Liposuction remains one of the most popular procedures available for addressing stubborn fat. Some areas of the body, such as the love handles or back, are areas that resist diet and exercise. Liposuction taps into these fat pockets and reduces the presence of subcutaneous fat to smooth your body contour.
However, when it comes to liposuction, patients have two options to choose from: the traditional type or the modern laser fat removal procedure. Both treatments remain popular, but the choice depends on your goal and preferences. This blog offers insights so that patients can make the right choice.
How Does Traditional Liposuction Work?
Traditional liposuction is a procedure that involves making small incisions in the skin and inserting a thin tube (i.e., a cannula) underneath it. The surgeon uses the tube to break down and suction out stubborn subcutaneous fat from areas like the abdomen, thighs, or flanks.
This technique has been around for several decades and remains the gold standard for body contouring.
What Does Laser Fat Removal Entail?
Laser liposuction is similar to traditional lipo in the sense that it also uses a cannula to suction out excess fat. However, the cannula also features a laser fiber, which liquefies fat cells before their removal. This minimizes damage to the surrounding tissue.
Lingering damaged fat is absorbed and removed through the lymphatic system, resulting in a flatter treated area.
How Do They Differ?
Traditional liposuction and laser-assisted lipo have several benefits and differences that patients must keep in mind, including the following:
1. Technique Used
Traditional liposuction uses more of a “base” technique, physically manipulating the cannula to suction fat out of the body. This makes it a suitable choice for patients who have laser sensitivity and do not want to use heat on their skin tissue.
However, laser lipo is less invasive because it uses a laser to break down the fat first. This technique is more suitable for men and women who cannot handle the downtime.
2. Fat Removal
Traditional liposuction can remove more fat in a single treatment than laser lipo. This makes it a more suitable choice for those who seek significant volume reduction and can handle a longer downtime.
Laser liposuction is mostly suitable for those who are within 20% of their body weight and want to address stubborn pouches for a smoother contour.
3. Skin Aesthetic
Skin improvement is also more common during laser fat removal, as the laser stimulates collagen and elastin production. This helps the skin tighten alongside the fat removal process to offer a slimmer and more toned look.
With traditional liposuction, the skin may sag if a significant amount of fat is removed.
4. Safety Level
Both traditional and laser lipo have high safety potential when performed by a professional and the patient follows proper aftercare. However, laser liposuction has fewer risks of complications because it uses epinephrine to minimize bleeding. The smooth extraction also causes less trauma, reducing the chances of post-op discomfort.
The procedure relies on local anesthesia instead of the general type, which reduces anesthesia-related concerns.
5. Recovery Time
Laser liposuction causes less trauma to the surrounding tissue, which leads to significantly faster recovery and less post-operative pain. Most patients can return to office work within one to three days and can reach full recovery within two months, especially if they are only treating a small area. This differs from traditional liposuction, where full recovery can take up to six months.
Make Your Decision with Dermacare Guidance
Choosing between laser and traditional liposuction depends mostly on the desired outcome, along with the client’s needs. Laser lipolysis is a good option for those who are seeking body contouring and skin improvement, whereas traditional liposuction is more appropriate if you have larger amounts of fat to remove. Schedule an appointment with our providers at Dermacare Medical Aesthetics to see which procedure will work best for you.
For more information about laser and traditional liposuction, contact Dermacare Medical Aesthetics at 858-943-2443. We have practices in Rancho Bernardo, Carlsbad, San Juan Capistrano, and Encinitas, where we can welcome you. As an alternative, fill out our online contact form, and we will get in touch with you soon.