Fat removal surgery also known as Liposuction is quite common and is considered relatively safe. Liposuction is widely practiced and has been around for and innovations over the years have led to the refinement of its procedures and techniques. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) published a study in their March 2010 Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery issue that a new innovation in conducting liposuction may be in the making. According to the ASPS, a noninvasive radio frequency device has shown promise in early research. Electrical energy that is delivered in the form of a high-frequency electrical current is known as radio frequency energy. In liposuction when radio frequency energy is used, fat cells are dissolved using an electrical current which is applied to the fat tissue creating a thermal effect. The procedure involves minimal trauma to the tissue that is being treated.

The pilot study was conducted by researchers from Argentina and California on a small group of patients. They performed liposuction using radiofrequency on 23 patients and found that there was no burning or scarring and patients also experienced less pain after the procedure. The researchers also found improvements in the body contour and significant weight and size reductions in all patients.

The ASPS study concludes that liposuction using radiofrequency may be a good option for removing moderate volumes of fat. That's good news.

However we all know that to safely implement a new procedure, a lot more studies with longer time periods of observation and follow-up of patients will be required to completely understand and validate the benefits of the radiofrequency device.
 

Wonder whether liposuction is better or whether you are better candidate for a tummy tuck? Of course a consultation with a skilled and board certified cosmetic surgeon.
 
A tummy tuck is also known as abnominoplasty.  Abnominoplasty is more appropriate when there is a lot of fat in the abdomen along with excessive skin and muscle sagging. However if the issue is excessive abdominal fat, then liposuction may be more appropriate.
 
Liposuction removes fat deposits but the sagging skin is not trimmed away so if there was any sagging skin or muscle before liposuction, it would still remain. However a tummy tuck would remove not just the fat but also the skin and sagging muscle. Also any weakened abdominal muscles would be removed which would result in a tight abdomen.
 
Liposuction recovery is generally faster than recovery after a tummy tuck. Liposuction also requires small incisions and will result in minimal scars. Liposuction is perfect for someone who has a need to trim an already pretty good figure. Liposuction can be also be done on the hips, thighs, and arms. Liposuction can be combined with  abdominoplasty to achieve best results for removal of fat and for tightening loose skin.
 
I’m hoping this clarifies some of the major differences of liposuction and abdominoplasty and helps you choose the best solution for your body. Check out all our services and call our office for an appointment today.