Liposuction Alternatives - What Are the Options?

Simplified view of liposuction will be presented. Liposuction (and all of the "million" variations of it) involves fat removal using thin cannulas attached to a suction power device. This part is virtually the same for all units available. The part that is different is the means by which the fat is "broken" down PRIOR TO THE ASPIRATION (removal of fat). Traditional liposuction units use cannulas with holes, with which the surgeon mechanically breaks the fat and... more

As with many of the less-invasive technologies, SmartLipo is an extremely effective treatment... but when used appropriately. It is not a replacement for traditional liposuction as some physicians would suggest. For larger contouring procedures involving removal of 3-6 liters of fat, there is no way that this technology can effectively contour as well as VASER LipoSelection in the same amount of time. In fact, many physicians will actually combine the two procedures and use SmartLipo to... more

Liposuction remains the gold standard but if you want a non surgical option check out zeltiq.   You can freeze the fat with no down time.  I did it and it works! 

There are a few alternatives to liposuction, but the desired change in contour will be only mild.  Properly performed Mesotherapy in a selected patient can produce noticeable result.  Some of the newer non-invasive ultrasound machines can create mild change in contour as well, but once again the results are sub-optimal comparing to liposuction. It is unfortunate that your first experience to liposuction was watching it on TV, as this gave you a wrong impression. ... more

The only alternative to surgery is exercise and dieting. But, even with that, there may be stubborn areas that jsut will not go away. There may be some alternative non-invasive modalities down the road.

TV shows frequently scare patients into thinking the worst. We do everything under local anesthesia, outpatient. The patients are awake and I talk with them the entire time. They are not uncomfortable. We combine power assisted tumescent lipo with laser lipo and get excellent results. Forget the TV show and have a consultation.

To make it simple, Callie, there are no alternatives to liposuction. In spite of what you may hear about all these non-invasive techniques, they don't measure up to liposuction, which is the gold standard. Liposuction is the ultimate spot reducing technique. I don't care what type of lipo you do -- tumescent, ultrasonic, vaser, or laser liposuction (as there are many types which Smart Lipo is a brand). It's not the wand it's the magician. Make sure you go to a board certified plastic... more

The best alternative to liposuction is weight loss. Liposuction may appear barbaric, but it can be done with smaller canulae and in a gentle way. It is more effective, safer and with a better track record than any other procedure that is designed to remove fat.

Any procedure that involves using a canula to suction out fat is considered liposuction, regardless of whether the fat is first "treated" by a laser, e.g. Smartlipo or by ultrasound, e.g Vaser. There are, however, two new procedures that may be true alternatives to liposuction. One is injecting a detergent, deoxycholate or phosphatidylcholine-deoxycholate into the unwanted area of fat to reduce adipose tissue. The other is treating the unwanted fat with external... more

Liposuction and all cosmetic procedures should be reserved for areas/issues that cannot be resolved by any other method. Unfortunately, there is another alternative for you and that is weight loss. Of course these are two words plastic surgeons never want to say because we make our livings doing procedures like liposuction. Liposuction IN THE RIGHT HANDS is very safe. Don't get caught up in how it's done in the operating room. Yes it may appear somewhat rough and violent but in the... more