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.