How Micro Lipo Compares to Traditional Liposuction
A Quicker, Safer Option with Lasting Results.
Written by Rachel McKinzie, DO
I’ve been practicing anesthesia for 14 years now, including residency. I’ve sat in on so many plastic surgeries that I’ve lost count, but I’ll never forget the first time I saw traditional liposuction. That was one liposuction procedure too many, and I knew instantly that a better option had to exist.
Having attended numerous hours of training with nationally renowned physicians who specialize in safer liposuction practices, The MAC has the opportunity to perform safer, more effective liposuction using multiple modalities of innovative technology. The first component of this safer alternative is tumescent local anesthesia (TLA). What does that mean? Patients undergo their procedure with local anesthesia (numbing solution) only. They remain awake the entire time with very little discomfort if any at all.
Two years ago, I traveled to California where I trained with Dr. Klien himself, who is famously known as the “godfather of liposuction.” In his world-renowned course, “Liposuction 101,” he explained why this technique is not only safer but provides much better results. After this entire experience, I knew I had to bring Micro Lipo to McKinzie Aesthetics Center!
Last year, we added BodyTite by InMode Aesthetics to our extensive menu of services at The MAC. InMode is so committed to delivering excellent results from their technology that they require physicians to attend a multi-day course at a nationally renowned liposuction training center. I spent my time there performing liposuction and skin tightening procedures with some of the nation’s best surgeons. I know perform BodyTite on all of my Micro Lipo procedures for skin tightening and additional fat destruction.
Now, Let’s Talk Benefits
Micro Lipo is designed to safely remove and reshape fat deposits with little to no downtime. The benefits of this revolutionary procedure far outweigh other options on the market. While these benefits are astounding, (you can find a comprehensive list here), three stand out as total differentiators when considering a liposuction or body contouring treatment for yourself.
1. MICROCANNULAS
These microcannulas are where Micro Lipo gets its name! The “micro” aspect isn’t because the results are smaller or less noticeable, it’s because we use incredibly tiny cannulas (think straws) to retrieve and eliminate fat. In fact, our cannulas are less than 2mm in diameter. What does that mean for you? Minimal to NO scarring and no scalpel incisions. We use several tiny (2 mm) openings in the skin to thread the microcannulas into the tissue. By using several tiny openings, we minimize trauma to each site, which results in less (if any) scarring. It also limits the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, also known as the darkening of the skin at a site of injury. Patients do not require sutures or stitches either!
2. VIBRATION
The vibration from the handpiece that we utilize during each procedure has multiple benefits. For one, it helps to minimize the discomfort of infusing the numbing solution. This part of the procedure takes about 30 minutes, and while any discomfort is already minimal because of the oral pain and anxiety medications we give, it's lessened even more because of the vibration.
The second benefit of the vibration is how it helps remove the fat. Typical liposuction either cuts or grates the fat in order to remove it. Cutting not only increases your risk for blood loss but it also increases your risk of nerve damage. Vibration is much gentler but equally effective.
Lastly, the vibration helps with skin tightening, and who doesn’t want that after weight loss? We talk all the time in the aesthetic industry about the need for collagen to keep skin tight and smooth. The cells that produce collagen are called fibroblasts. The vibration stimulates these fibroblasts to produce collagen.
What about devices like Coolscupting? Freezing to the point of cell death can also destroy fibroblasts and cause adverse effects on the integrity of the collagenous matrix that gives us healthy skin and tissue.
3. TUMESCENT LOCAL ANESTHESIA TECHNIQUE
I could go into the pharmacology of lidocaine and epinephrine, but let's be honest, that might make you fall asleep. What’s most important to note here is that when undergoing a Micro Lipo procedure, you won’t require general anesthesia, meaning you stay awake the entire time with little to no discomfort, and you experience minimal blood loss. Both significant improvements from other liposuction treatments on the market. In addition, you won’t need narcotics or pain medication afterward.
While seeing traditional liposuction over the last 14 years and learning all of the options for liposuction procedures in the medical aesthetic industry, I believe we have put together the absolute best system out there. Along with the benefits and medical advances mentioned above, patients can return to work in 24-48 hours.
Patients who choose Micro Lipo at the MAC also experience astronomical cost savings in comparison to receiving a similar procedure in a surgery center.
4. BODYTITE
Our newest and possibly most exciting advancement in our Micro Lipo technique is the addition of BodyTite by InMode Aesthetics. BodyTite uses revolutionary radiofrequency technology to coagulate fat, remodel tissue, and tighten skin. With BodyTite, patients can expect to achieve up to 47% skin contraction.
After numbing the treatment area, the BodyTite handpiece is used to heat the skin internally and externally to controlled target temperatures. This melts fat and stimulates additional collagen production. The radiofrequency energy generates the heat that tightens or shrinks the connective tissue layers of the skin. By adding BodyTite to all of the existing technology involved in Micro Lipo, we get greater fat reduction with profound skin tightening for the best possible results.