Smart Lipo, SAFELipo®, Laser-Assisted Lipo, Power- Assisted Liposuction (PAL), Tumescent Liposuction, Ultrasound Lipo and on and on. Quickly liposuction becomes a very complex and confusing subject from what started as a simple Google search. So how do we sort through and simplify this topic so we can treat isolated resistant areas of unwanted fat? Let’s look at this from a different perspective.
Devices vs Technique
The majority of the types of liposuction above refer to equipment or medical devices. Only one of these, SAFELipo, represents a technique using the PAL device. SAFELipo is a technique created by Dr. Simeon Wall, a surgeon who is board certified in plastic surgery. His technique focuses on dividing liposuction into three distinct phases which allow the surgeon better control over the surgical result creating a smoother contour and a more refined long term result that may actually respond better to fluctuations in weight. In my opinion, the key to creating a great contour, is to take the time necessary to smooth the tissues once the suction has been performed.
Finally, I always prefer to create a foam body cast around the treated area which provides external compression to allow for skin retraction, decreased bruising and swelling allowing for a quicker recovery. I have modified my technique to include some of the key steps that Dr. Wall recommends to achieve excellent results in my patients. While it is easy to get caught up in the names of different devices, surgeon technique ultimately yields the best results. Always seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon when learning about what procedure is right for you.
