Thinking of Getting Liposuction? Here Are Your Options

Are you having trouble shedding those last few pounds? Are you self-conscious about your protruding stomach or love handles? Or do you have areas of your body that make you feel self-conscious, no matter how much diet and exercise you do?

If so, liposuction may be a good option for you. But before you run off to schedule your appointment, know which type is right for you.

Here are some types of liposuction, each with its own set of pros and cons.

Traditional Liposuction

Traditional liposuction removes fat from the body using a suction device.

Dr. Nidal Masri will make small skin incisions wherein he can insert a hollow tube or cannula into the fat layer. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

Others choose this liposuction since it has more precision in removing fats. It’s also safer than other types of liposuction, such as laser-assisted liposuction.

Usually, Dr. Nidal Masri does it on an outpatient basis, so you won’t have to stay in the hospital overnight. Recovery times vary, but you can expect to return to normal activities within a week.

Traditional liposuction can also treat your thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, arms, and neck.

Pros	Cons
It targets specific areas of fat deposition. This procedure can sculpt your body. You can achieve results that are more precise than other methods. Safer than some alternative procedures, such as laser liposuction You’ll have less risk of complications and faster recovery times.	Even under local anesthesia, there’s still some discomfort during the procedure. It can be costly, as insurance usually does not cover the procedure. There’s a risk of side effects such as bruising, swelling, and infection.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses a tumescent solution to break and remove fats. The tumescent solution consists of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine. According to Dr. Nick Masri, these components help numb the area and shrink blood vessels.

Surgeons use tumescent liposuction on areas resistant to diet and exercise, such as the abdomen. They also consider it a safe and effective way to remove unwanted fat with minimal downtime.

Pros	Cons
It involves less pain and discomfort than other types of liposuction. The tumescent solution numbs the treated area during the procedure. The tumescent solution helps minimize bleeding during the process.	It can take longer to see results from tumescent liposuction. Tumescent liposuction may not be suitable for large areas of fat removal.

Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL)

Power-assisted liposuction sculpts the body by removing unwanted fat deposits. The procedure is typically for areas such as the thighs, hips, and abdomen. Compared to other lipo types, PAL only causes minor trauma to the surrounding tissue.

That said, patients often experience less pain and bruising after the procedure. Plus, Dr. Nick Masri performs PAL under local anesthesia for fewer complications.

PAL is great for patients who are not good candidates for traditional liposuction. It’s also ideal for those who don’t want to undergo a more invasive cosmetic procedure, such as a tummy tuck or thigh lift.

But PAL is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding patients.

Pros	Cons
It can be less traumatic to the surrounding tissue. PAL is quicker than traditional liposuction. Beneficial if you’re looking to get rid of fat in a larger area There’s typically less blood loss and bruising with this liposuction.	It can be more expensive because of the special equipment needed. There are few cosmetic surgeons for this type of liposuction. There’s a small risk of burns from the heat generated by the machine.

BodyJet or Water Assisted Liposuction (WAL)

WAL uses a jet of water to break up the fat cells. Doing so results in minimal trauma to the surrounding tissue and fewer side effects.

Surgeons like Dr. Nidal Masri, MD use WAL on areas with good skin elasticity, such as the thighs. It can also help in difficult-to-target fat deposits, such as the back and sides.

The procedure is relatively quick under local anesthesia.

Pros	Cons
Water-assisted liposuction is less invasive than traditional liposuction. There’s a lower risk of complications and side effects. Surgeons do this procedure under local anesthesia. Recovery time is typically shorter than traditional liposuction.	Water-assisted liposuction can be more expensive than traditional liposuction. This procedure is not as widely available. You may need to travel to find a qualified surgeon for this procedure.

Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL)

Laser-assisted liposuction is a minimally-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses laser energy to melt stubborn fat deposits. The laser energy also tightens the skin and stimulates collagen production, resulting in a smoother, more contoured appearance.

Dr. Nick Masri performs LAL under local anesthesia. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete. The recovery from the procedure is usually quick and easy.

There may be some mild bruising and swelling after the procedure. But this swelling typically subsides within a week or two.

Pros	Cons
It involves less pain and swelling, faster recovery, and reduced risks of infection. The procedure is done under local anesthesia, which further reduces risks. LAL can treat smaller areas of fat more effectively than traditional liposuction.	The procedure can be more expensive and not under insurance. There is also a risk of burns and other complications from laser energy.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction

UAL uses sound waves to break up fat cells before suctioning them out of the body. This technique covers various body areas, including the abdomen, thighs, arms, and neck.

Patients often choose UAL because it’s less invasive and with fewer side effects. It is also more effective in breaking up tough, stubborn fat deposits.

The ultrasound-assisted liposuction procedure involves inserting a small probe underneath the skin. The probe emits sound waves that break up the fat cells. Once the fat cells break, the surgeon will suction them out of the body through a small tube.

The entire process usually takes between one and two hours to complete. Most people report feeling only minimal discomfort during the procedure.

Patients can return to their normal activities within a few days.

Pros	Cons
It helps break up and soften stubborn fat deposits. It reduces the risk of bruising and other complications. UAL stimulates the production of collagen, which can lead to smoother, firmer skin.	Ultrasound-assisted liposuction is generally more expensive. Those with sensitive skin or a history of scarring may be at greater risk for complications.

Keep in mind that the impact of plastic surgery is long-lasting and life-altering. Research and talk to qualified and double board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Masri before making any decisions.

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