Liposuction-Assisted

Liposuction-assisted is a cosmetic surgery that uses liposuction to remove excess fat from specific body areas with laser, ultrasound, or power. This technique uses ultrasound, laser, or vibrations to break up and liquefy fat cells, making them easier to remove. The liquefied fat is then suctioned out using a cannula, a thin tube-like instrument inserted through small incisions in the skin. Assisted liposuction may be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the extent of the surgery. This technique can be used on various body areas, including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and arms. Compared with traditional lipo, assisted liposuction can significantly improve body contouring and help achieve a more sculpted appearance.

What is Liposuction-Assisted?
Types of Liposuction - Assisted
Why Liposuction-Assisted?
What are Concerns for Liposuction-Assisted?
Steps to getting your procedure
Cost of Liposuction-Assisted
Why Yes Doctor for Liposuction-Assisted
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes Doctor’s Plastic Surgery Procedure Liposuction-Assisted

What is Liposuction-Assisted?

Liposuction assisted with laser, or ultrasound, is called assisted liposuction. It employs vibration, ultrasound, or laser technology to liquefy fat. The liquified fat is then suctioned out using negative pressure with the help of a cannula.

Like traditional liposuction, assisted liposuction is not a weight loss method. Still, a fat loss procedure may easily be removed, meaning stubborn body fats that do not respond to rigorous exercise and a steady diet.

Also, like traditional liposuction, laser- or ultrasound-assisted liposuction is most often used to reduce surplus fats in your:

  • Abdomen

  • Ankles

  • Arms

  • Buttocks

  • Cheeks

  • Chin

  • Hips

  • Knees

  • Neck

  • Thighs

  • Upper arms

  • Waist

Procedure Steps

The steps of the assisted liposuction procedure may vary depending on the specific technique used but generally include the following steps:

Anesthesia

The patient is supplemented with either local or general anesthesia to ensure they are comfortable and pain-free throughout the procedure.

Incision

Small incisions are made in the skin, through which a cannula is inserted. The cannula is connected to a suction device, which is used to remove the liquefied fat.

Fat liquefaction

Depending on the specific technique, the surgeon may use vibration, ultrasound, laser, or water to break up and liquefy the fat cells, making them easier to remove.

Fat removal

The cannula is used to suction out the liquefied fat from the targeted body area. The surgeon uses a back-and-forth motion with the cannula to remove the fat evenly.

Compression

After the fat is removed, the incisions are closed, and a compression garment is applied to help reduce swelling and aid in the healing process.

Recovery

Assisted liposuction typically takes 1 to 4 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery and the areas being treated. After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort, swelling, and bruising, but these symptoms typically subside within a few weeks.

Instrumentation and Devices Used

Initially, large cannulae were used for liposuction, some even up to 1 cm in diameter. These instruments caused damage to neurovascular bundles and sometimes led to uneven contours and seromas or hematomas in patients. The successive use of local anesthesia necessitated a gentle touch; hence, many smaller cannulae were developed. Cannulae used today are extremely small, typically less than 6 mm, and some are very small, with an inside diameter of less than 0.6 mm. Blunt-tipped cannulae are standard as they decrease injury to blood vessels and reduce bleeding. 

Medical devices are used for various medical procedures, but only a few specific devices are FDA-approved or cleared for liposuction. Before considering laser- or ultrasound-assisted liposuction, it is essential to determine that the FDA clears the device being used.

Types of Liposuction - Assisted

  • Which Liposuction-Assisted is Right for You?

    There are different types of assisted liposuction, each with its benefits and risks. Before choosing the right type of assisted liposuction, here are some things to consider. For example, your overall health or the amount of fat you want to remove - different types of assisted liposuction are better suited for different amounts of fat removal. For example, if you only need a small amount of fat removed, you may be a good candidate for laser-assisted liposuction. However, consider traditional or power-assisted liposuction if you need more fat removed.

    Another crucial thing to remember while choosing the right type of assisted liposuction is the areas of your body you want to target- assisted liposuction can be used to remove fat from various body parts, including the abdomen, hips, thighs, and arms. Different types of liposuction may be more effective for some regions of the body while less effective for others. Moreover, your skin elasticity and expectations from the cosmetic procedure also play a critical role in helping you decide on the correct procedure for yourself.

    Remember to ask for before-and-after photos of previous patients to get an idea of the surgeon's skills and the results you can expect before choosing a particular procedure.

  • Tumescent liposuction

    Tumescent liposuction involves the injection of a large volume of a diluted local anesthetic solution into the area where fat is to be removed. This technique is used to numb the area and cause the fat cells to become swollen and firm, making it easier to remove them with a cannula (a thin tube) through small incisions in the skin. Tumescent liposuction has proven highly safe even with unprecedentedly large doses of the tumescent solution. The surgeon can remove fat with minimal blood loss and trauma to the surrounding tissues.

    Besides removing fats from arms, thighs, hips, neck, and abdomen, tumescent liposuction is particularly effective for treating smaller areas of the body where precision is important, such as the chin or jowls.

  • Ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL)

    This type of liposuction is sometimes used concurrently with traditional liposuction. During Ultrasound-assisted liposuction, the surgeon inserts a metal rod (cannula) that vibrates rapidly and gives off ultrasonic energy under your skin. This phenomenon ruptures the fat-cell walls and breaks down the fat for easier removal. There is enhanced fat removal with minimal blood loss, improved skin retraction, and safer large-volume procedures with the UAL.

    A new generation of UAL called VASER-assisted liposuction employs a device that may enhance skin contouring and reduce the chance of skin injuries.

  • Power-assisted liposuction (PAL)

    The Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) technique is based on power-assisted reciprocating movements of the cannulae. The advantage is that the surgeon is energized by rapid forward and backward movements of cannulae and can concentrate on refinement. It also allows finer cannulae, and the results are better than other fat-removal techniques. Some tough tissues, like in Gynecomastia, are relatively easily suctioned. Liposuction in female breasts, where UAL may have the unproven potential for thermal damage to the mammary gland, can also be managed using Power-assisted liposuction.

  • Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL)

    Laser lipolysis is a commonly used and accepted modality for removing unwanted fatty tissue. Laser-assisted lipolysis liquefies fat tissue and produces and remodels collagen fibers more significantly. It is a safe and productive procedure with many advantages over conventional liposuction. The safety of laser lipolysis has been well documented. One commonly promoted advantage of laser lipolysis is fast patient recovery - due to the liquefaction of adipose tissue and small cannula size (~1mm), less trauma is needed to remove fat upon subsequent suction aspiration. Consequently, patients experience a rapid return to daily activities.

Why Liposuction-Assisted?

People may choose assisted liposuction for various reasons. One of the primary reasons is that assisted liposuction can be a minimally invasive alternative to traditional liposuction, which may require general anesthesia and a more extended recovery period. It typically involves smaller incisions, less trauma to surrounding tissues, less bleeding, and a quicker recovery time. The laser or ultrasound energy used during assisted liposuction can stimulate collagen production and tighten the skin. This may provide a more aesthetically pleasing result than other fat-loss methods.

Assisted liposuction can provide more targeted results in specific body areas than other fat-loss methods such as diet and exercise. Even with a healthy diet, lifestyle, and regular exercise, some people may struggle to lose stubborn fat in certain areas, such as the abdomen, thighs, or arms. Assisted liposuction can directly target these areas to remove excess fat and create a more contoured appearance.

Assisted liposuction may be a preferred fat-loss method for people looking for a minimally invasive, targeted, and relatively immediate solution for stubborn areas of excess fat. However, individuals must discuss their goals and concerns with a qualified medical professional to determine if assisted liposuction is the right choice.

Generally, people choose assisted liposuction:

  • To remove stubborn fat deposits that cannot be reduced through diet and exercise alone
  • To improve body contours and achieve a more aesthetically pleasing shape
  • To boost self-confidence and improve self-esteem
  • To address physical limitations or discomfort caused by excessive fat
  • To enhance the results of other cosmetic procedures, such as a tummy tuck or body lift, by removing unwanted fat

What are Concerns for Liposuction-Assisted?

Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries plastic surgeons perform worldwide. The original concept of removing excess fat from localized parts of the body is assisted with several modifications to make it more effective and reduce the incidence of complications. As mentioned above, the primary goal of liposuction is to reduce fat deposits in specific localized areas and achieve well-proportioned body contours without much downtime. Liposuction has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, becoming the most frequently done cosmetic surgery worldwide. The evolution of different liposuction techniques and equipment was prompted by the desire to decrease the surgeon's physical effort, enhance the efficacy and selectivity of the actual target fat while preserving the surrounding tissue and neurovascular structures, and minimize patient pain and discomfort. However, if its fundamental principles are respected, liposuction can be considered a safe procedure. Nevertheless, it involves potential concerns and complications, most of which can be avoided. Complications noted after some liposuction procedures include superficial irregularities of the skin, allergic reactions to drugs or plaster, visible or disfiguring scars, discoloration of the skin, temporary bruising, numbness or nerve injury, and temporary adverse drug reactions. A few possible complications are discussed here in detail

  • Pain and discomfort

    Assisted liposuction is generally considered safe and effective. However, like any surgery, it can lead to pain and discomfort during recovery. It is normal to experience soreness in the treated areas after the procedure. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage the discomfort. In addition to that, the treated areas may feel tight and stiff after the procedure. Gentle stretching and massage can help relieve these symptoms. Swelling and bruising are also typical of liposuction and can last several weeks. Wearing compression garments and applying ice packs can help reduce swelling and speed healing.

  • Infection

    The infection following the assisted liposuction procedure is infrequent. The most common local cause of infection is blood clotting or bacterial contamination in the underlying tissues. At the same time, the most common systematic cause of infection is uncontrolled and poorly managed diabetes. Diabetic patients must have reasonable blood sugar level control before the procedure. Moreover, the risk of infection can significantly be reduced if patients stop smoking at least two weeks before and seven days after surgery. Moreover, basic surgical rules such as proper hand washing, sterile operating room conditions, good skin preparation, and gentle handling must be practiced to reduce the risk of infection.

  • Cost

    The cost of assisted liposuction is typically greater than traditional liposuction. It can be a significant concern for some people, as it is a cosmetic procedure generally not covered by health insurance. The cost of the procedure can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience, the geographical location of the practice, the extent of the procedure, and the type of anesthesia used. For some people, the cost of assisted liposuction may be prohibitive. They may choose other options for achieving their desired body contour, such as non-surgical fat reduction procedures or lifestyle changes like diet and exercise.

Steps to getting your procedure

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Step 1

Research

Step 2

Matching with a doctor

Step 3

Getting financing

Step 4

Booking a consultation

Cost of Liposuction-Assisted

The cost of assisted liposuction varies depending on several factors, including the surgeon's experience, the location of the practice, the extent of the procedure, and the type of anesthesia used. It is important to remember that the procedure cost should not be the only factor to consider when choosing a surgeon. You should also consider their experience, qualifications, and patient satisfaction rates. It is important to discuss all of these factors with your surgeon during the consultation process to get an accurate estimate of the total cost of the procedure. Some practices may also offer financing options or payment plans to help make the procedure more affordable.

Why Yes Doctor for Liposuction-Assisted

Yes Doctor can help make it easier for patients to undergo assisted liposuction by offering financing options to pay for the procedure over time rather than the full cost upfront.

We typically offer loans or lines of credit that can be used to cover the cost of the procedure, with repayment terms ranging from several months to several years, depending on the financing plan. We also offer interest-free or low-interest financing options, which can help reduce the overall cost of the procedure.

Moreover, Yes Doctor offers online applications that can be completed quickly and easily, often with same-day approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

Assisted liposuction is generally considered a safe procedure. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications. Some potential risks and complications of assisted liposuction include the following: Infection: Like any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection at the incision site. Bleeding: Some bleeding is expected after the procedure, but excessive bleeding can occur in rare cases. Swelling and bruising: Patients may experience swelling and bruising in the treated areas after the procedure, which can last several weeks. Numbness: Patients may experience temporary numbness lasting several weeks or months. Uneven results: There is a risk of uneven results, such as over-correction and under-correction, which can occur if the surgeon removes more or less fat than desired. Skin irregularities: In rare cases, patients may experience skin irregularities, such as indentations or bumps, in the treated areas. Anesthesia complications: Like any surgic... Show more.
The recovery time from assisted liposuction can vary depending on several factors, including the type and extent of the procedure, the patient's overall health, and the body's healing response. After power-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and laser-assisted liposuction, patients may experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the treated areas. Patients can typically return to work and normal activities within a few days to a week after the procedure. Strenuous activities and exercise should be avoided for several weeks, and the surgeon may provide specific instructions on when it is safe to resume normal activities.
During the procedure, the patient may be given local anesthesia, which numbs the treated areas and can help minimize pain and discomfort. Assisted liposuction can be uncomfortable, but it is generally not considered painful. The level of discomfort experienced by the patient can vary depending on several factors, such as the extent of the procedure, the patient's pain tolerance, and the type of anesthesia used. The surgeon may prescribe pain medication to manage discomfort, but most patients report that the discomfort is manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Assisted liposuction is a relatively safe procedure, but like any surgical procedure, it carries some risks and potential complications. The most common risks and complications associated with assisted liposuction include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, skin irregularities, fluid accumulation, and anesthesia-related complications. In rare cases, patients may experience severe complications such as blood clots or pulmonary embolisms. Overall, the risks of assisted liposuction are low, and most patients experience successful and satisfactory results with minimal complications.