The Differences Between Liposuction And Non Surgical Body Contouring
Surgical vs non surgical: which is better?
Body contouring has recently become increasingly popular as people strive to reach their aesthetic aspirations. Various techniques exist, which usually divide into surgical and non-surgical groups. Although both methods strive to shape the body and eliminate excess fat, they have essential distinctions in techniques and results.
At the Sydney Specialist Suites in Norwest, Dr Supramaniam offers a variety of body contouring procedures. To help those seeking body contouring solutions make an informed decision, this article outlines the differences between the two approaches and their advantages, drawbacks, and possible risks.
Liposuction Defined
Liposuction is a surgical procedure. The process involves making small incisions to insert a cannula, which removes excess fat via suction. Liposuction procedures generally include the use of anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with sedation. The removal of fat cells during the process is permanent, and having a healthy lifestyle will help to maintain results.
Individuals with larger amounts of fat for removal who have good overall health and realistic expectations about the outcomes are ideal candidates for liposuction.
Pros And Cons Of Liposuction
Liposuction is not a substitute for a healthy diet and exercise but is one of the treatment options for those with areas of fat that don't respond to diet or exercise.
Dr Supramaniam offers liposuction to treat many areas of the body, including larger areas where fat accumulation is more significant, such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and arms. It provides more immediate and dramatic results as it removes fat directly from the targeted area during the procedure. However, patients will still experience some bruising and swelling, and the final results may take a few weeks or months to manifest fully.
Surgical liposuction is an invasive procedure involving breaking up and removing fat cells through suction. As a surgical procedure, liposuction carries some inherent risks associated with anaesthesia, such as infection and potential complications from the surgery itself. To optimise patient safety, Dr Supramaniam will address potential risks on an individual basis during consultation.
Liposuction permanently removes fat cells. However, it doesn't prevent the individual from gaining weight due to poor diet and lifestyle. In order to maintain the results from liposuction, a healthy diet and lifestyle are encouraged.
Other forms of body contouring
Non-surgical body contouring refers to aesthetic treatments that aim to reduce fat or tighten skin without invasive surgery. These procedures are less invasive, have minimal downtime, and may be suitable for individuals who prefer non-surgical options or those with mild body contouring needs.
Lipodissolve Mesotherapy
Lipodissolve Mesotherapy utilises injectable treatments to reduce localised fat deposits. These injections can help break down fat cells over time, reducing the treated area's volume.
Electromagnetic energy
Some treatments use electromagnetic energy or electrical stimulation to induce muscle contractions contributing to overall body contouring.
It's important to note that while non-surgical body contouring treatments can offer noticeable improvements, they may not be as effective as surgical procedures for significant fat reduction and body reshaping. The results of non-surgical treatments are generally gradual and may need multiple sessions to achieve the desired outcomes.
Liposuction Options
Power-Assisted Liposuction
In Power-Assisted Liposuction, Dr Supramaniam utilises a specialised liposuction cannula (a thin, hollow tube) connected to a power-assisted device. This device generates rapid and controlled reciprocating motions of the cannula, resulting in more efficient fragmentation and removal of fat cells than the manual movements performed in traditional liposuction.
Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (VASER)
Fat cells are specifically targeted by a tiny probe or cannula emitting ultrasonic waves, effectively breaking them down while minimising damage to nearby tissues. Applying ultrasound energy in Vaser Liposuction can also stimulate collagen production. This results in improved skin firmness and a more defined appearance.
Tumescent Liposuction
Injecting a tumescent solution into the targeted area reduces pain and causes cells to become swollen and easier to target. This solution usually contains saline, local anaesthetic, and epinephrine, which helps constrict blood vessels, minimising bleeding and bruising. Utilising tumescent liposuction lessens the requirement for general anaesthesia and thereby mitigates related risks.
Radiofrequency Assisted Liposuction (RFAL)
Controlled heating is utilised in Radiofrequency Assisted Liposuction to target the underlying tissues, such as the subcutaneous fat layer and the dermal layer of the skin. This targeted heating encourages collagen contraction and stimulates collagen production, resulting in tightened skin. The thermal impact on the tissues aids in coagulation, minimising bleeding and bruising.
Liposuction combined with Renuvion
Liposuction combined with Renuvion, previously called J-Plasma, is a groundbreaking technique for body contouring. Radiofrequency energy and helium plasma effectively tighten the skin and encourage tissue coagulation. This combination enables not only the removal of surplus fat but also promotes skin firmness.
Conclusion
In essence, liposuction is a surgical technique that produces more immediate outcomes but necessitates a period of recuperation. On the other hand, non-surgical body contouring presents a less intrusive alternative with minimal or no downtime. However, results may take longer to become apparent and may be more understated when compared to liposuction.
The decision between these two methods hinges on various factors, such as the patient's specific objectives, the desired extent of fat removal, and personal preferences. It is crucial to seek guidance from a competent and seasoned medical expert to ascertain the most fitting approach for your individual circumstances.
Disclaimer: Individual results may vary and depend on factors such as age, health, weight, hormones, and lifestyle. It's important to note that surgical and invasive procedures entail inherent uncertainties and risks. The outcomes attained are not of a permanent nature and will naturally evolve alongside your body's changes over time. Following your consultation with the Norwest Cosmetic Surgery team, it is advisable to seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
