In today’s era, both the classical surgical liposuction, as well as the Laser Assisted Liposuction Smartlipo and Vaser Liposuction are applied. As explained by Plastic Surgeon Dr. Ioannis Dalianoudis, “modern laser or Vaser liposuction techniques make the liposuction procedure safer, easier, faster and more painless.”
Classic Liposuction
The classic liposuction method already counts about 30 years in the field of Plastic Surgery, during which the procedure has been greatly improved and is now more easily applied, while it involves much less risk and is accompanied by a much shorter recovery time.
Classic liposuction can be applied under general anesthesia (mainly in large liposuctions, when we want to intervene in several areas in one day) or under local anesthesia (tumescent liposuction – mainly in small and medium liposuctions), during which the fat is filtered tissue with very dilute solutions of local anesthetics and adrenaline. The plastic surgeon then makes a small incision through which a cannula passes, specific in diameter depending on the case, which is connected through a tube to a machine that creates an air vacuum. By moving the cannula in and out, the fat cells are detached and suctioned, ending up in a transparent container. After the desired amount of fat is aspirated, the incisions are sutured. After the liposuction procedure, it is necessary to use a special, depending on the area, corset in order to avoid sagging of the skin.
The Smartlipo laser liposuction technique has the following advantages and is gaining ground compared to classic liposuction:
Safe method
Safe method as it is performed under local anesthesia only, in the conditions of a doctor’s office with injection of xylocaine – adrenaline solution into the subcutaneous tissue.
Laser Lipolysis
The stage of laser lipolysis, which is missing from the classic procedure, is very important as it achieves liquefaction and melting of fat, resulting in a more uniform and correct removal of fat, leaving a smooth skin surface.
Collagen genesis
During the same stage of laser lipolysis, an increase in collagen genesis in the area and noticeable tightening takes place, which leads in the long term to a better result and improvement of cellulite.
Less traumatic
Laser liposuction is a much less traumatic method compared to the classic surgical method of liposuction, resulting in almost zero post-operative pain and trauma.
Recovery time
The recovery time is very short so that immediately after the procedure the patient can return home and the next day can work normally and return to full activities.
No scars, no marks
The tools used are smaller in diameter than in the classic liposuction, so that there are no scars and scars that indicate that the area has been operated on.
Special corset
The special corset recommended after laser liposuction is required for a shorter period of time compared to the classic procedure due to the smaller wound and the non-existent risk of skin loosening.
Before – After Results
The results of liposuction are usually visible already after the procedure. Of course, the appearance of the area to which it was applied improves continuously for several weeks and even 2-3 months afterwards, as the swelling subsides.
Most importantly, the results of liposuction are permanent. This is because by destroying the fat cells in the area, their total number is reduced.
Where it is applied
The areas where liposuction is applied are the following:
- Abdomen – Lateral abdomen and lumbar region (waist)
- Back – Chest (gynecomastia in men)
- Double chin (double-sawn)
- Arms (forearms)
- Buttocks (buns)
- Knees – Hamstrings – Thighs (inner, anterior, posterior surface)
- Banana Roll (the area just below the gluteal fold)
FAQ
Liposuction
What is the cost of Liposuction?
Liposuction costs (per session) can vary for the same area for different people, as the treatment is completely individualized and each person’s needs are different. The length of the session may also be different, which is a determining factor in the cost of Liposuction.
The price of Liposuction is adjusted according to the problem each patient is facing, the duration and the difficulty of the procedure. Special package prices apply when combining more than one area.
Am I a suitable candidate for Liposuction?
The best candidates for Liposuction (or Liposculpture) are normal weight people with elastic skin who have localized fat in certain areas of their body. Without being directly related, it has been clinically observed that successful Liposuction can have excellent results in reducing local cellulite as well.
Will I lose weight with Liposuction?
Liposuction is not an alternative to diet or exercise and is not indicated for the treatment of obesity. It is also not a method of weight loss, although it has been observed that after Liposuction, a person regains self-confidence and their willingness to follow a balanced diet is enhanced.
Laser Liposuction – Liposculpture can benefit those who are interested in sculpting areas of their body that show asymmetry due to localized deposition of fatty tissue.
What is the right time of year to undergo Liposuction?
Bloodless liposuction can be performed at any time of the year, as the results are immediately visible and recovery time is minimal. Post-operative corset use is not recommended for long periods of time, making laser liposuction the most popular treatment for localized fat even in the summer.
What are the side effects of Liposuction?
The side effects of liposuction when applied under local anesthesia (Smartlipo laser Liposuction) are almost zero. A mild swelling in the first few days and possible ecchymosis (bruising) at the site is something that subsides immediately. Major adverse effects are not observed after liposuction under local anesthesia.
If my skin is already sagging, can I have Liposuction?
Patients with mild to moderate sagging of their skin can undergo laser liposuction, but not traditional liposuction. This is because the laser will locally help produce collagen in the area improving a mild sagging. Patients who have marked skin laxity in areas such as the abdomen or arms are advised to resort to abdominoplasty or brachioplasty respectively for a perfect result.
When can I fully return to my activities after a Liposuction?
After a bloodless liposuction, which is the most popular procedure, the patient returns home immediately and is able to go to work the next day. He can start mild exercise or even swimming after 4-5 days, and after just 10 days no one can tell that liposuction has been performed on that particular patient.
What instructions should I follow after minimally invasive laser liposuction?
After Smartlipo laser liposuction, the patient is recommended to wear a special pressure corset at the site of the procedure for a period of time to be determined by the doctor based on the amount of fat removed.
It is also recommended to drink 1.5-2 liters of water daily for the first month after the operation and to try to eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Oral antibiotic treatment is given as a preventive measure for 3-4 days after the operation.
The patient is advised to start gentle massages daily (massage) at the site of the surgery a few days after the procedure and for a period of 1-2 months. Alternatively, the patient may benefit from the combined Cavitation & RF treatment which is ideally done within the first month after the procedure and enhances lipolysis and elimination of local fat while also enhancing the tightening of the area.
The use of special creams that provide hydration and firming to the skin that has undergone liposuction is recommended.
If I gain weight after liposuction, am I at risk of losing the result?
After a small to moderate weight gain, the effect of liposuction does not change as the removal of fat is permanent and the body can no longer accumulate fat in the area due to the destruction of the fat deposits. In the case of a sudden increase in body weight of more than 10-15 kg, some of the fat cells left in the liposuction area will swell, resulting in a slight change.
How long after a pregnancy can I have liposuction?
It is recommended to wait at least one trimester before performing liposuction after pregnancy in order to balance the hormonal changes of pregnancy. Breastfeeding is not a contraindication for laser liposuction.
What treatments can Liposuction be combined with?
Liposuction can be combined with other local fat loss treatments either as a preparation before liposuction or as an adjunctive treatment after it. Such treatments include the following:
- Cavitation-RF: to enhance lipolysis and fat elimination through the lymphatic route as well as to tighten the area that has undergone liposuction.
- Lipolysis Mesotherapy: this involves the injection of a lipolytic substance in the form of injections into areas of fat accumulation either before or after liposuction.
- Cryolipolysis: as a preparation for liposuction or after liposuction in cases of high local fat accumulation
- PDO & COG Body Threads: for tightening, collagen genesis and lifting areas of the body that have undergone liposuction.