Thanks to advances in medical technology and body contouring techniques, you now have a number of different options when choosing the most effective liposuction procedure for your needs. The best choice for you will depend on your unique body shape and type, as well as your personal goals, which you can discuss during your initial consultation with your cosmetic surgeon.
To help you narrow down your search, here are some of the most popular liposuction procedures and what sets them apart.
Traditional Liposuction
Traditional, or tumescent, liposuction is still a very popular body contouring procedure. Generally a three-step process, tumescent liposuction can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on the size and number of areas being treated. As for how long until you’ll see your liposuction results, this varies for each individual, but typically anywhere from 3 to 6 months is considered standard.
First, your cosmetic surgeon carefully place incisions through which a small tube called a cannula can be inserted. Next, he or she will inject a special solution designed to prepare targeted fat cells for removal. Finally, excess fat cells can be removed through the small incisions.
Traditional liposuction can be a great option for women who are interested in a fat transfer breast augmentation or a Brazilian butt lift, as both of these procedures require natural fat cells that can be collected during tumescent liposuction.
360-Degree Liposuction
Also called circumferential liposuction, 360-degree lipo is quickly becoming another one of the most popular body contouring procedures. 360-lipo addresses your torso, abdomen, hips, waist and back simultaneously rather than treating one or two isolated target spots.
Keep in mind, though, that the best candidates for any liposuction procedure, including 360-degree lipo, should already be very close to their ideal weight. While liposuction can offer positive results in the right candidates, it isn’t an effective weight loss tool. Make sure you adopt healthy lifestyle habits as part of preparing ahead for your liposuction appointment.
Smartlipo™
One of the limitations of traditional liposuction is that it cannot address loose or excess skin, only stubborn subcutaneous fat. With Smartlipo™, a specialized laser is used to melt the fat cells in the target area prior to being removed. This laser energy can also stimulate important proteins in your skin to help encourage a tightening and toning effect.
Another benefit of Smartlipo™ is that it typically takes less time to complete than a traditional tumescent liposuction procedure, and some people can even return to work within the next day or two.
Smartlipo™ takes liposuction techniques to the next level with the help of laser technology.
Smartlipo™ is not generally the best option for larger fatty deposits and a significant amount of loose skin, such as following a pregnancy or significant weight loss. In these situations, combining a tummy tuck with liposuction may be the most appropriate body contouring option for you.
Waist Contouring
If the coveted hourglass shape is what you’re after, waist contouring liposuction may be an effective solution. This procedure involves precise liposculpture of your waist. Many women find that combining waist contouring with their breast augmentation procedure can enhance a natural hourglass shape.
If you still can’t decide which liposuction procedure could be the most effective solution for your needs, schedule a consultation with an experienced cosmetic surgeon who can answer your liposuction questions and walk you through the details of each of your options.
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.
