by Dr. Steven Wallach
Traditional liposuction techniques remove fat cells in their full form. However, there are liposuction techniques that dissolve the fat before it is removed. There are two types of liposuction in New York City that dissolve fat before it is removed by suction. There are ultrasonic devices such as when using Vaser® and laser lipolysis devices like SmartLipo™. Both Vaser® and SmartLipo™ heat the tissues beneath the skin, but the size of the probes used are different. Here, we will review these two liposuction options.
Vaser®
Vaser® is a form of ultrasonic liposuction, or UAL. Ultrasonic liposuction is a technique that uses ultrasound energy, which creates heat to dislodge and disrupt the fat cells. The probe used with UAL is larger than the fibers used with laser techniques. When performing ultrasonic liposuction, traditional liposuction cannulas are still used to suck out or aspirate the fat. Dr. Wallach feels that it is a safe technique, though there are pluses and minuses with it as with any other technique available.
Advantages:
There is less manual work required by the surgeon than with traditional liposuction. This technique may work better on regions such as the hips, back, and male chest.
Disadvantages:
UAL techniques have a higher seroma rate. They also have a higher rate of skin burns due to the heat used during the procedure.
SmartLipo
Laser Lipolysis, or SmartLipo™, uses laser light to emulsify fat and tighten the skin. This procedure is better for treating small areas. During this procedure, a cannula with the laser light is inserted into the treatment area, emulsifying the fat. A traditional cannula then removes the liquefied fat. The laser fibers used are very small.
Advantages:
Small incisions are used with this technique.
Disadvantages:
This technique may have an increase in seroma rate compared to traditional liposuction. Laser lipolysis also has a higher rate of skin burns due to the heat used during the procedure.
If you are interested in liposuction, and are located in the New York City area, contact us today!