For many years Plastic Surgeons have been able to safely remove unwanted fat by liposuction. The sequence of events generally remain the same…infusing numbing solution-the tumescent fluid provides anesthesia/ baths the fat cells and distends the tissues to make moving of this cannulas less traumatic.
Sometimes additional energy is needed to assist in removing the fat or to help tighten loose skin. Examples of these are:
a) UAL –Ultrasonic Assisted Liposuction
An example of this is the Vaser, it helps break through the scarred tissue from previous surgery or other reasons.
b) LAL – Laser Assisted Liposuction
Examples are Smart lipo and Cool lipo. A small laser probe is used to melt fat close to the skin surface in small delicate areas such as the face, arms and neck.
c) RFAL-RadioFrequency Assisted Liposuction- BodyTite, Neck Tite – Radiofrequency energy is implemented internally as well as externally – working as a bipolar devise. The internal liposuction cannula melts the fat while simultaneously sucking out the liquefied fat. The external probe heats the skin to cause skin shrinkage and tightening for patients with loose skin and fat around the abdomen from multiple pregnancies – this technique may be an alternative for the “mommy tummy tuck”. It also works well to tighten arms and legs as well as the new Neck Tite to sculpt and tighten the neck and jowls.