Liposuction and liposculpture are two popular body contouring procedures that share the same goal of removing excess fat. While these two cosmetic procedures are similar, they also have unique differences. If you are considering your options for getting rid of stubborn fat, you must understand how their differences can impact your results.
What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a type of fat removal surgery. It uses suction to remove stubborn fat from specific areas of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, back, buttocks, upper arms, or anywhere where fat tends to accumulate. Because liposuction surgery can remove fat in bulk, it can shape targeted areas to help patients achieve a slimmer appearance.
What is Liposculpture?
Liposculpture is a variation of liposuction that offers a more advanced and refined fat-reduction technique by using smaller incisions and thinner cannulas. It can remove fat from all the same parts as liposuction, and it can be even more effective in reducing fat from the face and neck. Liposculpture is designed to achieve finer contouring and more dramatic sculpting rather than just slimming down the targeted areas.
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, we perform tumescent liposuction, also known as “awake lipo.” It involves filling and swelling the targeted fatty deposits with a special anesthetic solution that numbs the area, stops bleeding, and thins the fat. This process also allows the use of smaller suction cannulas without general anesthesia. According to research, tumescent liposuction is a safe procedure with long-lasting results and high patient satisfaction.
Liposuction and Liposculpture Similarities
People often use the terms liposuction and liposculpture interchangeably because they share a common goal. Both procedures aim to give patients a positive body image by removing excess body fat that is resistant to diet and exercise.
Both procedures belong to the same family of cosmetic body-contouring procedures. In liposuction, fat cells are removed in bulk from a certain area. Liposculpture fine-tunes the technique and improves body contouring overall by removing fat in specific areas with the added goal of sculpting the body.
After either procedure, patients may be advised to wear compression garments to help reduce swelling and speed up recovery.
Liposuction and Liposculpture Differences
Liposuction and liposculpture are both safe and effective body contouring procedures with the following key differences:
- Liposuction uses general anesthesia or IV sedation; liposculpture uses local anesthesia, which is less invasive and helps in minimizing bleeding.
- Liposculpture uses smaller incisions and cannulas, minimizing the risk of visible scarring.
- Liposuction recovery time can last for months, while bruising and swelling after liposculpture can subside after only a few days.
- Liposuction quickly removes large volumes of fat, especially in the hips and abdomen areas, while liposculpture focuses on sculpting targeted areas with greater precision.
- Liposculpture is not just about removing fat; it also involves repositioning fat to the right places to improve the body’s overall contour.
Choosing the Right Body Sculpting Procedure for You
Neither one of these procedures is better than the other, as both liposuction and liposculpture offer numerous benefits. Liposuction may be an excellent option for reducing larger fat deposits, while liposculpture may be a better fit for those who are at their target weight but want to address smaller trouble spots.
The best way to choose between liposuction and liposculpture is to consult with a board-certified cosmetic surgeon. They can assess your needs and concerns, discuss your options, and recommend a personalized treatment for you.
Schedule a Consultation at Our San Diego Medical Spa
Liposuction and liposculpture offer men and women a safe and effective option for removing excess fat permanently.
Whether you need a more defined jawline or a slimmer, more toned midsection, we have the body sculpting treatments to help you achieve your goals. To learn more about the difference between liposculpture and liposuction or our other body sculpting procedures, contact Cosmetic Laser Dermatology today to schedule a consultation.
