Traditional Liposuction Techniques Explained

If you’ve been battling stubborn fat that just won’t go away no matter how much you diet or exercise, liposuction could be the answer. Traditional liposuction has been around for decades, helping people get rid of unwanted fat through surgery. And, over time, surgical liposuction has significantly improved with new techniques to make it safer and more effective.

In this guide, we’ll explain what traditional liposuction is, but we’ll also explain how it compares to Vaser liposuction (our specialty at Levant) and why we think Vaser is the better liposuction choice for most people.

What is Traditional Liposuction?

Traditional liposuction has been around since the 1970s and involves removing fat from specific areas of the body like the stomach, back, thighs, hips and buttocks. Over the years, it has improved with new techniques to make it safer and more effective. The most common types of traditional liposuction are suction-assisted liposuction, tumescent liposuction and laser liposuction.

Types of Traditional Liposuction

Suction-Assisted Liposuction (SAL)

Suction-assisted liposuction (SAL) is the most basic form of liposuction. During the procedure, a small tube called a cannula is inserted through small incisions in your skin. This tube is connected to a vacuum that essentially suctions out the fat. It’s effective for removing large amounts of fat but can cause significant bruising and swelling, and the recovery time can be longer compared to newer methods.

Why choose SAL: 

• Effective for removing large volumes of fat.
• A well-understood and proven technique.

Considerations: 

• Can cause a lot of bruising and swelling.
• Longer recovery time.
• Not very precise in targeting fat.

Tumescent Liposuction

Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a special fluid mixture (saline, lidocaine, and epinephrine) into the fat. This fluid makes the fat swollen and firm, which makes it easier to remove with a cannula. The benefits include less blood loss and bruising, and the use of local anaesthesia reduces risks. However, the procedure takes longer due to the fluid injection, and there’s a potential risk of fluid overload if not managed properly.

Why choose tumescent lipo: 

• Less blood loss and bruising.
• Uses local anaesthesia, reducing risks.
• Faster recovery time compared to SAL.

Considerations: 

• Takes longer because of the fluid injection.
• If not managed properly, there’s a risk of fluid overload.

Laser Liposuction

Laser liposuction uses laser energy to liquefy fat before it’s removed. This method is designed to promote skin tightening, may be less invasive, and may result in less bruising and swelling. However, it’s not as effective for removing large volumes of fat, there’s a risk of burns, and it tends to be more expensive due to the advanced technology involved.

Why choose laser lipo:

• The heat from the laser may help tighten the skin.
• Typically  invasive and can be done with local anaesthesia.
• In most cases, less bruising and swelling.

Considerations: 

• Not as effective for large volume fat removal.
• Risk of burns or thermal injuries.
• More expensive due to the advanced technology.

Traditional Liposuction vs. Vaser Liposuction

Vaser liposuction is an advanced technique that uses ultrasound technology to break down fat cells before they are removed. Here’s a closer look at how it compares to traditional liposuction:

• Precision: Vaser Liposuction specifically targets fat cells while preserving most of the surrounding tissues. This precision is ideal for effectively removing fat deposits in targeted areas.
• Effectiveness: It’s designed to effectively remove stubborn, dense fat that can be difficult to address with traditional methods like diet and exercise, which may result in smoother and more consistent outcomes.
• Recovery Time: Vaser liposuction typically causes less trauma to the surrounding tissues, potentially leading to reduced bruising and swelling. This generally means a faster recovery period compared to traditional liposuction.
• Skin Tightening: The ultrasound energy used in Vaser liposuction promotes skin tightening by stimulating collagen production, which may improve the overall appearance of the treated areas.

While Vaser liposuction offers advantages in terms of precision and recovery, it’s important to remember that it is still a surgical procedure. Proper consultation with a qualified professional is essential to determine the best approach for your individual needs.

Before and after stomach Vaser liposuction (6 weeks post-op).

Why Levant Chooses Vaser Liposuction

At Levant, we choose Vaser liposuction for our patients because of its superior precision, overall better effectiveness and in most cases, reduced recovery time. We choose Vaser liposuction because these benefits align with our commitment to providing the best possible outcome for our patients.

Risks and Complications

Traditional Liposuction

Traditional liposuction comes with certain risks and complications – as with any surgical procedure. These can include:

• Bruising
• Swelling
• Scarring
• Chance of infection and blood clots
• Possibility of uneven results or asymmetry in the treated areas.

Before and after back & hips Vaser liposuction (6 weeks post-op).

Vaser Liposuction

Vaser Liposuction is generally considered to have fewer risks compared to traditional methods.

It tends to cause less bruising, swelling, and scarring. The targeted and less invasive approach may also reduce the risk of infection and blood clots.

Vaser Liposuction is also designed to offer more precise fat removal, which may help minimise the chances of assymetircal results.

However, as with any surgical procedure, there are still potential risks that should be discussed with a qualified professional.

Before and after chin Vaser liposuction (6 weeks post-op).

Recovery & Aftercare: Vaser vs. Traditional Lipo

In many cases, Vaser liposuction offers a faster and less uncomfortable recovery and aftercare period. However, this is dependent on each patient as everyone heals differently. Here’s an example of how traditional lipo recovery compares to Vaser lipo recovery.

Ideal Candidates for Traditional & Vaser Liposuction

Traditional Liposuction

• Have significant fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise
• Are in good overall health
• Are close to their ideal body weight
• Are realistic about outcomes
• Are non-smokers

Before and after abdominal Vaser liposuction (6 weeks post-op).

Vaser Liposuction

• Have stubborn fat deposits in specific areas
• Seek more precise fat removal
• Prefer a quicker recovery time
• Want enhanced skin tightening along with fat removal
• Are in good overall health
• Are close to their ideal body weight
• Are realistic about outcomes
• Are non-smokers

Liposuction FAQs

How much fat can be removed in one session?

The amount of fat that can be safely removed in one session varies, but it is generally around 5 litres. This depends on factors like the patient’s health, body anatomy, and the surgeon’s assessment.

Is liposuction a weight loss procedure?

No, liposuction is not intended for weight loss. It is best for removing localised fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise. Ideal candidates are those close to their ideal body weight but struggling with specific areas of fat​.

How long is the recovery period after liposuction?

Recovery time can vary. For traditional liposuction, it can take several weeks with significant bruising and swelling, and the use of compression garments is typically required. Vaser Liposuction usually offers a shorter recovery period with less discomfort, allowing patients to return to normal activities sooner.

Are the results of liposuction permanent?

Yes, the fat cells removed during liposuction are gone permanently. However, it is essential to maintain a stable weight through diet and exercise, as remaining fat cells can still expand if you gain weight​.

Does liposuction hurt?

During the procedure, anaesthesia is used, so you shouldn’t feel pain. Post-surgery, you can expect some pain and discomfort, which typically subsides after a few days and can be managed with pain medication.

Read More

• Understanding Scarring After Liposuction Procedures
• 7 Signs You’re Qualified for Liposuction
• An Overview of Liposuction Types & Their Costs (2024)