Different Types of Liposuction

Liposuction removes selected subcutaneous fat through a cannula and suction. Terms such as suction-assisted, power-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and laser-assisted describe how the surgeon loosens or removes fat. They do not tell you by themselves whether a procedure fits your anatomy or where it should take place.

Start with the goal, treatment area, skin quality, procedure scope, and surgeon's plan. Then ask what a specific technique adds.

Suction-assisted liposuction

In suction-assisted liposuction, the surgeon moves a cannula through the fat layer while suction removes the loosened fat. A fluid solution is often placed in the treatment area first. The solution and anesthesia plan depend on the operation.

The cannula size, incision placement, treatment depth, and contouring technique can matter as much as the label used for the procedure.

Power-assisted liposuction

Power-assisted liposuction uses a cannula that moves mechanically as the surgeon guides it. The powered movement can help the cannula pass through selected tissue. It does not make the procedure non-surgical or remove the need for careful contour planning.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses ultrasound energy to help liquefy fat before suction removes it. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons notes that only devices cleared by the FDA for liposuction should be considered.

Energy-assisted techniques add device-specific risks. Ultrasound-assisted liposuction can cause a thermal burn or heat injury. Ask why the technique is recommended for your tissue and how the team manages its added risks.

Laser-assisted liposuction

Laser-assisted liposuction places a laser fiber through a small incision to deliver energy before fat is removed by suction. It is different from a non-invasive device used on the skin surface.

Sculptra is an injectable poly-L-lactic acid product. It is not a form of laser-assisted liposuction. A brand name should never substitute for the actual device, intended use, and procedure explanation.

Non-invasive body contouring is not liposuction

Non-invasive body-contouring devices work from the skin surface and do not suction out tissue through an incision. The FDA explains that these treatments are different from liposuction and do not treat obesity or produce the health benefits of weight loss.

Some non-invasive devices use cold, heat, ultrasound, light, magnetic fields, or mechanical action. Each has its own intended use and risks. Do not assume that a device and a surgical technique are equivalent because both use words such as ultrasound or laser.

Technique cannot replace candidacy

Liposuction treats selected fat. It does not remove substantial loose skin, repair the abdominal wall, or produce weight loss. Skin quality, scars, contour differences, health, medications, nicotine use, and treatment scope can change the recommendation.

Possible risks include bleeding, infection, fluid collection, sensation change, contour irregularity, skin injury, blood clots, anesthesia complications, and another procedure. Energy-assisted methods can add heat-related or device-specific injury.

Questions to ask about the recommended technique

• What problem does this technique solve in my case?
• What is the exact device and its FDA-cleared intended use?
• Does the technique add heat or another source of risk?
• How do the number and size of treatment areas affect the setting and recovery?
• Would loose skin need a different procedure?
• What result cannot be achieved with this plan?

Read the complete guide to liposuction in Bend, Oregon, or book a consultation with Dr. Borsting to discuss the contour you want and the technique that fits it.