Liposuction options – Standard, SmartLipo™, and Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction

February 25, 2014, 7:27 am

We previously discussed liposuction in general and touched on the different types of liposuction procedures. Today we are going to go a little more in depth on your three liposuction options: standard, SmartLipo™, and Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction. Like many cosmetic surgery procedures, liposuction has become significantly more advanced as technology moves forward, allowing you to have more options for your individual needs.

As we noted previously, it is important to keep in mind that liposuction is not a weight loss tool, although it can help you achieve a slimmer, more svelte look if you are already at or near your ideal weight. Liposuction is primarily for those who already follow a healthy diet and regular exercise routine but have a few areas of stubborn fat that don’t respond to anything else.

Standard Liposuction

Standard liposuction is the procedure most of us are familiar with. It involves small incisions through which a cannula (a hollow tube) is inserted beneath the skin in order to remove the targeted areas of fat.

SmartLipo™

SmartLipo™ takes advantage of advances in laser technology and uses bursts of laser energy along with a cannula to remove the targeted fat deposits while additionally shrinking collagen. These two actions together improve body contouring in ways that standard liposuction isn’t always able to achieve. Although SmartLipo™ makes use of a laser, it is safe and significantly less invasive than standard liposuction. SmartLipo™ is ideal for addressing fat deposits on the abdomen, upper arms, thighs, or neck. Because SmartLipo™ is less invasive than standard liposuction it may easily be performed in conjunction with other procedures.

Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction

In ultrasound assisted liposuction (UAL), ultrasonic waves are used to “liquefy” unwanted fat cells before they are removed. After the ultrasound wave technology is applied, standard liposuction techniques are used with a cannula inserted through small incisions through which the fat is removed. Because the fat is already liquefied, it is removed much more quickly than with standard liposuction and with less risk to surrounding tissue.

Ideal candidate

The ideal candidate for any type of liposuction:

• Is at a healthy weight-to-height ratio
• Is in overall good mental and physical health
• Understands the benefits, risks, and limitations of liposuction
• Has good skin elasticity
• Has localized pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet or exercise

Risks

Regardless of which type of liposuction approach you select, it is important to note that all surgical procedures carry risks, including:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Hematoma
• Excess fluid accumulation
• Nerve damage
• Excess swelling
• Adverse reaction to anesthesia
• Asymmetry
• Irregular pigmentation
• Excessive bleeding
• Persistent swelling
• Thermal skin injury (with ultrasound assisted liposuction)

During your consultation, Dr. Hlavacek will help you to determine which type of liposuction procedure is right for you. He will consider your overall goals, your medical history and medications, and additional factors. Not every type of liposuction procedure is right for every patient. Dr. Hlavacek wants to ensure that you achieve the best possible results and will take time during your consultation to address all of your concerns while also assessing any risk factors and giving you a realistic expectation for the outcome of your procedure.

If you have been considering liposuction, and would like to learn more about your options and which type of procedure might be best for you, call Kansas City Surgical Arts today at 816-286-4126.