Liposuction has proven to be a very effective way to remove fat from specific parts of the body. The procedure involves the doctor making a small incision and then inserting a hollow tube beneath the skin to break up the fat. Once this happens, a pressurized vacuum is used to “suck” out the unwanted tissue.
According to ASAPS statistics, liposuction was the number one surgical procedure performed in 2014. While millions of patients continue to be very satisfied with the dramatic results that liposuction can bring about, it is not necessarily the right procedure for everyone. Today there are alternatives to the standard liposuction procedure that can potentially produce the same or better results with shorter recovery times and less trauma to the body.
Liposelection is a form of liposuction. Liposelection uses sound waves, similar to an ultrasound, to break up and melt the fat below your skin. It is very effective for more delicate areas such as your chin, neck, knees and inner thighs. It is ideal for areas where the fat is surrounded by dense fibrotic connective tissue such as the “love handles” and the fat of the back, upper abdomen or breast area when treating gynecomastia.
The procedure is usually combined with an injection of fluids that facilitate the shock wave breaking up the unwanted fat. One of the key advantages of liposelection is its ability to treat areas where fat is surrounded by soft tissue bands connecting the skin to the tissue below.
In addition to liposelection, new techniques are also becoming popular that are less invasive than standard liposuction. They involve using lasers and ultrasound and radio frequency waves externally to melt the fat beneath the skin. They also do not require any sort of incisions to accomplish their goals.
- Lipomassage: As the benefits of hands-on therapies become more widely accepted, dermatologists and plastic surgeons have come to use them to achieve maximum body contouring results. Just as the name suggests, lipomassage uses massage therapy combined with the body’s own waste expulsion systems to remove unwanted fat tissue. This procedure demonstrates how natural, manual therapies can be used to help the body heal and balance itself. Often a healthy diet and exercise are recommended to achieve the best results.
- CoolSculpting: Recently, the power of cold is being harnessed in the ongoing search for the best ways to help patients slim down and sculpt their bodies. In a procedure known as CoolScultping (cryolipolysis), fat in specific parts of the body is subjected to cold temperatures, thus leading to the death of those unwanted fat cells. Although the procedure is new, it is manifesting promising results. Furthermore, recovery time is minimal.
- Radiofrequency: Many devices are now available to reduce unwanted fat by providing a series of topical, non-invasive treatments to reduce unwanted bulges. The energy applied to the skin helps break up or liquefy the fat so that the final result is a more desirable contour.
In the past, traditional liposuction was viewed as the only viable solution to removing unsightly fat and it’s corresponding bulge. Though liposuction is still a great way to achieve the body contouring results you seek, you now have other options that can either augment or replace this traditional procedure if you are unsure as to how to deal with your concerns.
Dr. Kulick and his staff are committed to answering each and every question you have and helping you decide which procedure best suits your unique needs and priorities. Call us today to begin your exciting journey.
Dr. Michael Kulick, MD is a leading board certified plastic surgeon in San Francisco, California. During an initial consultation, he’ll examine your individual anatomy, discuss all your options, and create a unique treatment plan along with any other necessary procedures. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of plastic surgery and are looking for a qualified cosmetic surgeon, use this online form to request a consultation with Dr. Kulick or call 415-956-2550.
