Traditional vs Non-Surgical Liposuction: Exploring the Differences

• 13 February 2024
• MCC Marketing

Last updated on July 23, 2024

Have you been trying to lose that lower tummy pouch leftover from your pregnancy for some time? Or that pesky arm or arm fat that refuses to budge with diet and exercise? These localised fat deposits are a challenge for many people, often with unsuccessful and frustrating non-results.

Cosmetic surgeries like liposuction offer a solution to get rid of these stubborn fat deposits, contouring and shaping your body for a toned look. However, not everyone may want to go for an invasive procedure. This is where non-invasive liposuction techniques like CoolSculpting and SculpSure come in. They allow you to contour and define specific body areas, eliminating fat cells without surgery. But which one is right for you? Discover the difference between traditional and non-surgical liposuction, learning key features and essential information to make an informed decision. Let’s get started!

What is Traditional Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure that removes excess fat deposits to contour and define targeted body areas. It involves making small incisions and inserting a thin tube (cannula) to suction out the fat deposits. Commonly known as traditional or surgical liposuction, it’s a surgical method to remove unwanted fat deposits and can be done on various areas such as the stomach, arms, thighs, buttocks, and neck. Non-surgical liposuction uses laser, radiofrequency, ultrasound energy, and cooling/freezing techniques to eliminate fat deposits. These non-invasive methods require minimal downtime and shorter procedure time than traditional liposuction.

Types of Non-Surgical Liposuction

There are many types of non-surgical methods, each employing different technologies for spot fat reduction. They include:

CoolSculpt™

CoolSculpting or Cryolipolysis involves the application of controlled cooling to targeted areas, freezing and destroying fat cells. During the CoolSculpt procedure, a specialised applicator is applied to the treatment area, delivering controlled cooling to freeze the fat cells beneath the skin. The freezing process crystallises the fat cells, ultimately causing them to die. Over time, the body processes and eliminates these dead fat cells, reducing the fat volume. The results are a gradual fat reduction in treated areas over several weeks. The procedure can take 1 to 3 hours, depending on the treated area. It is most effective for addressing small pockets of fat and may require multiple sessions.

SculpSure™

SculpSure is an FDA-approved procedure that uses laser technology to reduce stubborn fat deposits. During a SculpSure session, laser energy is directed into the targeted areas, heating and disrupting fat cells. Over time, the body naturally eliminates these damaged fat cells, leading to a reduction in fat and an improvement in overall body shape. The procedure typically takes around 25 minutes per session and has minimal downtime. Multiple treatments may be recommended for optimal results.

Radiofrequency Liposuction

Radiofrequency (RF) employs heat to penetrate the skin and selectively target fat cells, causing them to break down. It also reduces cellulite, wrinkles, and folds on the face and body. The body’s lymphatic system eliminates the destroyed fat cells. RF helps in slimming and contouring areas where cellulite accumulates and creates bulges resistant to diet and exercise. Common brand names include truSculpt™, Velashape™, TruSculpt™ and Exilis™.

Ultrasonic Cavitation

Ultrasonic Cavitation uses focused ultrasound waves to target and break down fat cells, penetrate and disrupt fat cells, and turn them into liquid. The body then naturally processes this liquefied fat. Common brand names include Liposonix™, BodyTite®and UltraShape™.

Liposuction is not a fat-loss solution but a body contouring procedure to remove localised fat deposits. A healthy diet and an active lifestyle are vital to maintaining your body after treatment. Individual results and the number of sessions may vary for each person.

Key Differences Between Traditional and Non-Surgical Liposuction

Liposuction remains a popular procedure to tone and sculpt the body. The method you choose depends on various factors such as the amount of fat, body type, target areas, budget and preferences.

Here are the main differences between the two methods:

Recovery

Traditional liposuction is an invasive procedure and requires at least six weeks for your body to heal completely. Special aftercare, such as compression garments to contour the body, limiting physical activity and heavy lifting, and pain medication are needed. You will also experience swelling and soreness in the treated areas for a few days. However, after a few weeks, you will notice a significant improvement in your body as it heals and begins to take shape. Non-surgical liposuction, on the other hand, is minimally invasive and has almost no downtime. You can resume your normal activities immediately after your session.

Results

Traditional liposuction provides more immediate and noticeable results, making it suitable for larger volumes of fat removal. On the other hand, non-surgical liposuction takes more time and multiple sessions before results become visible, making it a better choice for moderate fat reduction.

Cost

Traditional liposuction is generally more expensive due to surgical facility fees and anaesthesia costs. Non-surgical liposuction is usually more cost-effective. However, the number of sessions you may need can often increase the cost even though it’s spread out over multiple treatments. Surgical liposuction may be a more desirable option if you’re looking for a one-time procedure with immediate results. Affordability and other factors like the extent of fat removal and desired recovery time play a vital role in determining the most suitable option.

Which One is Right for You?

Deciding between surgical and non-surgical liposuction is not a decision to be made lightly. It’s best to discuss this with your practitioner according to your health, medical history and the fat deposits you want to remove. If you’re at your ideal weight and only want targeted fat loss from specific areas, then non-surgical liposuction may be more well-suited. For immediate and dramatic results and larger fat deposits, traditional liposuction may be the way to go. Going under the knife may not be easy for some, but choosing a qualified and experienced doctor helps ensure personalised treatment and successful outcomes. Traditional liposuction remains one of the most popular fat-reduction methods for instant body transformation.

My Cosmetic Clinic offers surgical liposuction consultations across many areas of New South Wales. With a holistic approach to cosmetic therapies and years of experience with cosmetic surgeries, we craft tailored treatment plans to meet your expectations and budget. Book a consultation to take the first step towards a changed you!