WHICH LIPOSUCTION PROCEDURE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Most people are familiar with liposuction as a top plastic surgery procedure for removing stubborn body fat. But for those of us not well-versed in the options, we start hearing names like SmartLipo™ and LipoSelection® and are quickly left feeling confused. So what are the different Liposuction options available, and how do we choose the right one for us? First, let's break down and compare four of the most commonly used variations of liposuction: Tumescent, LipoSelection® SmartLipo™ and Power-assisted Lipo (PAL).

Liposuction: The New, the Tried and True

One of the first successful methods of Liposuction to be created is still one of the most popular options today: Tumescent Liposuction. Tumescent lipo involves the injection of an anesthetic into treated areas prior to the fat removal process, which occurs through a suction device. The injected anesthetic restricts the blood vessels and causes the fat cells to swell, enabling easier removal of the fat tissue.

LipoSelection® is a type of liposuction developed by VASER® that utilizes ultrasonic (UAL) liposuction technology to remove fat tissue. LipoSelection® is a newer form of lipo that purportedly increases the amount of precision and safety involved with general liposuction by leaving surrounding nerves and blood vessels untouched. Ultrasonic sound waves break down and emulsify fat before it's removed with standard suction tubes.

Another newer method is called SmartLipo™ laser liposuction. A minimally invasive technique, SmartLipo™ inserts a small, low-energy laser probe into the targeted area to destroy fat cells before they're removed in traditional liposuction fashion. The technique is said to be very low-risk and involves very short recovery times.

The fourth major type of lipo is call Power-assisted Liposuction (PAL). This lipo method was created because of the difficulty often involved in accurately moving the liposuction tubes or "cannulas" to eliminate all desired fat tissue. PAL uses the basic technique of Tumescent liposuction, but has vibrating cannulas to assist in removing fat cells more quickly, accurately, and completely.

Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?

The decision to get liposuction shouldn't be taken lightly, and it's important to research your options and discuss them in depth with your doctor to ensure it's an appropriate choice before committing to a procedure. Liposuction shouldn't be relied on to solve ongoing problems of obesity, since the procedure typically removes no more than 10 pounds of fat. Ideal liposuction candidates are healthy individuals who have stubborn fat deposits or pounds that have remained after a pregnancy or that haven't been eliminated through diet and exercise.

How Do I Choose?

Obviously, each method of liposuction can remove stubborn fat cells, but your choice of lipo procedure will depend on: personal preference, health circumstances, treatment area, financial situation, and local availability of a procedure. The length and cost of liposuction surgery can vary from one to several hours, and from $2,000-$7,000 depending on surgical method, treatment area size, amount of fat being removed, and region where you receive the surgery. Possible side effects of lipo can include swelling, bruising, numbness, discomfort, and mobility limitations. Overall, the best way to be sure you've gotten all the necessary information and selected the right lipo treatment is to meet with a trusted plastic surgeon. They can assess your individual needs and determine your qualifications for a certain liposuction procedure.

source: plasticsurgeryportal.com; safecosmeticsurgery.net; wikipedia.org

SLIMLIPO™: NEW LASER LIPO TREATMENT

Since liposuction was first invented in Europe in the 1970s, it has come a very long way. From the development of tumescent liposuction, to the first laser-assisted liposuction, the procedure itself has continued to become more advanced and more effective. Today there are several liposuction techniques available to choose from, and one of the latest is called SlimLipo™. Read on to learn more details about this newly recognized lipo phenomenon, including how it works, how much it costs, and what kind of risks are involved.

What is SlimLipo™?

SlimLipo™ is an innovative new form of laser-assisted liposuction, and it's appropriate for both men and women who want to remove stubborn excess body fat. Short for "Selective Laser-Induced Melting Lipo," SlimLipo uses dual wavelength energy, 924 nm and 975 nm, to achieve thermolysis of both the fat cells, and the water membranes that surround them.

An invention of Palomar, a renowned medical technology company, SlimLipo™ uses a minimally invasive technique to remove excess fat around the stomach, thighs, abdomen, hips, buttocks, arms, etc. SlimLipo liquefies fat cells with a laser fiber, and removes the fluid through a tiny cannula tube. While SlimLipo's laser-assisted technique is similar to that of the popular SmartLipo, some small but important differences exist that separate the two.

What Makes SlimLipo so Special?

For one thing, the SlimLipo treatment uses a larger laser fiber—supposedly up to two times larger than the fiber used with other laser lipo techniques. This enables the device to emulsify larger amounts of fat cells in a shorter period of time. Also, because SlimLipo uses a combination of wavelengths (924 nm and 975 nm), the different laser energies work together, not only to break down fat deposits, but to create an impressive skin tightening effect. Before SlimLipo, a liposuction procedure with included skin tightening benefits was unprecedented.

Another reason SlimLipo is getting raves from both patients and physicians alike is its ability to leave patients' skin looking very smooth and natural post treatment. Sometimes, with other liposuction techniques, patients have been prone to "contour deformities," or the appearance of ripples, dents, and/or other shaping abnormalities from the fat suctioning process. But with SlimLipo, partially due to its skin tightening properties, patients are experiencing a remarkable improvement in skin appearance post procedure.

What are the Risks and Side Effects of SlimLipo?

Although SlimLipo is rumored to be safer than some previous liposuction methods, there are still precautions patients need to take, and possible side effects they should be wary of. However, since SlimLipo procedures are less surgically invasive than past techniques, the majority of reported side effects are temporary, such as:

light swelling

light bruising

minor pain

infection

If more serious side effects occur post treatment, SlimLipo patients are advised to see their surgeon or physician immediately. The odds of experiencing SlimLipo side effects increase when the practicing surgeon isn't very experienced, or when treatment instructions aren't followed by the patient. Trust none other than reputable, experienced liposuction surgeons to perform your treatments.

How Much Does SlimLipo Cost?

The cost of your liposuction surgery will depend on the type of liposuction method used, the local procedure cost averages, the individual doctor's fees, and the length of time required for surgery. On average, SlimLipo costs anywhere from $2000 to $6000—a range that falls slightly above standard liposuction costs, and is comparable to SmartLipo costs.

For its slightly higher cost, SlimLipo offers patients increased safety assurances over older lipo techniques, lessened chances of contour deformities post surgery, swift recovery times, less bruising and swelling, and fast, toned results.

Is SlimLipo Right for Me?

It doesn't matter whether you're new to liposuction altogether, or are interested in trying this newer lipo procedure over an older technique; to ascertain if SlimLipo is right for you, it's wise to meet with a licensed and accredited plastic surgeon nearby. Not only will they assess your individual conditions and recommend realistic solutions for you, they will answer your questions about the procedure in greater detail, and help you adequately prepare and plan for your surgery.

source: plasticsurgeryportal.com; safecosmeticsurgery.net; wikipedia.org