Looking for ways to target a specific problem area? Or want to achieve a sculpted look? Fortunately, liposuction can help.
But now comes the hard part— there are various kinds of liposuction procedures. And yet, how will you know which one is right for you?
Well, here’s a quick rundown of the three popular types of liposuction:
Tumescent Liposuction
Surgeons often use this procedure on areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and neck. It involves injecting a large amount of fluid into the treated area. This fluid contains a local anesthetic to numb the area and a vasoconstrictor to shrink the blood vessels.
The results of tumescent liposuction are usually long-lasting. But some people may need additional treatments to achieve their desired results.
If you’re considering tumescent liposuction, it may be the right choice if you:
- Have localized pockets of fat that diet and exercise haven’t budged
- Are relatively healthy and have good skin elasticity
- Aren’t looking for dramatic results; instead, you want to contour specific areas
- Don’t mind undergoing a relatively lengthy procedure compared to other lipo treatments
- Willing to follow post-procedure instructions, such as wearing a compression garment
Suction-Assisted Liposuction (SAL)
Suction-assisted liposuction (SAL) uses less fluid compared to tumescent liposuction. It’s perfect for smaller areas of fat, such as the chin or neck.
The beauty of SAL is that it’s minimally invasive. That means it’s performed through small incisions, so general anesthesia isn’t necessary.
On top of that, SAL is right for you if you have…
- Good skin elasticity. SAL works by creating small openings in the skin through which Dr. Nick Masri suctions out the fat. But if your skin can’t bounce back, you may be at risk for dimpling or other cosmetic concerns.
- Realistic expectations. SAL can give you a slimmer, more contoured appearance. But it won’t necessarily achieve perfection. If you’re looking for a quick fix with no downtime, SAL probably isn’t right for you.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)
UAL uses ultrasound energy to break up the fat cells before removal. It’s common for areas with dense fat, such as the thighs or abdominal area.
Compared to other methods, UAL is less likely to cause bruising and swelling. That’s because the ultrasound helps shrink the blood vessels. Plus, it should be less invasive because it doesn’t require large incisions.
And so, you should choose UAL if you…
- Are looking for precision. UAL uses sound waves to target specific areas of fat. Your surgeon can sculpt precisely, resulting in a more natural look.
- Want to minimize surgical time. UAL is a quick procedure; you can usually expect to be in and out of surgery in under an hour.
After reviewing these options with Dr. Masri, you should have an idea of which type is best for your goals.