Liposuction

Internal Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction (UAL)

This technique combines internal ultrasonic energy application and tumescent fluid injection for the reduction of fatty deposits. The sound waves delivered to the tip of the metal cannula effectively liquefy the fat, which is gently drained from the body. The “liquefaction” of the fatty deposits tends to have a “feathering” effect, minimizing any tunnels or depressions in the skin. The result is smoother, more sculpted contours. This technique allows larger amounts of fat to be removed than other techniques because it:

• Minimizes blood loss
• Facilitates the passage of the cannula through the unwanted fat

UAL is especially effective in fibrous regions of the body (such as the chest/breast or lower back) and is also used for larger volume cases, redo liposuction, and selected male patients.

External Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction (E-UAL)

E-UAL enhances the tumescent technique with the external application of ultrasound waves on the skin before suctioning the unwanted fat. E-UAL has a wide application and is the technique most often performed at the practice.

The ultrasound energy is believed to assist in “loosening” the fat to allow more gentle removal.

There also may be an effect on the skin or superficial fat that aids in skin retraction (tightening). E-UAL does allow for smaller incisions and is an excellent alternative or complement to UAL.

SAFELipo®

We also offer an enhanced form of liposuction called SAFELipo. This innovative procedure uses a patented 3-step approach (Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalization) to break fat apart before removing it and smoothing out the remaining fat. During the separation step, Dr. Calobrace or Dr. Quintero uses a specialized tool called a basket cannula to loosen fat gently from other tissues and emulsify it. Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) is also sometimes used during this step to help break up fat. This process makes it easier to remove fat during the second step, aspiration. Because the fat has been emulsified, it can be suctioned away through a very thin surgical tube, which requires only a tiny incision. In the final step, fat equalization, the surgeon sculpts the remaining fat into a smooth, even layer of local fat grafts, minimizing the risk of contour irregularities such as dents and waves.

SAFELipo can be used in all the same areas as traditional liposuction, where a person might want to remove stubborn fat, including:

• Face
• Abdomen
• Thighs
• Hips
• Upper back
• Arms

The fat equalization process is a major benefit of SAFELipo. Past forms of liposuction sometimes left patients with rippled or dimpled skin in the area where the fat was removed. Our SAFELipo patients, though, are left with a healthy blanket of overlying fat that produces visibly smooth results. The fat equalization feature can also be useful in revision cases in which patients are unhappy with the results of previous liposuction procedures.

Tumescent Liposuction

This technique has been safely used for many years. First, the surgeon injects tumescent fluid into the unwanted fat to numb the area, inhibit bleeding, and make the fat cells easier to remove. Next, the surgeon makes tiny incisions near the area being sculpted and inserts a narrow, metal tube called a cannula through which the fat is suctioned out of the body.