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Liposuction Techniques

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.

CLICK to Download Dr Mark Kohout’s Liposuction Guide

Traditional Tumescent Liposuction

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. Possible Benefits:

Suitable for larger volume fat removal
Long-standing safety record
Can be performed under local anaesthetic in many cases
Reduces bleeding and bruising
Versatile for different body areas

Possible Risks:

Possible contour irregularities
More swelling and bruising than some newer techniques
Slightly longer recovery time

VASER Liposuction

VASER uses ultrasound waves to break down fat cells before suction. This approach is commonly used for muscle definition and sculpted results in selected patients. It’s particularly effective in dense or fibrous fat areas, like the back or chest, and can support better skin retraction in some cases.

Possible Benefits:

Helps with denser or fibrous fat
Supports smoother contouring
Often results in less bruising

Possible Risks:

Higher cost due to specialised devices
Requires specific experience to avoid heat-related injury

Take our Plastic Surgery Quiz to find out if you’d be a good candidate and if you are ready for cosmetic surgery.

Laser Liposuction

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. Possible Benefits:

Can improve skin firmness
Allows for more detailed sculpting
May reduce swelling and bruising

Possible Risks:

Procedure times may be longer
Risk of thermal injury if improperly applied
More expensive than traditional methods

Micro-Aire Technology with S.A.F.E technique.

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:

Separation:
The vibrating cannula is inserted without suction initially to gently loosen and separate the fat cells. This step helps preserve important structures such as blood vessels and connective tissue, which may contribute to smoother healing and better skin retraction.
Aspiration:
Once the fat is adequately separated, suction is applied to remove the loosened fat. Because the fat has already been disrupted, this step can often be done more efficiently and with less force, potentially reducing bruising and swelling.
Fat Equalisation:
After the bulk of the fat is removed, a final pass is made to smooth and equalise any remaining fat. This step helps to minimise the risk of contour irregularities and provides a more natural, even result.

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.

BodyTite and Ignite RF and RENUVION

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.

Possible Benefits:

Combined fat removal and skin tightening
Collagen stimulation
Useful in smaller or sagging areas (e.g. jawline, arms)

Possible Risks:

Higher cost and training required
Some risk of burns or uneven heating
Limited availability in some practices

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

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 and Lymphatic Massage

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.

Recovery Times by Liposuction Technique

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)

Notes:

Compression garments are typically worn for 4-8 weeks across all techniques to manage swelling and support contour shaping.
Manual lymphatic drainage massage is often recommended (especially for VASER and RF-assisted liposuction) to help reduce fluid retention and optimise results.
Bruising and discomfort are usually greatest in the first 7-10 days, with marked improvement by week two.

Before and After Liposuction Patients

FAQs

How do I know which technique is right for me?

Your choice depends on factors like fat volume, skin quality, and personal goals. A full consultation and examination are necessary to determine the most appropriate technique.

Is liposuction a weight-loss procedure?

No — liposuction is a body contouring procedure. It removes fat cells from targeted areas but is not a substitute for weight loss through diet and exercise.

Will the fat come back after liposuction?

The removed fat cells are permanently eliminated. However, weight gain can still occur in other areas, so maintaining a stable weight is key to long-term results.

How long is the recovery period?

This varies depending on the technique and the area treated. Most patients return to light activity within a few days, but swelling may take several weeks to resolve.

Do I need to wear compression garments?

Yes. Compression garments help reduce swelling, support healing tissues, and improve final contour. They’re usually worn for 4–8 weeks post-procedure.

Are these procedures safe?

All surgical procedures carry risks, but complications are uncommon when performed by an experienced practitioner. The most common side effects are bruising, swelling, and temporary numbness.

Conclusion

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

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.