Traditional liposuction, also known as suction-assisted liposuction (SAL), is the most widely used form of liposuction. It involves making small incisions in the target area and then inserting a thin tube called a cannula into the fatty tissue. The cannula is connected to a vacuum device that suctions out the fat cells, effectively removing them from the body. The surgeon manually moves the cannula back and forth to break up the fat before suctioning it out.
Vaser liposuction is a more advanced form of liposuction that uses ultrasound technology to emulsify the fat cells before removal. The procedure starts with injecting a tumescent fluid into the target area, which helps numb the area, shrink blood vessels to minimize bleeding, and facilitate fat removal. Afterward, a Vaser device, which emits ultrasonic waves, is used to selectively break down the fat cells while preserving other tissues like blood vessels and nerves. Once the fat is emulsified, it is removed using the same suction-assisted technique as in traditional liposuction.
Laser liposuction, also known as SmartLipo, utilizes laser energy to liquefy the fat cells before removal. Similar to Vaser liposuction, the procedure involves injecting a tumescent solution into the targeted area. After that, a laser fiber is inserted through a small incision, and the laser energy is delivered directly to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and liquefy. Once the fat is liquefied, it is either suctioned out or allowed to drain through the small incisions.