Liposuction is considered one of the most popular forms of cosmetic procedures sought after by men and women alike. Liposuction procedures boomed in the late ’80s and early ’90s for their ability to remove stubborn fat cells from the body that diet and exercise couldn’t help to remove. That popularity surge has continued to this day.
With its increased popularity, it shouldn’t surprise that the procedures’ technologies and methods have expanded and evolved. There are now several types of liposuction available on the market today, and modern-day liposuction is faster, less invasive, and more widely accessible than ever.
Here are four modern methods of liposuction that are commonly performed.
Tumescent
Tumescent liposuction is the most commonly performed type of modern liposuction. During the procedure, a solution is injected into the surgery area, which flushes the fat and causes it to solidify and swell in size. Having the fat in a larger, firmer state allows it to be easily removed from the body through a suction device known as a cannula.
BodyTite
BodyTite is a modern method of liposuction that uses temperature-controlled energy from radio frequencies.
During the procedure, small incisions are made, and a small probe is placed into the surgery area. A handheld device then moves around the surgery area, and radiofrequency energy generates heat between the device and the internal probe. This heat then begins to melt body fat into a liquified state.
Liquefied fat makes a liposuction procedure easier and gentler to perform, as it needs only a small suction tube for removal. Being minimally invasive, BodyTite generally leaves less bruising and swelling than other methods.
The heat from this procedure also has an additional effect on the body. Heat stimulates the contraction of the body’s soft tissue, allowing for the tissues to tighten. This means that patients may notice their skin and body contour tightening to be more form-fitting months after their surgery. It is typical to see a 40-50% contraction within a year after the initial procedure.
BodyTite procedures use advanced sensors that automatically shut off the device if the temperature on the skin starts to reach higher temperatures. These sensors help prevent overheating and damaging the skin.
VASER
VASER is an acronym standing for “vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance.” It is a modern method of liposuction that uses ultrasound technology to help disintegrate fat cells in the body.
During the procedure, the VASER targets stubborn fat and discharges ultrasonic vibration to liquify the fat cells. Like in BodyTite, the liquified fat makes for allows for easier removal.
During a Vaser liposuction procedure, the removed fat can then also be redistributed for fat grafting. This is a procedure where the fat is transplanted to another section of the body to give it a full appearance. Common locations of this technique are in the breasts, cheeks, and butt.
SmartLipo
SmartLipo is a modern method of liposuction that is also known as laser lipolysis. As the name suggests, this method utilizes laser technology.
SmartLipo harnesses laser energy and beams directly into stubborn fat cells under the skin. The laser generates heat and, like VASER and BodyTite, melts the fat for easier removal.
This method also offers an additional advantage over other liposuction methods, as the heat it produces from the lasers helps to also to stimulate the contraction of tissue in the body and tightens the skin.
Is a Tummy Tuck the Same as Liposuction?
One common misconception when it comes to liposuction is that it is the same as a tummy tuck. It’s easy to see why they get mixed up, as they are both plastic surgery procedures that can have a great positive effect on the overall outcome on the appearance of the body.
However, the two are separate procedures. During liposuction, the underlying Unwanted fat cells are removed using one of the methods mentioned above. However, a tummy tuck is a procedure that focuses on tightening up excess skin on the surface of the body. Excess loose skin may form when the skin has been stretched and loosened, either from extreme weight loss, pregnancy, or general aging.
During a tummy tuck, the skin is pulled tight, and the excess is removed, allowing for a tighter abdomen appearance.
It is possible to get liposuction without a tummy tuck, as liposuction can be performed in several areas across the body, including the arms, legs, chest, beck, and thighs. When it comes to the stomach specifically, a tummy tuck is not always required but may be desired, as the lack of fat under the skin may create looseness in the area in some cases.
Likewise, a tummy tuck can be performed without liposuction. Still, some may fight the newfound tightness of the skin to the torso, may display more unevenness under the skin, as the underlying fat is now pressing close to the surface.
For these reasons, tummy tucks and abdominal liposuction procedures are often performed together to provide optimal results for those who undergo it.
Are There Non-surgical Liposuction Options?
Despite their improved safety over the years, some do not still feel comfortable with undergoing surgery but still desire assistance to help treat stubborn fat cells.
Fortunately, in today’s modern world, there are many existing types of non-surgical fat reduction procedures.
One of the most popular on the market currently is known as Cryolipolysis or CoolScultiping. Using an applicator, cold temperatures are applied to the designated area to freeze the unwanted fat cells, breaking them down under the skin.
EVOLVE is another non-surgical procedure that helps improve the body’s contour by utilizing a device that breaks down the fat cells using radio frequencies and electromagnetic energy.
There are many more modern non-surgical liposuction options out on the market as well, such as Vanquish, BodyFX, Sculpsure, EMsculpt, and more.
With so many options on the market today, it’s essential to do extensive research before choosing a surgery, and working with an experienced surgeon to discuss your goals will help you decide which course of action you wish to proceed or not proceed with.