Contouring magic: The art and science of liposuction

Jonathan J. Redeker, MD

July 6, 2024

Why do I offer liposuction?

Millions of people who are committed to diet and regular exercise are unable to achieve their desired shape. One solution may be liposuction, a widely proven and popular plastic surgery procedure. At REDEKER AESTHETICS, you will gain self-confidence while achieving your body contouring goals.

What is liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that aims to sculpt and reshape the body by removing excess fat deposits. This technique proves to be particularly beneficial for people who have dieted and exercised diligently without achieving the desired results in certain areas. Because liposuction only requires small incisions, visible scarring is minimal, which contributes to a faster recovery compared to more invasive procedures such as a tummy tuck. The versatility of liposuction extends to different areas of the body, including the abdomen, arms, back, calves, chin, breasts, hips, inner knees and thighs. Essentially, liposuction serves as a tool for shaping and refining body contours and can be used by both women and men.

Are you suitable for liposuction?

The decision to undergo liposuction should be determined entirely by individual needs and not by external constraints. Liposuction is not a weight loss method, but it can be very successful in removing excess fat deposits in certain areas. Ideal candidates for liposuction have a stable body weight, eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly several times a week. Liposuction is also used in procedures such as breast reduction or male breast correction(gynecomastia surgery). After the procedure, the skin adapts to the newly sculpted contours, resulting in a smooth appearance if the skin has good tone and elasticity. However, it is important to know that liposuction does not treat cellulite, skin irregularities or stretch marks and can even make them worse. You should generally be in good health and have no complicating medical conditions such as clotting disorders or a weakened immune system. If you are plagued by stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise, liposuction may be a suitable option for you.

What can you expect from a liposuction consultation?

The success and safety of liposuction depends on open communication during the consultation. I make it a point to understand your specific needs and concerns and encourage you to be open about the areas of your body that you would like to improve. During this consultation, the intricacies of liposuction techniques will be discussed and their pros and cons outlined. I will thoroughly assess factors such as skin tone and body contour to choose surgical techniques that meet your expectations. You should be prepared to share your medical history, including medical conditions, allergies, previous treatments, surgeries and current medications. I will be happy to answer any questions you may have and address any concerns or fears you may have about the procedure. This comprehensive consultation will ensure that you achieve the desired result together with me.

Liposuction techniques

I will always choose the most appropriate technique based on your individual needs and goals. My extensive experience with a variety of techniques, including ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL, also known as VASER® ), vibration-assisted liposuction(PAL® MicroAire), water-jet-assisted liposuction(WAL), laser-assisted liposuction (SmartLipo®), radiofrequency-assisted lipocoagulation(RFAL) and high-definition liposuction(HDL), ensures optimal treatment.

Classic tumescent liposuction

This is the basis for all techniques, with the exception of the WAL method. A special saline solution mixed with an anesthetic and adrenaline is injected into the treatment area to minimise pain and bruising. The fat is then suctioned out using various cannulas connected to a suction system.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction

In this technique, ultrasound energy is used to break up and loosen the fatty tissue in a first step before the fat deposits are suctioned out using regular liposuction cannulas. The ultrasound waves, often referred to as VASER® (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance), target the fat and liquefy it, which makes it easier to remove and also leads to better skin retraction.

SmartLipo™

SmartLipo™ uses laser technology and is also known as “laser lipolysis”. The laser is inserted under the skin with a small guide wire to melt and remove fat cells. This technique is often used in hard-to-reach areas and can provide additional definition by causing the skin to retract more. An added benefit of the heat generated by the laser is that bruising is usually reduced, resulting in a shorter recovery time.

High-definition liposuction

High-definition liposuction goes one step further by precisely sculpting the treatment areas and highlighting anatomical structures such as natural skin depressions and muscle edges. The procedure is often combined with energy-based devices such as BodyTite and autologous fat grafting .

Vibration-assisted liposuction

Vibration-assisted liposuction (PAL® MicroAire) uses a motorised cannula that vibrates under the surface of the skin to facilitate the removal of fat cells and achieve better definition. It can also be used without liposuction to pre-expand the tissue prior to autologous fat grafting.

Water jet-assisted liposuction

In water-jet assisted liposuction, a jet of water with anesthetic solution is used under light pressure to remove the fat and suck out cells at the same time. This technique was developed for liposuction under local anesthesia, as it allows continuous application of the anesthetic solution.

Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction

Radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL, BodyTite™) is a minimally invasive method that uses thermal energy to tighten the skin and remove excess fat. The combination of radiofrequency waves and conventional liposuction helps to dissolve fat, tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production.

How is the operation performed?

The liposuction procedure is tailored to the extent and your needs, and you usually have the choice between general anesthesia and sedation. Depending on the amount of fat to be removed, the procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis or in a clinic where you can stay overnight. Your skin will be thoroughly disinfected before the procedure. The duration of liposuction can range from half an hour for the removal of fat under the chin to several hours, depending on the size of the areas to be treated and the amount of fat to be removed. Usually, small incisions are made and a 2 to 5 mm thick cannula is inserted, which is connected to a vacuum and sucks the fat out of the areas to be treated. After surgery, a compression garment is usually required to minimise post-operative swelling and increase comfort. After the procedure, you will spend a few hours in a recovery room.

Recovery and result

After liposuction, you should expect swelling, bruising and pain, which will gradually subside over the course of a few weeks. Early mobilization is recommended. You can usually return to work within 3 to 5 days, occasionally after 1 to 2 weeks in the case of major procedures. It is advisable not to do any strenuous exercise for 2 weeks. As the swelling subsides, you will notice that the treated areas are less voluminous and more clearly defined, with a significantly improved appearance within 4-6 weeks. Around 90 percent of the desired result is usually achieved within three months, but continuous improvement can be observed for up to 6-12 months.

Aftercare

Lymphatic massage after the operation as well as a healthy diet and exercise are essential factors for optimal and long-lasting results!

Would you like to get rid of stubborn, unwanted fat with liposuction? I would be happy to advise you on any questions or concerns. Book your consultation now!

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