Since the use of tumescent solution revolutionized modern liposuction in the 1980s, technology has been steadily advancing and producing new ways to make the body contouring procedure less invasive and more effective. Patients considering liposuction at my Los Angeles practice may be surprised to learn how many varied approaches to the procedure exist today.
Each patient’s concerns and goals lend themselves to different methods. Choosing which technique to use requires artistic vision and close collaboration between surgeon and patient, but the right approach can make all the difference. In this blog post, I’ll review some options to help you reach your aesthetic goals.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction — UAL
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction, or ultrasonic liposuction, uses sound waves emitted by a small cannula to liquefy fat cells, which are then suctioned away. It works well in areas like the chest and flanks where fibrous tissue and fat tissue are interspersed.
Laser-Assisted Liposuction — LAL
Laser-assisted liposuction, also known as Smartlipo™ laser liposuction, uses laser energy delivered through a tiny fiber to melt fat into liquid, which is then suctioned from the body. This treatment is less intensive, and I’ve found that other approaches are often needed to remove substantial amounts of fat.
Power-Assisted Liposuction — PAL®
In my experience, power-assisted liposuction usually achieves the best results with the shortest recovery. This technique uses a vibrating cannula tip to loosen and suction out fat cells in the targeted area for results that are typically more seamless and precise. Patients spend less time under anesthesia and often experience less bruising and trauma to the tissues than they would with other approaches.
More Options
Other liposuction tactics I perform at my practice include:
- Traditional tumescent liposuction: Thich uses a liquid solution to pre-treat fatty tissues. It’s still used as the first step in every lipo approach because it helps improve safety and control during surgery.
- Corrective liposuction: Fat reduction procedures can sometimes lead to unsatisfactory results, which often include dimpling in the skin, lumpiness, or unnatural indentations. Corrective liposuction can provide a revision, though it often requires multiple techniques and more than 1 session.
As a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in both teaching and performing liposuction, I understand that each patient’s concerns require an individualized approach. When you come in for a personal consultation, we will be able to discuss your unique goals in-depth to determine which liposuction option may help you achieve the best results.
To get an idea of the transformation you can expect with liposuction, please visit our before-and-after photo gallery.
If you’re ready to move forward with liposuction at my Los Angeles practice, please contact us online or call (310) 300-1779 to request a consultation.
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