August Liposuction Special
Many men and women have stubborn fat areas that are resistant to diet and exercise. Common trouble areas include the abdomen, thighs, arms, and neck. Dr. Leslie Smith of Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics in Wayzata, MN, offers minimally invasive liposuction in Minneapolis to eliminate unwanted fat and reveal a more attractive shape.
Liposuction is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure. Since it was introduced about 30 years ago, liposuction technology has evolved significantly, and different procedures have come about. Dr. Smith is one of the first cosmetic doctors in Minneapolis to offer Tickle Lipo, an advanced technique that gets rid of unwanted fat and is precise enough to treat delicate areas such as the neck, chin, and arms.
Before considering the liposuction method Dr. Leslie Smith utilizes, Tickle Lipo, let’s explore traditional liposuction.
WHAT IS TRADITIONAL LIPOSUCTION?
Traditional liposuction, also known as lipo or lipoplasty, is a body contouring technique that involves suctioning excess fat through a thin tube called a cannula. Surgeons often perform this procedure to remove unwanted fat deposits from a patient’s hips, thighs, upper arms, stomach and chin, among other areas. Liposuction is one of the most popular surgical procedures in the world and is frequently performed in conjunction with other treatments, like breast enhancement, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or a Brazilian butt lift.
HOW DOES TRADITIONAL LIPOSUCTION WORK?
Traditional liposuction is a major surgical procedure performed in a hospital or operating room setting under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation. During the procedure, a cosmetic surgeon makes small incisions measuring a quarter of an inch or less, into which a mixture of saline, epinephrine and local anesthesia is injected. The cosmetic surgeon then uses manual force to dislodge fat in the treatment areas and suction it out using a vacuum-like device. The procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to three hours, depending on how many areas the provider treats.
WHAT’S THE RECOVERY PROCESS LIKE FOR TRADITIONAL LIPOSUCTION?
During the recovery process, a cosmetic surgeon gives their patient a compression garment to wear over the treatment site. These garments help reduce swelling and encourage the body to conform to its new shape. Surgical drains may also be placed at the treatment site, preventing fluid from building up.
The overall recovery process for traditional liposuction can take several weeks to months. It’s essential for a patient who undergoes this type of procedure to know that it will take some time until their final results are fully realized, as swelling and bruising subside gradually.
WHAT RESULTS CAN TRADITIONAL LIPOSUCTION PRODUCE?
Traditional liposuction permanently removes unwanted fat cells, but a patient needs to maintain a stable weight to sustain their results indefinitely. Gaining weight will cause the remaining fat cells to expand, diminishing results and potentially leading to contour irregularities.
WHAT ARE THE DOWNSIDES TO TRADITIONAL LIPOSUCTION?
There are risks associated with traditional liposuction. The cannula utilized during the procedure can potentially tear nerves and blood vessels, resulting in swelling and bruising. The contour irregularities caused by patients who decide to avoid a healthy diet can be permanent and may make the skin appear bumpy or crepey. The procedure can also potentially lead to fluid accumulation, numbness and infection. In a more severe scenario, the cannula can penetrate too deeply, leading to a punctured internal organ.
Other potential risks include:
- Temporary pooling of blood beneath the skin
- A buildup of fluid under the skin
- Blood clots forming in deep veins
- Skin discoloration
- Scarring
WHAT OTHER TYPES OF LIPOSUCTION ARE THERE?
When it was first introduced in the 1980s, traditional liposuction was a revolutionary procedure. Men and women were excited to have a way to remove large volumes of fat and reshape their bodies. However, liposuction has evolved over the last 30 years, and the early technique is nearly obsolete. Advanced techniques have replaced traditional methods, yielding better results with less recovery and downtime. The other types of liposuction include:
Power-assisted liposuction – This form of liposuction uses a handpiece that oscillates to break down unwanted fat cells. Power-assisted liposuction does not use heat but is sometimes paired with other technologies, such as radiofrequency and ultrasound energy.
Laser-assisted liposuction – Laser-assisted liposuction utilizes a laser to liquefy fat cells, which are then suctioned via a cannula. This particular form of liposuction spurs collagen production because of its heating properties.
Ultrasound-assisted liposuction – This particular form of liposuction uses sound waves to break up unwanted fat cells and fibrous fat.
At Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics, our favorite option is the minimally invasive liposuction technique, Tickle Lipo.
HOW DOES TRADITIONAL LIPOSUCTION COMPARE TO OTHER BODY CONTOURING TECHNIQUES?
At Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics, we offer several body contouring procedures and treatments, including:
Fat transfer: Also known as a Brazilian butt lift (BBL), this surgical procedure involves injecting fat cells into the buttocks to create a noticeable lift and slim down other areas. Fat transfer involves three steps: extraction, preparation and then injection of the removed fat.
Mini tummy tuck: This surgical procedure involves making a small incision on the lower abdomen. Through these incisions, excess fat is removed, and the abdominal wall is thinned. Your cosmetic surgeon then trims away excess skin and closes incisions with sutures.
Venus Concept: This skin tightening treatment utilizes an advanced system to heat tissues beneath the skin’s surface and stimulate the natural healing properties within the body. The noninvasive treatment can be performed in as little as a lunch hour.
BodyTite: This treatment uses radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to cause fat tissues to enter a state of lipolysis and break down. It then removes the liquified fat, and the surrounding skin tissues are stimulated to increase collagen production.
Morpheus8: This treatment involves a revolutionary technology that combines radiofrequency thermal energy with microneedling to reduce cellulite. During the treatment, tiny micro-wounds are created deep within the skin through which radiofrequency energy is introduced.
Depending on your goals, Tickle Lipo may be the most effective body contouring technique for you. Alternatively, Dr. Smith may recommend one of our other options instead, or suggest combining Tickle Lipo with another body contouring procedure to maximize your results.
WHAT IS TICKLE LIPOSUCTION?
Dr. Leslie Smith was among the first cosmetic doctors in the Minneapolis / St. Paul area to embrace Tickle Lipo, the latest liposuction technology.
Tickle Lipo, also known as Nutational Infrasonic Liposculpture (NIL), is a minimally-invasive liposuction technique in Minneapolis. Tickle Lipo uses low-frequency acoustic vibration to remove body fat without damaging surrounding tissues, allowing for better results and less recovery time for the patient.
Dr. Smith was one of the first cosmetic doctors in the area to introduce Tickle Lipo to Minneapolis and St. Paul. Dr. Smith performs our Tickle Lipo procedures in our Wayzata cosmetic treatment center under local anesthesia.
Dr. Smith uses a micro-cannula for Tickle Lipo procedures, requiring a much smaller incision than traditional liposuction in Minneapolis. The Tickle Lipo technology used by Dr. Smith gently vibrates and rotates, making it easier for the fat to break apart and be suctioned out.
Some of the things that Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics patients love most about Tickle Lipo are that they see an immediate improvement in the tone and shape of the treated areas and that they can return to work in just a few days.
LET’S FURTHER COMPARE — TRADITIONAL LIPOSUCTION VS. TICKLE LIPOSUCTION
Anesthesia: Traditional liposuction requires general anesthesia, where you become fully unconscious, or sometimes local anesthesia with sedation for smaller cases. Tickle Lipo only needs local anesthesia, where you can remain fully awake, and just the treatment site is numbed. This makes recovery faster and easier.
Environment: Unlike traditional liposuction, which is often performed in a sterile and unwelcoming hospital environment, Tickle Lipo can be completed in an office. The experience is warmer and more comfortable as a result.
Cannula: Traditional liposuction requires a large cannula, while Tickle Lipo utilizes a small one, typically smaller than a pencil. This means smaller incisions and less tissue damage, therefore a shorter, easier recovery.
Movements: The movements for traditional liposuction are much more aggressive than Tickle Lipo (hence the name). Practitioners often refer to Tickle Lipo as minimally-invasive liposuction.
Risk: Compared to traditional liposuction, Tickle Lipo is much safer because it includes a built-in safety mechanism and there is less damage to the tissues.
Downtime: A traditional liposuction procedure requires significantly more downtime than Tickle Lipo. Traditional liposuction has a slow recovery process that takes weeks to months, while for Tickle Lipo, you can potentially be back to work the day after your procedure.
Results: Results for traditional liposuction can take up to three months to become apparent, while Tickle Lipo takes only three weeks.
Price: Tickle Lipo is far more cost-effective because it can be performed in-office and utilizes local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia.
TICKLE LIPO VS. TRADITIONAL LIPOSUCTION IN MINNEAPOLIS — WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
While Tickle Lipo and traditional liposuction achieve similar results, the two procedures are distinctly different. Tickle Lipo is the preferred method for many who undergo liposuction because it is safer, the results appear quickly and it is the more cost-effective method. Tickle Lipo is a safer means for treating more delicate areas of the body, including the chin and the neck.
A bonus for the Tickle Lipo method is that the system automatically shuts off when there is anything but fat found within the body, meaning areas lacking fat are not touched. Tickle Lipo significantly reduces the chances of bruising, swelling and bleeding.
However, similarly to traditional liposuction, you will need to maintain a healthy weight to keep your results. The remaining fat cells in your body can expand if you gain weight and disrupt your smoother, slimmer contours. This is the case for any form of liposuction.
While traditional liposuction is the most popular plastic surgery procedure in the world, Tickle Lipo provides patients with comparable results with a multitude of benefits. For this reason, it is our preferred method for liposuction, and we believe it is the right one for you.
TICKLE LIPOSUCTION FAQs
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF TICKLE LIPO?
Although all surgeries have risks, they are minimal when done by an experienced doctor like Dr. Smith. The most common side effects of Tickle Lipo include swelling, bruising and soreness in the treatment area. The procedure can also potentially lead to contour irregularities if a healthy weight is not maintained. However, irregularities can be corrected with additional surgery.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY LIKE?
After the effects of the anesthesia have worn off, most patients can get up and move around. You can return to your normal activities as soon as you feel comfortable. Most people can return to work within a few days. Recovery might take longer if large areas were treated.
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR TICKLE LIPO?
Dr. Smith recommends Tickle Lipo for men and women with an area of fat that will not respond to diet or exercise. She evaluates candidates and looks for individuals with normal body weight, good health and realistic expectations for the results.
DOES TICKLE LIPO TREAT CELLULITE?
Dr. Smith notes that while Tickle Lipo is not specifically designed to treat cellulite, some patients will see an improvement in the appearance of cellulite because of the technique’s skin-tightening benefits.
WHAT IS THE AFTERCARE LIKE FOR TICKLE LIPO?
After your Tickle Lipo procedure, you may be asked to wear a compression garment that will aid in reducing swelling. Any discomfort you may experience can be managed with OTC medications.
WHAT AREAS OF THE BODY CAN BE TREATED?
Dr. Smith uses Tickle Lipo to treat virtually any area of the body, including the face, neck, arms, abdomen, thighs and buttocks.
ARE THERE ANY HEALTH BENEFITS OF TICKLE LIPO?
Aside from improving your figure, Tickle Lip has several other health benefits, including increased metabolism, reduced inflammation, and improved mobility. The procedure can also potentially increase your self-esteem.
WHAT OTHER TREATMENTS PAIR WELL WITH TICKLE LIPO?
While Tickle Lipo can help with skin tightening to an extent, it’s recommended to combine it with an additional treatment to achieve the most optimal results. Often, Tickle Lipo is combined with BodyTite skin tightening. Combining these two treatments means you can successfully rid your body of unwanted fat cells without worrying if their removal will leave you with unflattering contours. The treatment is also often combined with a mini tummy tuck, a popular procedure that helps eliminate excess skin in the abdomen.
HOW SHOULD I CHOOSE A SURGEON TO PERFORM MY TICKLE LIPO?
Choosing a cosmetic surgeon for any surgical procedure should be largely dependent on their experience and expertise. Dr. Leslie Smith is a trusted liposuction expert, and her preferred method is Tickle Lipo. With her experience, you can be assured that your surgical procedure will be safe and the desired results can be attained.
SCHEDULE YOUR LIPOSUCTION CONSULTATION AT SAPPHIRE ADVANCED AESTHETICS
Liposuction is a wonderful cosmetic surgery that has helped millions worldwide attain the body they desire since its creation over 30 years ago. But the figure-slimming procedure has come a long way these past several decades, with various techniques changing how bodies are shaped today. It can be daunting to determine which procedure is right for you, but we believe Tickle Lipo is the safest and most effective method.
If you are a resident of Wayzata, MN, or the surrounding areas and would like to schedule a liposuction consultation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Sapphire Advanced Aesthetics at 952-460-1970 or schedule a consultation here.