What is the difference between regular liposuction and HD liposuction?

Hello,'Hi def' HD lipo is a term a surgeon may choose to use without any basis in some standardized criteria. Frequently, this term is used in conjunction with various high tech devices that emit either lasers, ultrasound, or radio frequency energy, which is supposed to make things better than just 'plain' liposuction. Others use the term in conjunction with liposuction 'etching' of the tissues, combined with fat grafting of underlying muscles to create the illusion of leanness. What's really important is the surgeon, his training, skill, and most of all experience. Go visit a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons that have been performing this surprisingly difficult operation for at least a decade. Best of luck! 

Vaser liposuction, also known as Vaser #lipo, LipoSelection or Liposuction, is an advanced body #contouring procedure that selectively removes unwanted body fat. An alternative to the harsh techniques of traditional liposuction, #Vaser lipo uses state-of-the-art ultrasound technology designed to gently #reshape your body and, yes, it can be done on the #upper #arms.Many studies indicate that there is less injury to the body with Vaser than with traditional #liposuction. Recovery from Vaser Liposuction is based on the level of soreness and bruising experienced by the patient. But, it can vary among patients. As with traditional liposuction, there are no large incisions  or effect on the muscle and other underlying tissue. Therefore, #healing time may be less than anticipated by most. Therefore, Vaser patients may experience less #pain or discomfort, #swelling (#edema) and bruising post procedure due to the nature of the technique.  There are three types of #Vaser Lipo. Each benefit patients differently depending on their needs. Vaser Lipo  is capable of removing fat from resilient areas providing a smoother and slimmer results. It is common for reducing love handles, extra skin along the bra line or flanks on many female patients. Additionally, it is often applied to the reduction of male breast surgeries, called gynecomastia surgery. Meanwhile, Vaser Hi-Def  targets both deep and superficial fat cells which is found around muscle tissue. This is suggested to tone and defined rather than reduce fat when not necessary. Finally, Vaser #4D, although similar to Vaser Hi-Def works well with the existing muscle tissue.. However, it results in more natural appearing definition to those areas, being treated. Vaser 4D is often applied to treating abdominal region to improve definition.  Additionally, it's not uncommon for Vaser Liposuction to combined with fat transfer which removes and transfers fat to another area of the body. An ideal  #candidate for Vaser Liposuction is a person in good health who seeks a minimally invasive way to remove stubborn fat with less downtime than traditional #liposuction.  Vaser is ideal for those seeking improved definition of muscles and contouring.  Those who seek increased sculpting of are ideal vaser lipo candidates.

It is not really the tool, it is the technique used that gives the best results with liposuction. You want to find someone who is an expert in the field and has a practice dedicated to body contouring/liposculpting. A formal assessment is needed to determine which techniques are best. Often I use VASER HI DEF with ThermiRF, ultrasound and fat grafting to get the most fat removal, skin tightening, and contouring. I suggest a consult with a hi-def physique liposuction expert. HD contouring is much more complex, defining and can give the best in skin tightening, cellulite reduction, body shaping, and fat reduction than traditional approaches. Best, Dr. Emer.

Thank you for your question!!HD Lipo a  technology in which laser heat is applied to the fat, blood vessels, and the undersurface of the skin in combination with traditional liposuction techniques. The idea is that it can cut down on bruising, perhaps create a more even and symmetrical final result, and tighten the skin.

In some circumstances, it can be performed without a general anesthetic or even IV sedation, and for this reason, many practitioners who are not Plastic Surgeons (ie general surgeons, ear, nose and throat surgeons) or not even surgeons (internists or dermatologists) are adding it to the services they offer.

However, it is very important to remember that it is still a surgical procedure with real risks, perhaps even more risks than traditional liposuction in that the surgeon must understand how to use the laser properly, and so I would highly recommend a properly qualified and trained Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area who is familiar and comfortable with the technology.

Finally, either Smart Lipo/HD Lipo or traditional lipo can give you excellent results, but it depends on the surgeon and your specific anatomy. It can be done safely and effectively either in a hospital OR or in an Ambulatory surgery center, with multiple types of cannulas, and with different types of sedation.

The critical thing though is that you must be evaluated by someone who understands the strengths and limitations of each type of procedure, understand surgical principles in general and the art of liposculpture in particular, and be able to understand your anatomy and specific goals. In this way will you give yourself the best chance at an excellent result! Best of luck with your search.

There is no real difference between liposuction and HD liposuction except for how aggressive and where the liposuction technique is applied.

When trying to choose between different surgeons recommending different techniques I would suggest that you use your own best judgment by reviewing before-and-after photos of patients provided by the individual doctors.  Terminology can become confusing and sometimes is used as a marketing tool but it becomes a decision that you need to make personally.  Best wishes and good luck,Jon A Perlman M.D., FACSDiplomate, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS)ABC-TV Extreme Makeover SurgeonBeverly Hills, California