Is there a difference in S.A.F.E. lipo recovery vs other lipo techniques?

Liposuction is simple in theory. Basically the surgeon adds a solution of lidocaine/epinephrine mixture into the fat compartment and uses a cannula (hollow tube with one or multiple holes at the end) to suction or remove the fat either by a syringe or machine technique. In practice, liposuction can be a complex operation. Some patients are more fibrous than others, some had previous unsatisfactory liposuction, some had deformities from liposuction, some had too much skin retraction and scarring from overuse or inappropriate use of energy devices (Smartlipo laser liposuction, VASER sound wave based) or had previous non-surgical fat melting (Coolsculpting, injections to melt fat) that left significant internal scarring. As liposuction techniques improved, cannula sizes got smaller and certain 'tools' were developed to deal with the problems listed above. S.A.F.E. liposuction is a clever name coined by one plastic surgeon using traditional liposuction and a basket cannula without suction first to disrupt scarring and fibrous bands prior to liposuction. Nothing new, we have been using this for many years. These are marketing, catchy terms for the lay public. A well trained plastic surgeon can use any of the above mentioned tools in the appropriate situation. I always say that the biggest "tool" is between the surgeon's ears. Experience and good judgement will give you great results, the tools do not perform the surgery and in the wrong hands they can cause harm or even death. See a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation/evaluation, look at lots of patient preop and postop photos and if you like what you see, proceed with surgery. Do not pick a "tool" and then the surgeon. Good luck.

Thank you for your question and doing your homework on RealSelf.  Recovery from SAFELipo is generally very straightforward and predictable.  Other forms of liposuction that rely on heat or ultrasonic energy to break up fat can also heat up blood vessels, nerves, and surrounding tissues making the recovery process a bit more unpredictable.  Many surgeons have a preferred method of performing liposuction and can detail the recovery process for their particular technique.  In my practice, I used SAFELipo and occasionally Vaser and have been very pleased with the consistent and predictable results and recovery.  

SAFE liposuction is a term coined by Simeon Wall, MD - a respected plastic surgeon. The idea is that a basket cannula is used after instillation of tumescent solution to break up fibrous regions and better distribute lakes of tumescent solution. After standard suctioning, the cannula is again used off-suction to distribute bits of remaining fat around and to assess tissue thickness. I've adopted a couple of these ideas into my own liposuction practice and they seem to help. I would not say that SAFE lipo patients have a shorter recovery - most tumescent liposuction patients recovery swiftly.

Thank you for your question.We use the SAFE technique in our practice, as this helps to harvest the fat and provide a more even contour for the patient.  The extra passes of the special cannulas (tubes used to harvest the fat) likely don't make recovery any different than if the technique wasn't used.  Be sure to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss their approach to liposuction in your case.  Best of luck!

What matters most if the person doing the procedure, their skill, expertise, artistry and the type of liposuction they do (hi def versus traditional; with or without fat harvest/transfer). Please see an expert.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Excellent question. There are many liposuction optiions. Vaser and SmartLipo use ultrasound energy or lasers to help destroy the fat and it makes it easier for the surgeon. But, unfortunately, they also heats up nerves, blood vessels and skin and induces more scarring. For this reason, energy/heat assisted liposuction has a deformity rate of 5-30%.
SAFELipo is a technique and only plastic surgeons can become certified providers (anyone can buy a VAser machine and offer Vaser). It liquifies the fat to make removal safer and leave a natural, smooth result. SAFELipo does not use heat, so scarring is reduced. SAFELipo has the lowest published deformity rate. For this reason, I only perform SAFELipo. In my opinion, SAFELipo is far superior to any other liposuction option.
Studies have shown more swelling associated with Vaser liposuction, and this has been my own experience. SAFELipo has been an easier recovery for my patients compared with energy-assisted liposuction. Hope that this helps. 

Personally, I use SAFE lipo in all liposuction cases. I believe it works well to remove fat and minimize the risk of contour irregularities afterward. Unlike some techniques that work by destroying the fat, this technique preserves the fat so it is still healthy for fat grafting. However, more important than the liposuction technique used is the skill of the surgeon. I recommend you find someone who is experienced and understands your goals. Best wishes.

Dear Ms. Ladyl22,Thank you for your questions,Multiple terms are often used interchangeably.LIPOSUCTION= removal of fat by cannulaes.There  are several technologies avavailable:a) suction asst. Liposuction (SAL)b) ultrasonic asst. liposuction (UAL)c) power asst. liposuction (PAL)d) laser asst. liposuction (LAL) e) water asst. liposuction (WAL)They are all effective and are secondary to the experience of the Plastic Surgeon.Like in golf "it's not the club it's the golfer"!In addition to liposculpting many of us have added non surgical methods "to shrink skin" after liposculpture using Radio Frequency(RF)devices. Two such devices include:a) Vellashape IIIb) Thermi tight The recovery period is similar for all types.Please make a appointment with a experienced Plastic Surgeon who is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).My best wishes,Dr. R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600

Thank you for your question. Even though there
are many catchy marketing names such as S.A.F.E lipo, the principle of
liposuction is the same. Liposuction is used to improve body shape by removing
excess fat. I would highly recommend meeting with an experienced Board
Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your goals and decide what would work best
for your body type. It is important to choose a plastic surgeon with whom you communicate
well and who is attentive to your needs. I am located in downtown Seattle and I would welcome
opportunity to meet with you to help you chose what is best for you.

I utilize the S.A.F.E. liposuction technique because I believe that it is a good technique that gives me better control and better fat removal. As far as I am concerned, I do not think that there is any difference either in recovery or in encouraging better skin tightening with any specific liposuction technique. I do not think that ANY liposuction technique, despite their claims, leads to better skin tightening. We are truly at the mercy of the skin tone and elasticity...if the skin has poor tone, it will show more laxity or waviness after liposuction by any technique. What we hope to achieve, by using smaller cannulas, by not getting too close to the undersurface of the skin, by removing fat in as even a manner as possible, and by not overdoing it, is to get the smoothest fat removal we can. Techniques such as laser liposuction that can lead to burning or damaging the tissues left behind, in my opinion, can increase the amount of scar tissue and irregularities in many cases.