There are many different liposuction techniques available today, with more and more of them seemingly promoted everywhere as the best and only way to do liposuction now, or at least until the next device comes along. In the hands of a good surgeon (properly educated, trained and experienced), traditional liposuction can be equally, or even more effective, in almost all patients than any of the more advanced technologies available today.

Advanced liposuction technologies include ultrasound devices (LySonix, VASER), laser devices (Smart Lipo, SlimLipo), power assisted devices (MicroAire), and water jet devices (AquaLipo), among others. The primary advantages of these technologies over traditional liposuction are that they add an energy source, separate from the mechanical energy of the surgeon with traditional cannulas, which allows the surgeon to more efficiently and perhaps more accurately and effectively reduce and sculpt fat in the treatment areas. Because energy sources other than the simple mechanical energy of traditional liposuction contributes to the removal of fat, these technologies can make liposuction less traumatic to tissues, preserving structures such as nerves and blood vessels and possibly resulting in less pain, less bruising and swelling and a more rapid recovery time. Devices such as ultrasound or laser that utilize thermal energy or heat may also promote, at least temporarily, greater skin contraction and an improved contour.

The most important factor in achieving the results that you desire from liposuction is not choosing the right device or technology, but it is choosing the right surgeon and whatever technique that he or she is most comfortable using for your procedure.