Understanding the Difference Between Liposonix and Liposuction
Reducing or eliminating stubborn pockets of excess fat has become one of the most popular methods of getting the body you want. Most people assume that liposuction is the way to go and for many, the procedure is extremely beneficial. Technology has advanced fat removal beyond traditional liposuction though. For example, Liposonix has started becoming more prevalent here in the United States. Does this mean that Liposonix can now replace traditional liposuction? Actually, no, but it can be more useful to certain patients. So how do you know which will help you the most? To help you out, here is some basic information about both Liposonix and liposuction.
The Techniques
Probably the biggest difference between the two procedures is that liposuction is surgical and Liposonix is nonsurgical. In liposuction, the patient is put under general anesthesia and then the surgeon makes small incisions in the area that will be treated. The surgeon inserts a small tube and moves it around under the skin to break up the fat and make it easier to remove. The fat is then suctioned out through the same tube. Once the desired amount of fat is removed, the incisions are closed with sutures. The entire procedure can take anywhere from 1-3 hours, depending on the amount of liposuction needed.
Liposonix involves a technique known as high-intensity-focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology. A special ultrasound tool, much like what you’d see in a regular doctor’s office, is moved around the target area while emitting high-frequency energy pulses. Those pulses are powerful enough to break up and destroy fatty tissue without causing any damage to the rest of your body. Once the treatment is complete, your body flushes out the fat cells on its own. There are no incisions, sutures, or anesthesia required. Immediately after the procedure, you may feel some pain and discomfort that will be gone after a few days. Each treatment takes about an hour and you’ll be able to hop right off the table as soon as it’s complete.
The Results
With liposuction, you’ll see the results almost immediately, because the fat is broken and removed in the same procedure. Depending on where you’re getting it and how much you’re getting done, liposuction can leave you with some swelling and bruising that will mask the full impact of the results and make you sore for a couple weeks. Once all that is gone, though, you’ll be able to start reaping the benefits of your procedure.
Liposonix results, on the other hand, take several weeks to manifest. The HIFU technology is extremely effective at destroying fat, but it doesn’t make the fat vanish in the process. Your body has to naturally eliminate any cells that are destroyed during the procedure, which takes about 8-12 weeks.
When Liposonix Is Better
If your BMI is 30 or below, you’re in good overall health, and you’re generally happy with how your body looks, Liposonix is a good option to help you get that extra definition you need to fully contour your body. One treatment is enough to remove as much as an inch of fat from your body. The technology is currently only approved for treatments to your abdomen and buttocks, so if you’re looking to trim other areas of your body, or you need more than an inch of fat removed, this procedure won’t be as effective.
When Liposuction Is Better
Liposuction is a procedure that can be done all on its own, or it can be coupled with other procedures to give an extra boost to the results. The procedure can also be performed on a number of different areas on the body, including the neck, arms, legs, and abdomen. If you are looking to reduce the amount of fat around your body using other surgical methods, or are more concerned about a different area than your middle, liposuction is a good option to consider. Liposuction is more effective than Liposonix on patients who have a higher BMI, but neither is meant to be a solution to obesity or being overweight.
Ultimately, your plastic surgeon will decide which type of fat removal will most benefit you based on your body and the kind of results you want. That’s why it’s important to have a patient consultation with your surgeon before having any kind of procedure.
Fat Removal Consultations at Spalding
We currently have four different procedures available designed to remove excess fat from your body, including Liposonix and liposuction. If you’re interested in finding out more about these or any of our other procedures, call (310) 275-2467 to schedule an initial patient consultation.