When it comes to fat removal, it can be difficult to determine the right treatment for you. It’s always best to see a medical professional in person to be fully informed, but we also put together a guide with the help of our doctors to help you get started on your journey.
Our clinic works with Dr Michael Rich, a long-time leader in the field of LipoSculpture and Liposuction, former chair of the LipoSuction Symposium for the Australian College of Cosmetic Surgery. He has refined his technique to provide a service we call LipoSculpture. Read on to find out how LipoSculpture differs from LipoSuction and why Dr Rich prefers them both to Vaser Liposuction.
LipoSculpture
LipoSculpture uses fine microcannulas to remove fat deposits from certain areas of the body, such as the abdomen, buttocks, back, thighs, knees, neck chin or arms. The procedure uses tumescent anaesthesia, which is a local anaesthetic, so you can be awake but completely numbed throughout the procedure.
LipoSculpture involves less pain and less downtime than with regular liposuction. Depending on which areas you have treated and what you do for work, you can often return to your regular activities the next day. Pricing is also simpler because there are no associated anaesthetist fees or overnight hospital accommodations. With LipoSculpture, we’re able to charge one price for the procedure that includes your consultations and theatre fees with no surprises.
LipoSculpture patients can walk out of the clinic after the procedure, but we recommend that you organise someone to escort you home.
Liposuction
Liposuction often requires a general anaesthetic and it can be a more complex procedure, sometimes requiring a larger cannula.
The benefit to a procedure with general anaesthetic is that a larger amount of fat can be removed. Overall, LipoSculpture is recommended for people who have large pockets or rolls of fat that are difficult to manage with diet and exercise, but someone who is generally overweight might be more well suited to liposuction. Our doctors and nurses can give you detailed information and personalised recommendations during your free initial consultation.
Vaser Liposuction
Vaser Liposuction is a method that uses an ultrasound probe to dissolve fat before removing it with a cannula. The theory behind this is that the ultrasound energy also stimulates the collagen in that area to help tighten the skin.
In Dr Rich’s experience, adding ultrasound brings another element into the procedure and increases the risk of irregularities. It can also cause more pain and larger scars because the incisions for the laser probe are generally larger than those for a microcannula. “All for no better results,” Dr Rich adds.
Vaser cannot remove as much fat as LipoSculpture, and in the months after a LipoSculpture procedure, the skin usually tightens up itself. Temporary lumps may form, but they’re most often caused by fluid and they resolve themselves over a few months.
If you do require some skin tightening with ultrasound after LipoSculpture, Dr Rich believes that it’s safer and more effective to do that as a separate procedure.
Please note that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
