Traditional vs SlimLipo

Traditional liposuction can be incredibly effective, but this procedure isn’t for everyone. In addition to having a lengthy recovery period, traditional liposuction often results in highly visible scars as well. Those are just a few of the reasons why many patients have now turned to SlimLipo. This advanced procedure has a much shorter recovery time, and patients are usually back on their feet after just a few days. Here is a closer look at how these two procedures are carried out and a few signs that it may be time to consider fat removal surgery.

A Look at Stubborn Body Fat

Many people are surprised to hear that they can’t target specific pockets of fat with various exercises. Your body fat will eventually melt away if you consistently burn more calories than you consume, but it could take years to get rid of fat in areas such as the stomach, legs, and arms. You might even begin to burn muscle before your body targets the fatty tissue. Stubborn body fat is kept as an emergency source of energy, and your body will do everything that it can to retain it. The primary goal of liposuction is to quickly extract stubborn body fat that isn’t responding to dietary changes and exercise.

The Pros and Cons of Traditional Liposuction

Hundreds of thousands of liposuction procedures are carried out every single year, and that makes it one of the most popular cosmetic treatments in the world. During one of these operations, one or more incisions are made near the pocket of fat that is going to be extracted. The surgeon will then use a tool known as a cannula to extract the fat with suction. In some cases, the surgeon will also reposition the underlying soft tissue to create a balanced appearance. Once the soft tissue is in the correct position, the incisions are sutured shut and a compression garment is placed over the treatment site.

Even though traditional liposuction is very effective in most cases, many patients aren’t ready to spend weeks recovering from a cosmetic procedure. Following liposuction, most patients must remain in bed for at least one or two weeks. Due to the size of the cannula, the incisions tend to be quite large as well. A skilled surgeon can minimize the appearance of those surgery scars, but they are usually visible for the rest of the patient’s life.

Understanding SlimLipo

Even though SlimLipo and traditional liposuction produce similar results, the recovery period is much different. Patients who undergo SlimLipo can typically head back to work within 48 hours, and most can begin exercising after two weeks. During the recovery period, there is usually much less discomfort as well. Unlike traditional liposuction, general anesthesia isn’t used during SlimLipo. Most patients are perfectly fine with a local anesthetic, but some opt to use an oral sedative to calm their nerves. SlimLipo can be carried out in a few different settings including an outpatient center, a plastic surgery office, or a hospital.

Laser Technology and Liposuction

The SlimLipo procedure is relatively straightforward, and patients can typically head home within one or two hours. When the patient first arrives at the office, the treatment site is cleaned and a local anesthetic is administered. Once the area is completely numb, the surgeon can make one or more small incisions near the stubborn body fat. Instead of immediately extracting the fat with a cannula, the surgeon will first use a medical-grade laser to break apart the fatty tissue. The fat cells are much easier remove once they have been emulsified, and that means a smaller cannula can be used.

As an added bonus, the laser also tightens the nearby skin. When skin cells are exposed to pulses of laser energy, the body floods the area with fresh collagen and elastin. Over the course of a few weeks, those proteins will tighten and tone the skin The laser also cauterizes the nearby vessels, and that reduces bleeding and bruising.

Choosing the Right Procedure

Every patient has their own unique cosmetic goals, and there isn’t a single procedure that works for everyone. That is why all patients need to schedule an initial consultation with the surgeon to learn more about the pros and cons of these treatments. Traditional liposuction might be a better option if quite a bit of fat needs to be removed. SlimLipo is typically preferred for smaller pockets of fat in sensitive areas. It is also a good option for patients who can’t take weeks off work or spend days recovering in bed. Patients can generally resume most everyday activities within 72 hours as long as they carefully follow all of their aftercare instructions.

About Dr. Schoenfeld

Dr. Philip S. Schoenfeld, M.D., F.A.C.S is a double board certified plastic surgeon who has been practicing reconstructive surgery in Maryland for over 20 years. His practice, Renu Med Spa, was awarded the 2017 Spectrum Award for Excellence in Customer Service by City Beat News. To learn more about Dr. Shoenfeld, please visit www.renudc.com.