Tumescent lipo vs laser lipo? (Photo)

Question

I had my first consult for lipo today & was surprised to learn that recovery time, pain, etc is essentially the same for tumescent & laser lipo. I was mentally preparing myself for "less downtime, less invasive procedure" but was told they're the same. I was always scared of traditional lipo because it seems so aggressive, now I'm wondering if I should consider it. I'm still talking to other doctors but wondering if there is a true difference between these two procedures?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

tumescent liposuction is a type of liposuction technique its not the type of procedure. tumesecent is hoow ALL liposuction is performed whether or not they use laser, ultrasound, radiofrequency etc.  however, FYI, laser is outdated and anyone using it is "old school" in my opinion at this point. things have advanced.

You need a formal evaluation by an expert in body shaping and contouring to determine what is best.  Traditional liposuction awake and smart liposuction are old methods and do very poorly for tightening skin or significant skin tightening or contouring.  Small problem areas can be improved slightly by these methods.  The best in body contouring not only removes fat with energy devices like VASER ultrasound but also internally heat the skin with radio-frequency devices such as J PLASMA/RENUVION, InMode BodyTite, ThermiRF to heat the under surface of the skin and tighten it at the same time as fat removal. These combinations are called 4D HIDEF VASER contouring and can only be done by a well . trained body contouring specialist. At the same time fat should be harvested, PRP and stem cells added and injected into muscles or indentations/cellulite to get body shaping and contouring.  This is known as a Brazilian butt lift when you inject the fat to the buttock for contouring and lifting, but fat can also be used in areas such as the chest/breast, arms/shoulders, calves and face.  Cellulite should also be treated with cellfina, sculptra, subcision and/or fillers such as bellafill, renuva synthetic fat, or sculptra.  If skin is very loose before surgery then it will need to be removed such as lower abdominal skin (tummy tuck/abdominoplasty), breast skin (breast lift), arm skin (brachioplasty).  Overall you need a full assessment, but simple liposuction alone will not tighten skin and needs a combination of various methods -- fat removal, skin tightening, defining, fat grafting, skin removal -- to get the best in body contouring and body sculpting.  Dr. Emer.

J. Timothy Katzen, MD, FACS · Answer

There are differences between tumescent liposuction and laser liposuction, but both techniques have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately depends on your individual needs and goals.

Tumescent liposuction is a traditional technique that involves injecting a large volume of saline solution mixed with local anesthesia and a vasoconstrictor into the treatment area to minimize bleeding and facilitate fat removal. A small cannula is then used to suction out the fat. This method is known for its precision and effectiveness in removing large amounts of fat.

Laser liposuction, also known as laser-assisted liposuction or SmartLipo, uses a laser to liquefy the fat cells before they are suctioned out. The heat from the laser can also help to tighten the skin, which can be an advantage for some patients. However, laser liposuction may not be as effective for removing large volumes of fat as traditional tumescent liposuction.

In terms of recovery, pain, and downtime, both procedures can be similar. However, the exact experience will vary from patient to patient and will depend on factors such as the extent of the procedure, the areas being treated, and the patient's individual healing response.

It's important to consult with multiple board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss your specific goals and concerns. They can help you determine which liposuction technique is best suited for your needs and provide you with a realistic understanding of the recovery process and potential outcomes.
VASER liposuction is another option to consider when looking for a liposuction technique that can provide excellent results with potentially less trauma to the surrounding tissues. VASER, which stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance, uses ultrasound technology to break up and liquefy fat cells before they are removed. This method can be more precise and selective in targeting fat, making it ideal for treating areas with fibrous tissues, such as the back or chest.

The advantages of VASER liposuction include potentially less bruising, swelling, and pain compared to traditional tumescent liposuction. Additionally, VASER liposuction may also provide some skin tightening benefits due to the heat generated by the ultrasound energy.

However, it is essential to note that individual experiences with recovery, pain, and downtime can still vary based on factors such as the extent of the procedure, the areas being treated, and the patient's individual healing response.

As with any surgical procedure, it's crucial to consult with multiple board-certified plastic surgeons who have experience with the various liposuction techniques. They can help you determine which liposuction technique, whether it be traditional tumescent, laser-assisted, or VASER liposuction, is best suited for your needs and provide you with a realistic understanding of the recovery process and potential outcomes.

Please make sure your chosen plastic surgeon has tons of before and after photos. I wish you the best of luck!

Sincerely,
Dr. Katzen

Kimberly Butterwick, MD · Answer

Tumescent liposuction is considered the gold standard in body contouring when it is performed by a very experienced, board-certified dermatologist with expertise in this technique. Tumescent refers to the infusion of fluid into the treatment area prior to treatment, which loosens fat cells and makes them easier to remove. I use micro-cannulas for this procedure, which allow for greater precision with less trauma to surrounding tissue and skin. Patients are less sore afterwards and activities may be resumed within a few days. This avoids the risks of general anesthesia as only light sedation is needed.

While you can get some tightening using this technique, patients with significant skin laxity may benefit from the addition of a nonsurgical skin tightening procedure like ThermiTight, which can be performed at the same time as liposuction. Recovery is typically just a few days. The other advantage to tumescent liposuction is you can use the removed fat to augment other areas of the body, like the face, for long-lasting results.

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

The best type of liposuction is to have the best surgeon. All liposuction techniques can get you there if they are being used by an experienced surgeon. I have been doing liposuction for 38 years including vaser,  power assisted[PAL],  and have found traditional tumescent liposuction to be the best and safest for my patients and me. You should not pick your brain surgeon by which brand of scalpel he uses, you pick the best and most experienced surgeon. Same when having liposuction, pick the best surgeon. Good luck.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Most surgeons use tumescence to help minimize bleeding and make liposuction safer and easier. The laser is used for skin tightening and not fat removal. It can be done right before or after the liposuction in the same surgery setting. Most people resume fairly normal activities fairly early with liposuction since the incisions are minimal.

Tumescent lipo vs laser lipo? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Best type of liposuction?

Answer: Best type of liposuction?

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tumescent Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Tumescent lipo vs laser lipo? (Photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: Best type of liposuction?

Answer: Best type of liposuction?

Answer: Liposuction

Answer: Liposuction

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Tumescent Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.