What is SAFE Liposuction?

Question

Has anyone heard of this? This is how it was explained to me: The liposuction that the doctor discussed with you during your consultation was SAFE liposuction, utilizing a basket cannula to break up the fat , followed by suction to remove the fat, then again with the basket cannula to smooth out the fat, resulting in a smoother, tighter appearance. I cannot find any reference to this particular technique anywhere on the Internet.

Simeon Wall, Jr, MD, FACS · Answer

You seem to have a pretty good basic understanding of the
procedure, but I can fill in the details. SAFELipo is a 3-step body contouring
process that has been adopted by plastic surgeons all over the U.S. and
internationally. The separation step uses some specially designed ‘exploded’
probes, or in some cases, a basket cannula to gently break up the fat and detach
it from surrounding tissues without causing damage to the blood vessels that
support the area. There is no heat generated, so there is no risk of thermal
injuries like scar tissue, dermal adhesions, and even burns that can result
from thermal liposuction methods. With SAFELipo, the tissue around the
separated fat is left in a healthy, intact state. The aspiration step removes
the mechanically emulsified fat using a smaller type of cannula that won’t rip
or tear blood vessels. This allows for removal of all of the targeted fat, and the
surgeon doesn't have to use a lot of manual force like with other liposuction
methods, which is another reason there is minimal bruising and bleeding with
SAFELipo. The fat equalization step combines aspects of fat shifting and fat
grafting to smooth the remaining layer of fat for visibly stunning results. In
the past, one of the biggest challenges of liposuction was how to remove ALL of
the unwanted fat in an area without creating a dented, lumpy or wavy surface in
the treated area. This process has answered that challenge, and creates the
dramatic yet smooth results patients and doctors are looking for.

Board-certified plastic surgeons undergo special training in
order to become a SAFELipo provider. I train surgeons around the world in this
method, and the number of doctors offering the process continues to grow. If
you're considering the procedure, the SAFELipo website offers a doctor locator
to help you find a provider in your area. Good luck!

Ron Shelton, MD · Answer

although I am unfamiliar with thistechnique it is not yet a mainstream approach.. Liposuction is safely done when there is attention to detail and the tumescent technique is employed. The cannulais moved at a certain plane but an aggressive cannula moved in the superficial plane, too superficially, could cause a dent. In other words, no liposuction treatment, includilng SmartLipo is guaranteed not to cause a complication. Nothing is risk-free.

David L. Mobley, MD, FACS · Answer

Update 2013:  Now 3 years later I am even more convince that SAFElipo (TM) technique is both safe and effective.  The results are the best I have ever achieved.  My results with SAFElipo are also as good or better than what I have achieved in the past with Ultrasound assisted or Power assisted liposuction without the increased risk associated with these energized techniques.Original Answer 2010:  I have adopted the method of SAFE(TM) liposuction and believe it is an excellent and safe method.  It does employ traditional tumescent injections before the liposuction followed by exactly what you have described.  The area is pretunneled by a basket cannula.  Traditional SAL is next performed using a angle cannula.   Then a basket cannula is used to smooth the area and avoid high and low areas.  Dr. Wall believes this last step leaves some fat that has been rearranged into a layer of newly formed fat grafts which help rejuvenate and tighten the skin because of the effect of the stem cells.
	This method was presented at the last American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons national meeting in April, 2010 in Washington DC.   I was in attendance when Dr. Simeon Wall spoke and was very impressed with the candid nature of his discussion and the results he showed.
	I really thought it might be time to consider adding one of the new techniques of Liposuction to our practice at Sarasota Plastic Surgery.  I also attended Dr. Gordon Sasaki's instructional course where he presented a comparison of all of the latest energized techniques of Liposuction.  This included ultrasound assisted, water assisted, laser assisted ,power assisted, etc.  He admitted that none of these techniques was clearly better in all respects than Tumescent liposuction and many had increased risked.  I asked him, point blank, which energized Liposuction machine I should buy  if I were bound and determined to add a new liposuction technique to my practice.  He said,"At this point I would not buy any of them!"  This is a world expert and a very thoughtful man saying this and I have a lot of respect for his opinion.
	Since I have adopted the SAFE(TM) technique I believe my results are much improved and I am seeing some good contraction of the skin.  I hope this helps you in you search for the safest and most effective liposuction technique.

Nia Banks, MD, PhD · Answer

The term SAFELipo (TM) has been trademarked by Dr Simeon Wall in Louisiana.  It is a method of liposuction just as you described.  The first step is to Separate (S) the fat with those exploded tip liposuction cannulas without using any suction. The second step is to Aspirate (A) the fat with mercedes tip cannulas on suction.... I'm not sure if Dr Wall has published his method yet but it was presented at a recent cosmetic surgery conference.  This technique is being advocated to reduce contour irregularities (dents) after liposuction.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

There have been several "new" liposuction techniques which have been heavily marketed in the media. Laser lipo, smart lipo, ultrasonic lipo, water jet assisted lipo, etc. The new techniques, which proclaimed to be "better, safer, faster, less recovery time, with less bruising, are a triumph of marketing over science. I know of no scientific paper which shows significantly improved results from any of these "new" procedures as opposed to carefully done Tumescent liposuction. So if you nor any of the surgeons who have already answered this questions can find any reference to this SAFE liposuction, I would avoid it.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

There is a basic principle to all liposuction methods - sucking out the fat.  The fat can be sucked directly or pre-treated with a laser, ultrasound, water jet, or any of several methods which all used a mechanical or thermal method to loosen or destroy the fat before removal.  If you cannot find reference to a certain procedure on the Web, I would be very cautious about it.  It sounds more like someone came up with a brandname for a procedure to increase their marketing.  Please make sure that you are being seeing and treated by a board-certified plastic surgeon.

	 

	Good Luck.

Jeffrey Claiborne, MD · Answer

SAFELipo is a revolutionary advancement in liposuction. It depends on technique rather than technology. So, few surgeons offer it because they are not trained in the technique. That being said, SAFELipo offers dramatic, natural changes for the right patient.
SAFELipo does not use thermal energy like ultrasound (VASER) or lasers (Smartlipo). So, there is less scarring to the tissues. I believe that SAFELipo creates smoother results with less trauma to the skin. This breakthrough technique gently and dramatically sculpts the treatment area while equalizing the thin layer of fat just below the skin. This layer of equalized fat helps to prevent and correct the wavy, uneven texture sometimes left after other types of liposuction.

Rafael C. Cabrera, MD · Answer

I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Simeon Wall from New Orleans after his presentation of his SAFE technique. It was described nicely in previous posts. I will say he is a solid guy and stands to make nothing or very little from the promulgation of his technique. He believes in it, is passionate and happy to share it with anyone interested. this is the complete refreshing opposite of most entrepreneur/surgeons trying to retire after selling the public a marketed/ hyped bullsh-t procedure with a catchy name. I personally believe in the principles of pre-tunneling (described over 30 years ago) and suction followed by smoothing passes, whatever you call it. the role of Ultrasonic or Laser is to obfuscate and confuse the pt into choosing technology over surgeon. a mistake in my opinion. hope this helps. good luck

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

The safest liposuction in my opinion is usually with tradtional techniques using tumescent solution and egular cannulas.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

I researched goggle, einstein medical, ASPS site and find no mention of a "SAFE" liposuction technique. Sounds like your doc is inventing his own treatment. From MIAMI

What is SAFE Liposuction?

Answers (13)