What is traditional liposuction?

Traditional liposuction uses a larger cannula to suction fat out without a wetting agent. This is performed in a hospital under general anaesthetic. This technique is not regularly used anymore due to it being a dangerous procedure requiring blood transfusions. 

What is tumescent liposuction? 

Tumescent liposuction is a technique of liposuction that doesn’t require a general aesthetic and minimizes blood loss. First a numbing solution (tumescent fluid) is injected into the area to soften and numb, while closing the surrounding blood vessels.  Then through small incisions, a small cannula is inserted to suction out this liquid and fat without blood loss. 

Tumescent liposuction costs:

Tumescent liposuction will usually work out to be the most cost effective as general anaesthetic and extended hospitalisation is not necessary. Vaser liposuction can also be performed in this way but has extra costs as it is a 3 step process. 

Tumescent liposuction recovery: 

Recovery for tumescent liposuction is far shorter than traditional. Most people can get straight back to work after 2-7 days (depending on the nature of work and areas treated). With light exercise resuming. Recovery involves bruising and swelling with the true results being seen after 6-8 weeks. 

Tumescent liposuction results: 

Tumescent liposuction can sculpt the body more than traditional liposuction as the patient is not under general anaesthetic. Body contouring and 3-D sculpting is now possible as the patient is able to turn, sit and stand during the procedure. This results in 

What is vaser liposuction? 

VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. This type of liposuction uses a special probe that emits ultrasonic waves in order to liquefy the fat that is to be removed during liposuction. The probe is inserted just under the skin into the treatment area and moved gently around to treat the fat cells. This emulsifies the fat, which means the fat and the fluid become a liquid mixture, which is then suctioned out of the treatment area.

Vaser liposuction costs: 

Vaser liposuction, like tumescent, can be performed in a day surgery under local anaesthetic. However, many people choose to go under general anaesthetic. This, and the added step of ultrasonic waves make it a more expensive procedure than tumescent. 

Vaser liposuction recovery: 

The recovery for vaser liposuction is very similar to tumescent liposuction. Like tumescent liposuction, most people can be back to work within 2-7 days and compression garments are required.

Vaser liposuction results: 

Vaser liposuction allows for defined and accurate results. Vaser liposuction works to tighten the skin as well as remove fat. In some cases, vaser liposuction has been seen to increase scar tissue causing for hardness in the area. 

Why we choose tumescent liposuction:

At Liposuction Australia, we use the ‘tumescent technique’ which  offers advantages over traditional and vaser liposuction techniques. With smoother results, fewer complications and faster recovery, tumescent liposuction may be the reason liposuction has become one of the most popular procedures of choice.

Benefits of tumescent liposuction:

• Using local anaesthesia instead of general anaesthesia eliminates general anaesthesia-related side effects.
• The procedure can be performed outside the hospital setting.
• The short term recovery is shorter.
• Patients are up and about immediately after the procedure and are encouraged to walk the next day.
• There is minimal blood and fluid loss.
• Use of antibacterial lidocaine may reduce the chance of infection.
• Intravenous fluid replacement is not necessary.
• Body contouring and 3-D sculpting is now possible as the patient is able to turn, sit and stand during the procedure.
• Smaller incisions result in less scarring.
• The use of smaller cannular allows for a smoother cosmetic result.