses the same suctioning technique as liposuction, but it also includes an artful sculpting of your body by strategically smoothing and reallocating remaining fat to achieve a more toned, sculpted appearance.
360° Liposuction
Traditional liposuction is typically done on a specific area, such as your abdomen, waist or back. But for many people, there are multiple areas with bothersome fat that they’d like to get rid of. In this case, 360° liposuction, also called circumferential liposuction, could be the answer.
Unlike traditional lipo,360° liposuction addresses your entire torso, abdomen, flanks, waist and back the entire way around your body. Thus, the result is a curvier, sleeker figure from every angle.
Smartlipo™
Smartlipo™ is an advanced liposuction technique that combines traditional suctioning lipo with laser energy. There are several key benefits to choosing Smartlipo versus traditional lipo. First, the energy from the laser heats and melts fat cells before they are suctioned away, making them easier and quicker to remove using traditional liposuction methods.
Secondly, Smartlipo can help to tighten your skin, thanks to the thermal heating aspect of the laser. However, if you have large amounts of excess skin you’re looking to get rid of, you might think about combining liposuction with a tummy tuck.
If you’re bothered by loose skin and stubborn fat, Smartlipo could be the way to go.
Finally, since the laser helps your lipo along, you should be able to enjoy a quicker procedure time and a quicker recovery after Smartlipo. In fact, some people are able to get back to work in as little as 1 to 2 days.
Waist Contouring
Some women are looking for a more targeted approach to liposuction to help them achieve that coveted hourglass shape. In this case, waist contouring lipo might make the most sense, especially if you’re planning a breast enhancement procedure as well.
Like its name suggests, waist contouring can trim and tone the shape of your waist to accentuate your curves in other areas.
Choosing the right lipo technique for your needs and goals is one of the first steps to getting the smooth, contoured shape you want. If you’re still unsure about which method might make the most sense for you, talk with a skilled cosmetic surgeon who has ample experience with body contouring procedures.
Dr. Andan’s good bedside manner and customized approach ensures that every person who visits New York Surgical Arts enjoys a welcoming and positive experience from the initial consultation to the post procedure period and beyond.
