Liposuction is a widely accepted, non invasive fat removal procedure that eliminates excessive fat cells from the body, usually around the face, neck, abdomen, thighs, buttocks, hips, and any area with sagging skin or cellulite. It is an easy alternative to the usual method of shedding pounds through regular diet and exercise. Certain trouble areas are resistant to these weight loss methods, which makes liposuction one of the most attractive ways to quickly get rid of unwanted fat.
The process of using a suction to remove fat dates back to the early 1920s, while the traditional, more accepted liposuction procedure was invented in 1974 by father and son gynecologists, Arpad and Giorgio Fischer. During the onset of the 1980s, liposuction started becoming a more widespread fat removal treatment in the U.S. Over time, physicians began to perfect the lipo technique by utilizing more non-invasive means to removing fat cells, allowing patients to experience more improved results.
Traditional Liposuction
Cannula suction has been the conventional way of performing liposuction treatments. The cannula is a thin tube that is used to draw out fat cells from the body. In 1992, Professor Michele Zocchi pioneered the Ultrasound Assisted Lipoplasty, also known as ultrasonic lipo. This procedure, which has been developed overtime through more advanced techniques, offers patients a safe, non-invasive fat removal lipo treatment with minimal complications.
Effects of Traditional Liposuction
The healing time following a traditional liposuction treatment is generally around four to six weeks. There are also a range of side effects associated with this type of lipo procedure, from bruising, swelling, and scarring to more severe complications, including blot clots, damage to organs, and skin infections. Given the possible risk of the conventional method of lipo, it is always beneficial to consult with a physician to determine whether you’re a good candidate for this procedure.
Smart Lipo Laser Procedure
Unlike traditional lipo that suctions out fat cells, laser lipo is a relatively new procedure that involves using laser heat to melt the fat prior to removing it from the body with the cannula tubes. It was approved by the FDA in November 2006 and is currently the safest way to undergo liposuction. It is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, and the entire process takes about one hour. However, patients are put under general anesthesia with traditional liposuction, while the physician suctions out the fat through a large incision.
Laser Liposuction: Safer Alternative
Smart Lipo is the most popular non invasive fat removal treatment, where patients experience less side effects and faster recovery times. Laser liposuction is also beneficial in improving the elasticity of the area that underwent the procedure, whereas traditional liposuction doesn’t typically result in skin tightening. With laser-assisted lipo, most patients return to their normal routines within two days. Most patients are also required to wear a compression garment for a few weeks after lipo. Although there may be a few minor side effects that may occurs, such as bruising and swelling, laser-assisted lipo continues to be the safest method of performing this type of fat removal procedure.
The main difference between SmartLipo and the conventional liposuction method is that laser energy liquifies the fat cells, making it easier to extract it from the body. Laser liposuction involves minimal surgery, shorter recovery time, minor possible side effects, and more effective results. It is also a cost-effective treatment with minimal downtime.