Liposuction remains one of the most frequently performed plastic surgery procedures. While traditional methods still have their place, advances in technology have introduced new ways to address fat removal, skin tightening, and contour precision – depending on individual goals and anatomy.
This blog outlines the most common techniques in current use and provides practical information about the possible benefits, risks, and recovery considerations for each.
Tumescent liposuction involves the injection of a diluted solution of local anaesthetic and epinephrine into the fatty tissue. This causes the area to become firm and swollen (or “tumescent”), reducing bleeding and improving fat removal. It remains widely used across a variety of treatment areas.
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VASER uses ultrasound waves to break down fat cells before suction. It’s particularly effective in dense or fibrous fat areas, like the back or chest, and can support better skin retraction in some cases.
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Laser liposuction involves using heat to liquefy fat and promote collagen production. This technique is often chosen for smaller treatment areas where contour precision is key.
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In my practice, I frequently use power-assisted liposuction (PAL) with the S.A.F.E. technique, which stands for Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalisation. This method was developed to improve outcomes by making fat removal gentler, more controlled, and less traumatic to surrounding tissue.
Here’s what each stage involves:
The Micro-Aire system used during this process adds a mechanical advantage. Its rapid, controlled vibration allows for precise fat removal with less physical strain on the surgeon, which can be especially useful in large volume or fibrous cases.
When skin laxity is a concern, I may combine this technique with radiofrequency-based technologies like BodyTite or Renuvion to help improve skin tightening in the same procedure.
These are forms of radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL), which simultaneously melt fat and stimulate collagen for tissue tightening. Renuvion adds argon plasma to this process. These techniques are generally most suitable for patients with mild to moderate skin laxity.
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| Technique | Suitable For | Skin Tightening | Anaesthesia | Downtime | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tumescent Liposuction | Large volume fat removal | Minimal | Local or General | Moderate | Bruising, swelling, contour irregularities |
| VASER Liposuction | Fibrous or dense fat | Moderate | Usually General | Mild to Moderate | Burns, cost, requires experience |
| Laser Liposuction | Smaller areas needing precision | Moderate to High | Usually Local | Mild | Burns, skin damage, cost |
| Micro-Aire + SAFE | Even contouring | Low to Moderate | Local or General | Moderate | Bruising, longer procedure |
| BodyTite / Ignite RF | Moderate skin laxity | High | General | Mild to Moderate | Burns, cost, training required |
| Renuvion | Skin tightening in smaller areas | Moderate to High | General | Moderate | Burns, cost, device availability |
Post-liposuction treatments are important for ensuring optimal results and promoting a smooth recovery. These treatments can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and enhance the overall appearance of the treated areas. Chief among these are the compression garments that need to be worn for 4-8 weeks after your procedure.
Massage therapy can be beneficial after liposuction to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. Gentle massage techniques can help to break up any remaining fat deposits and promote the even distribution of fluids, leading to smoother contours and a more natural appearance.
Lymphatic massage is a specialized form of massage that focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system to reduce swelling and promote the removal of excess fluids and toxins from the body. This type of massage can be particularly beneficial in the weeks following liposuction, as it helps to reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process.
Other post-liposuction treatments may include the use of compression garments, which help to reduce swelling and support the healing tissues. Additionally, some patients may benefit from treatments such as ultrasound therapy or radiofrequency treatments to further enhance skin tightening and improve the overall results of the procedure.
| Technique | Back to Light Activity | Swelling Substantially Improves | Final Results Visible |
| Tumescent Liposuction | 3–5 days | 4–6 weeks | 3–6 months |
| VASER Liposuction | 2–4 days | 3–4 weeks | 2–4 months |
| Laser Liposuction | 1–3 days | 2–4 weeks | 2–4 months |
| Micro-Aire + S.A.F.E. Technique | 3–5 days | 4–6 weeks | 3–6 months |
| BodyTite / Ignite RF | 2–4 days | 3–5 weeks | 3–6 months (skin tightening continues) |
| Renuvion (argon plasma) | 3–5 days | 4–6 weeks | 3–6 months (skin tightening may improve up to 6–9 months) |
Each liposuction technique has its place depending on the patient’s needs and goals. This guide is intended as a general overview; a personal consultation is the most appropriate way to determine the most suitable option.
If you’d like to explore your options or see examples of how different techniques are applied, I’m happy to offer further information.
Dr. Mark Kohout is a highly qualified specialist plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 25 years of experience, based in central Sydney.
Trained in Great Britain, Australia, and the U.S., he co-founded Australia Plastic Surgery. Specializing in breast, genital, and male breast surgeries, he is a certified member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (RACS).
Dr. Kohout has appeared in media like The Biggest Loser and has published several articles in his field.
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