Types of Liposuction and Your Safety

Since its introduction in the 1980’s, liposuction has undergone significant improvements in technique and results. The cannulae, or suction tubes, used to extract unwanted fat have become smaller and more efficient over time. Connecting these metal cannulae to a vacuum-based liposuction aspiration machine has been referred to as Traditional Liposuction (also known as SAL or suction assisted lipectomy). Following is a summary of liposuction methods, beginning with today’s most favored method.

SAFE Liposuction in New Jersey

For several years now, Dr. Parker has exclusively been using a technique called “SAFE” lipo. This method of liposuction was developed in 2010 by Dr. Parker’s friend and colleague, Dr. Simeon Wall of Louisiana. The term “SAFE” is an acronym for Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalization. We will now explain the reasons why it is considered a superior method.

The Separation phase uses a specifically designed cannula to gently separate, or loosen, the fat cells from one another making removal or aspiration less traumatic; this translates to less swelling, bruising, more viable cells for fat injection (if desired) as well as a quicker recovery.  Next, Dr. Parker will Aspirate (remove) the unwanted fat cells more easily using fine cannulas. The final Fat Equalization phase allows Dr. Parker to smooth out the treated area, leaving behind a thinner layer of separated healthy fat cells. Dr. Parker and his patients like the consistently natural, smooth improvements in contour and skin retraction that SAFE lipo provides.

Before & After SAFE Liposcution on Hips*

Dr. Parker also believes SAFE liposuction has the advantage of loosening and removing fat cells without damaging them with ultrasonic or laser energy like other systems on the market. He sees only advantages, and no disadvantages to SAFE liposuction. Therefore, for all these reasons,  SAFE lipo has become his procedure of choice in performing liposuction.

Alternative Forms of Liposuction/Lipolysis

While Dr. Parker now prefers SAFE liposuction, prior to its adoption, he used a number of other methods you may have heard about. Here is an overview of past options.

Ultrasonic Liposuction in New Jersey

VASER (vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance) liposuction is a type of ultrasonic assisted liposuction, commonly referred to as UAL. The tip of the VASER probes emits ultrasonic energy which emulsifies fat cells and spares the skin, blood vessels and nerves. Dr. Parker  was an early adopter of the technique and began using the VASER system shortly after its release in 2001. He believed it provided advantages over existing techniques at the time. Dr. Parker felt it enabled him to provide his patients with natural appearing body contouring results and a more rapid recovery. While Ultrasonic VASER liposuction was favored by Dr. Parker for years, his experience with SAFE liposuction has convinced him that this is a superior technique to VASER liposuction and provides even better, more consistent results than he achieved previously. 

Laser Liposuction in New Jersey

Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) produced by makers known as SmartLipo, SlimLipo, ProLipo, etc.  use laser energy to liquefy fat cells. After the cells are liquefied, they are removed or suctioned out of the treated area with liposuction cannulas. Proponents of LAL will argue its advantage over other liposuction techniques is that the energy from the laser stimulates collagen production. Collagen is the fiber-like protein that helps maintain skin structure. This may help prevent skin sag after liposuction. Despite these theoretical advantages, Dr. Parker’s experience with LAL is that the technique is underpowered and does not produce the same level of consistent results he initially achieved with VASER liposuction or now, SAFE liposuction.

 Other Forms of Liposuction/Lipolysis

• Mesotherapy and injection lipolysis such as Kyblella are non-surgical alternatives to liposuction. Their safety and ability to deliver satisfactory, predictable and consistent results have been questioned.
• Coolsculpting is a patented method of non-surgical fat reduction which selectively freezes fat in undesired areas. This method requires no anesthesia and no downtime. Patients who would like to remove fat without any type of surgery or anesthesia can consider Coolsculpting, available at the Parker Center.