Diet and exercise alone may not always deliver the fat-reduction results you desire, but body contouring provides tailored solutions to target problem areas. With advancements in cosmetic surgery, there are many body contouring options to choose from. In this blog, we will review the best body contouring options, including liposuction, Smartlipo®, power-assisted liposuction (PAL), and tummy tuck surgery.
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What Is Body Contouring?
Body contouring is a cosmetic procedure that can reshape and refine one’s figure or physique by removing excess fat and improving skin tone. It is chosen by individuals who, despite diet and exercise, can’t get rid of stubborn fat in areas like the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, and back. Unlike weight loss (bariatric) surgery, body contouring is designed to remove localized fat deposits for a more sculpted appearance rather than significantly reducing weight.
Traditional Liposuction: A Tried and True Fat Reduction Method
Liposuction, or lipo, is one of the most popular and well-known body contouring procedures. Compared to abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), it is a less invasive surgical removal of unwanted fat from targeted areas to shape the body and create a more defined silhouette. Liposuction has been around for 50 years and has evolved over time with new techniques and technology that make it safer and more effective.
How Does Liposuction Work?
Small incisions are made in the treatment area(s), and the surgeon inserts a thin, hollow tube or cannula (attached to a suction device) to break up unwanted fat and vacuum it away. Liposuction is commonly performed on areas like the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and back.
Am I a Candidate for Liposuction?
Good candidates for liposuction will be close to their ideal body weight, have good skin elasticity, and want to get rid of unwanted, localized fat. Liposuction is for body shaping, not weight loss, so it’s best for people who wish to enhance their figure by targeting stubborn fat that is resistant to diet and exercise.
Benefits of Liposuction
Liposuction provides several benefits, some of which include:
- Fast Fat Removal: Liposuction results are visible within weeks and continue to improve for up to six months.
- Versatility: Liposuction can remove fat from almost anywhere on the body and is often combined with other cosmetic procedures.
- Long-term Results: With a commitment to a healthy lifestyle, liposuction results are permanent.
Smartlipo®: The Laser Advantage
Smartlipo® is a minimally invasive technique that breaks down fat using a laser. This method offers smoother results and involves less downtime than traditional liposuction. Smartlipo® is great for small areas like the chin, neck, and arms where precision is essential.
- Before and after photo of a female Pasadena Cosmetic Surgery Smart Lipo® patient.
How Does Smartlipo® Work?
Smartlipo® involves the insertion of a thin laser fiber through a small incision. The laser energy heats and breaks down the fat, which is then suctioned out with a cannula. The laser energy emitted by Smartlipo® stimulates collagen production, which can tighten skin, resulting in firmer and more defined contours.
Am I a Candidate for Smartlipo®?
Smartlipo® is suitable for people with mild to moderate pockets of fat and mild skin laxity. It’s chosen by individuals who desire a less invasive procedure or want to target areas where precise fat removal and skin tightening are needed, like the jawline, arms, and thighs.
What Are the Benefits of Smartlipo®
Smartlipo® offers the following benefits:
- Less Invasive: The laser-assisted technique is gentler than traditional liposuction, with less bruising and a faster recovery.
- Skin Tightening: Unlike traditional liposuction, the Smartlipo® laser stimulates collagen production, which helps firm skin for more comprehensive contouring.
- Quick Recovery: Patients experience less downtime and can get back to their daily activities sooner than with traditional liposuction.
Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL): Faster Fat Removal
Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) is an advanced method with a vibrating cannula that breaks up fat more easily. PAL’s mechanical vibration makes fat removal faster and provides more precise body sculpting. PAL is great for larger areas with more fat, like the abdomen, back, hips, or thighs, and for secondary procedures to refine initial liposuction results.
How Does PAL Liposuction Work?
In power-assisted liposuction, a small cannula with a vibrating tip is inserted through tiny incisions. The cannula oscillates rapidly to break up the fat cells more effectively, which are then suctioned out. The gentle vibrating motion minimizes trauma to the surrounding tissues for a more comfortable experience.
Am I a Good Candidate for Power-Assisted Liposuction?
PAL is an excellent option for patients close to their ideal weight who want to target larger areas of stubborn fat deposits. It’s also recommended for patients who need revision liposuction to refine body contours.
Benefits of PAL
- More Fat Removal With Precision: The vibrating cannula allows for more precise fat removal, especially in larger areas of the body.
- Less Trauma: PAL reduces the strain on the body, resulting in less bruising, swelling, and downtime.
- Faster Procedure: The vibrating cannula makes the procedure faster and may provide quicker results.
Tummy Tuck Surgery vs. Liposuction
While abdominoplasty is more invasive than liposuction procedures, it offers comprehensive results, including abdominal fat removal, core muscle repair, and significant skin tightening.
This option exceeds body contouring and is best for patients who have experienced major weight loss with loose excess skin and residual stubborn fat.
Liposuction is often included with tummy tuck surgery.
Combining Body Contouring Procedures for Better Results
Many patients combine different body contouring procedures for the best possible results. For example, a surgeon may use traditional liposuction for the abdomen and flanks and Smartlipo® for the arms and neck. This approach allows for customized body contouring for balanced and natural-looking results.
Combining body contouring with other cosmetic procedures, such as cosmetic breast or gynecomastia surgery, offers a total transformation and is typical for a Mommy Makeover. Work with a board-certified plastic surgeon to develop a personalized treatment plan to address your concerns and meet your specific needs.
Which Body Contouring Procedure Is Right for You?
The body contouring solution that is right for you depends on your areas of concern, cosmetic goals, and lifestyle. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Traditional liposuction is for those who want to target multiple areas and permanently remove moderate to large fat deposits.
- Smartlipo® is best for smaller areas like the chin, neck, or arms where precision and skin tightening is desired. It’s minimally invasive and perfect for those who want quick recovery and subtle results.
- PAL is for larger areas with dense fat or as a secondary procedure to refine initial body contouring results. The vibrating cannula makes it efficient for treating bigger areas with minimal trauma.
- Tummy tuck surgery is for those with loose stomach muscles and sagging abdominal skin due to substantial weight loss, pregnancy, or aging.
Body Contouring Options in Pasadena, CA
If you want to learn more about body contouring in Pasadena, call us at (626) 449-8910 to schedule your consultation with Drs. Martin or Adam O’Toole today. Our skilled and compassionate board-certified plastic surgeons will evaluate your body type, discuss your options, and help you decide which approach will deliver your desired results.