Pros and cons of Different Types of Liposuction

The goal of liposuction is to improve body contour and eliminate extra fat. With so many different liposuction techniques available, it’s important to comprehend the benefits and drawbacks of each approach. To help you make an informed choice, Dallas’ board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Solomon Azouz, offers professional insights on the various liposuction techniques. Dr. Azouz has customized cannulas for his liposuction techniques for multiple procedures, including gynecomastia surgery, lipedema treatment, PAH treatment, male body contouring, and tummy tuck.

Traditional liposuction

This type of liposuction involves making small incisions in the desired locations and manually breaking and suctioning out extra fat using a thin tube known as a cannula.

Advantages of traditional liposuction

• Proven Results
• Versatile: Suitable for various body shapes and sizes
• Customizable: Allows the surgeon to adjust the technique to meet the unique goals of the patient

Disadvantages of traditional liposuction

• Invasive: Traditional liposuction cannulas can not be used superficially and therefore may not tighten the skin like many other options. After your physical exam, Dr. Azouz may recommend skin excision surgeries as secondary procedures, including a tummy tuck, arm lift, thigh lift, or calf lift.

Tumescent Liposuction

This type of liposuction differentiates itself in the type of anesthetic used. It involves injecting a solution of saline, lidocaine (a local anesthetic), and epinephrine (to reduce blood loss) into the fat tissue before suctioning. This method facilitates the removal of fat, decreases bleeding, and numbs the affected area.

Advantages of Tumescent Liposuction

• Reduces the need for general anesthesia by using a saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine solution for local anesthesia.
• Reduced Blood Loss: Use of tumescent lessens bleeding and numbs the affected area.
• Quicker Recovery: Patients usually heal more quickly since they suffer from less bruising and swelling.

Disadvantages of traditional liposuction

• Extended Procedure Time: The surgery may take longer to complete due to the tumescent solution’s infiltration.
• Potential Fluid Imbalance: When using high volumes, there is a chance of fluid imbalance and lidocaine toxicity if lidocaine is put in the tumescent. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz uses a specific ratio of mixing the tumescent for these reasons to avoid lidocaine toxicity.

Power Assisted Liposuction

This type of liposuction involves the use of a powered vibration cannula to facilitate the easier removal of fat cells.

Advantages of Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

• Precision: Fat in this procedure can be removed easily and more precisely
• Less Fatigue: The powered cannula lessens the surgeon’s physical strain, which may enhance results.
• Reduced Procedure Time: The procedure of removing fat can be accelerated due to the mechanical action.

Disadvantages of Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

• Vibration Discomfort: During the operation, some individuals may experience vibration discomfort. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz uses sedation with local anesthesia to help keep the patient comfortable with power-assisted liposuction.

Ultrasound Assisted liposuction

This type of liposuction involves using ultrasonic waves to break down and liquefy fat in target areas before suctioning them out using a thin tube known as a cannula.

Advantages of Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

• Enhanced Fat Removal: The liquefying effect of the ultrasound waves makes fat easier to remove
• Tightens Skin: Some skin tightening may result from the ultrasonic energy’s stimulation of collagen production.
• Effective for Fibrous Areas: Works especially well on areas that have substantial, fibrous fat.

Disadvantages of Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

• Risk of Thermal Injury: The ultrasonic waves pose a risk of burns or other thermal injuries.
• Extended Recovery: This could lead to persistent bruising and swelling and a lengthier recovery period.

Laser Assisted liposuction

This type of liposuction typically involves liquefying the fat cell using laser energy before suctioning.

Advantages of Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)

• Minimally Invasive: Reduces trauma and incision size by liquefying fat using laser energy.
• Improved skin tightness which may result from the laser’s stimulation of collagen synthesis.
• Shorter Recovery Time: Bruising and swelling are frequently less severe for patients.

Disadvantages of Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)

• Limited Fat Removal: Ideal for smaller, more confined fat deposits.
• Increased Cost: Usually more costly as a result of cutting-edge technology.

VASER Liposuction

This method of liposuction is a more sophisticated and regulated form of ultrasound technology similar to ultrasound-assisted liposuction. It preserves other tissues like neurons, blood arteries, and connective tissues by targeting fat cells specifically. This technique is typically perfect for individuals looking for skin tightening and high-definition body contouring.

Advantages of VASER Liposuction

• Selective Fat Removal: This technique preserves surrounding tissues by using ultrasonic technology to target and break down fat cells only.
• Improves skin tightening by stimulating the formation of collagen.
• Less tissue damage and smaller incisions make an intervention minimally invasive.

Disadvantages of Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)

• Risk of Thermal Injury: If not done correctly, there is a chance of burns.

Selecting the Best Technique for Liposuction

Many aspects, including the treatment region, the amount of fat to be removed, skin elasticity, and personal preferences, influence the choice of the best liposuction technique. Dallas-based Dr. Solomon Azouz offers various consultations to assist patients in choosing the best course of action for their unique goals. Call us at (972) 702-8888 or contact us online to schedule your consultation today! Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azouz can make personalized recommendations for the best liposuction results for your desired goals.

Written by Mary Wamalwa and Rhiya Patel on behalf of Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery