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Liposuction, VASER® LipoSelection® and UltraSculpt

Which procedure is right for you?

  A lot of people have asked for my opinion on the new procedure called LipoSelection® which is slightly different from traditional liposuction.  Other terms that we are hearing are "SmartLipo" or "Smart Lipo."  So first let us understand what LipoSelection® is. In summary, this procedure is broadly described as ultrasound assisted lipoplasty (UAL)  The LipoSelection® procedure has been developed by a company called Sound Surgical Technologies LLC.  A comparable procedure called UltraSculpt has been developed by the breast implant maker Mentor.  These relatively new procedures use pulsed ultrasonic waves to first dissolve fat cells before being pumped out of the body. This technology allows the ultrasonic waves to selectively target only fat cells and leave all other tissue virtually untouched.  According to Dr. Sam Speron, a plastic surgery expert, who calls this procedure as "Liposuction without the suction" or "Botox of body contouring," says that "[f]ocused ultrasound may become the hot new non-invasive procedure for body sculpting. Clinical studies found the procedure significantly reduces the circumference of the leg and abdominal regions. Using ultrasound, plastic surgeons disrupt, destroy and disperse targeted fat cells, which may be able to give patients the benefits of liposuction without the incisions and recovery time." 

In traditional liposuction, on the other hand, the doctor essentially uses a pumping device to take the fat out. Due to the difference in approaches, patients report low to minimal pain (and it lasts for fewer days), swelling, and bruising when they choose the LipoSelection® procedure. Plus the results are more predictable. Patients can also resume their normal activities quickly and, in many cases, are back to work in just a few days.   Let us also review the different type of procedures for better comparison:
Feature Liposuction VASER® LipoSelection® UltraSculpt
Procedure detail A narrow tube or cannula is used to pump out fat cells.  While many surgeons use their hand motion to get the fat out, new cannula have built-in vacuum pumps. Use ultrasound waves to selectively target fat cells, dissolve them, and then pump them out.  The procedure is differentiated by the use of solid, grooved probes that deliver very targeted energy and removes liquefied fat with cannulae designed to minimize tissue trauma. Similar to VASER® LipoSelection® but uses a hollow probe.  Also uses somewhat higher amount of power.
Cost $2,200 $2,500 - 3,000 $2,500 - 3,000
Recovery time 1-2 weeks A few days A few days
Results (1-5 scale) *** ***** ****

Photo of a woman's crotch waist and navel showing her toned bodyWhich procedure is right for you?

While all three procedures are commonly used and they all have risks and benefits, the best procedure for you can only be determined by your plastic surgeon.  The VASER® platform, however, is currently believed to be the cutting edge.  It allows for up to a 50% reduction of applied power compared to the earlier-generation UAL devices. 

An independent peer-reviewed published study reported that patients treated with VASER® Technology experienced none of the complications common to other forms of UAL as reported in medical literature (such as burns, prolonged swelling, abnormal sensation or skin cell degradation).   (Related:  Risks of body contouring)

One thing to keep in mind is that while conventional liposuction is ideal for areas with more fat such as the tummy or thighs LipoSelection® can be used in virtually any fatty area of the body – including the thighs and belly and even very delicate areas like the chin, neck, arms, and inner thighs. To make this possible, the system offers a wide range of physician-controlled power settings and modes, probes that correspond to different tissue types (from fibrous to delicate), and cannulae that are designed to be gentle. 

In any area fatty area where traditional liposuction could be used, the LipoSelection® procedure offers the advantage of tissue selectivity, breaking down fatty tissue before removal and minimally disturbing the other important tissues that are critical to an optimal recovery and smooth results.

There is a likelihood that a doctor who has a special relationship with VASER® LipoSelection® or UltraSculpt is more likely to suggest one of these procedures over a traditional liposuction.  Therefore, it is important to do your own research and then discuss your case with all three types of surgeons.  Once you understand all the details and what it means for you, only then should you decide on a specific procedure.

Recommended articles:  Safety of liposuction procedures     In office liposuction   Mesotherapy risks    Does UltraShape work?

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