Different types of liposuction

There are many different types of liposuction today, but this wasn't always the case. Liposuction has been used to remove stubborn areas of fat since the 1970s when it was first introduced by an Italian gynaecologist, Dr George Fisher. The procedure spread to France before reaching the US where in the 1980s it started to gain popularity. The techniques used initially carried even higher risks than they do today and even led to the death of some patients. These risks continue with surgical options although thankfully they occur much less than they used to.

The popularity of liposuction

• Despite these risks, liposuction continues to grow in popularity.
• According to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, it is ranked as the number one cosmetic surgery procedure in the U.S.A.
• It seems this treatment is becoming increasingly popular with men too - the British Association of Plastic Surgeons reported in 2009 an 18% increase in treatments for men with a 15% increase in treatments for women.

Modern technology has seen the introduction of advances in the field of liposuction and patients now have a range of treatments to choose from.

Types of liposuction: traditional surgical methods

Basic Liposuction

This type of liposuction is performed under a general anaesthetic. An incision is made into the area to be treated, into which a tube known as a cannula is inserted. A hose used to extract the fat is attached to the cannula and the fat cells are aspirated (removed using a suction method). Once the fat cells have been removed, the incision repaired and the patient revived for recovery. The patient can expect pain, bruising and significant discomfort for up to 6 weeks during which time they will also need to wear compression garments 24 hours a day to aid healing. An overnight stay in hospital may be required as will several days absence from work to recuperate. Full results are visible in 3 months. Cost is around £5,000.

Wet Liposuction

This type of liposuction is also conducted while the patient is under a general anaesthetic. This helps to loosen fat cells before they are extracted and lessen bruising. This method involves injecting a solution consisting of local aneasthetic, a blood reducing treatment (vasoconstrictor) and saline into the area being treated.  Risks, costs, etc are the same as for basic liposuction.

Tumescent Liposuction

A much larger amount of solution is injected prior to fat extraction, to create a space between the fat and the muscle making it easier to manipulate the cannula and break up the fat cells.  A riskier procedure as this process can take 4 or more hours, incurring the risks of general anaesthesia for a longer period.    Risks, costs, etc are the same as for basic liposuction.

Types of liposuction: non surgical methods

Smart Lipo

During this type of liposuction, using a local anaesthetic, an incision is made in the treatment area through which a fibre optic cable is inserted. This probe is used to deliver laser energy to break up and liquefy fat cells. Pain, bruising, the risk of surgery (e.g. infection), bruising and swelling are all likely side effects post treatment and the use of pressure garments 24 hours a day will be required while the body recovers for several weeks afterwards. Final results are visible within 3 to 6 months. Cost is around £3000.

Vaser LipoSelection

This type of non surgical liposuction is similar to Smart Lipo in that local aneasthetic is required and an incision needs to be made in the area being treated in order to insert an ultrasound probe. This treatment uses ultrasound technology to break down the fat cells. The risk of surgery still exist as does post operative pain, bruising, discomfort and swelling. Aftercare is the same as for Smart Lipo. Final results are visible within 3 to 6 months. Cost is around £3000.

Laser Lipo

Using the latest technology in treating stubborn areas of fat, this type of liposuction is completely non surgical. No local or general anaesthesia is required.  Non invasive -  no incisions are made and no needles are used at all. It is completely safe and pain free. There is no swelling. The patient experiences no discomfort whatsoever both during or after the treatment. They are able to return to their everyday life immediately after their treatment. No pressure garments are required. Results are immediate. There is no post procedure recovery. Patients are able to return to everyday normal activities immediately.

A laser is used to target the fat cells. The cells respond by emptying their contents and converting this back to an energy source. The patient then needs to complete the treatment within 12 hours by performing cardio vascular exercise to use up this released energy. In addition to inch loss, patients also benefit from skin tightening and cellulite reduction. Final results are visible within 4 weeks. Cost is £1000.

Comparing the different types of liposuction makes it much easier to make a decision about which is right for you.

See Red Magazine's results when they compared the different non surgical types of liposuction.