If you have some stubborn fat and perhaps some loose skin, you might want to consider cosmetic surgery. While there is the traditional option of liposuction, you can also choose to combine this newer technique called BodyTite with your liposuction treatment. Both of these procedures can eliminate pockets of fat and help to tighten loose skin. Here’s how it works.
What Happens During Liposuction Procedures?
Liposuction is a type of cosmetic surgical procedure that involves the removal of stubborn fat deposits underneath the skin by using suction. It’s one of the most common types of cosmetic surgery procedures in the country. There are also many different techniques that a cosmetic surgeon can use when performing liposuction.
The general point of liposuction involves eliminating excess fat deposits to provide the patient with a more contoured, sculpted form. The fat the cosmetic surgeon focuses on is that which is resistant to being naturally eliminated through dieting and exercise alone. Using liposuction, our board certified plastic surgeons make a small incision so that a cannula can be inserted into the treatment area. That cannula is then used to suction fat away. This sculpts the body for a toned look and preferred body contour.
Liposuction w/ BodyTite and Anesthesia
Liposuction is a surgical procedure, which means anesthesia is used to sedate the patient. General anesthesia is used and is administered by a board certified anesthesiologist. As a result, the surgery is performed in a certified outpatient surgical center.
BodyTite uses radiofrequency assisted lipolysis (RFAL) to eliminate fat. The procedure can be done using a local anesthetic to make a very small incision, through which the BodyTite device can be inserted. However, since we are combining BodyTite with liposuction, general anesthesia would be used for the entire treatment so patients are most comfortable through the process.
Liposuction vs BodyTite: Invasiveness and Fat Removal Methods
Liposuction requires slightly larger incisions to be made around the area being treated. They are made in order to accommodate cannulas, the devices the surgeon uses to target the fat cells beneath the skin. After the cannulas are used, fat is suctioned away.
BodyTite requires a smaller incision for the device to be inserted. Once the BodyTite device is inserted, radiofrequency is administered to the area to liquify fat. This radiofrequency energy also has the benefit of tightening the skin.
BodyTite is paired with traditional liposuction as an enhancement to the traditional liposuction procedure. Typically, BodyTite would be used to first liquify fat so it can be more easily suctioned away. This combination is sometimes referred to as radiofrequency-assisted liposuction, or RFAL. Pairing the procedures is not typically necessary if patients are only concerned about unwanted fat but have adequate skin elasticity; those with looser skin are often better suited to RFAL.
Liposuction w/ BodyTite: Downtime Afterward
Traditional liposuction requires a longer downtime compared to BodyTite alone. Combining the two procedures however does not extend the typical downtime of liposuction. It’s common to experience some bruising after treatment. Pain and discomfort are also common and wearing a compression garment for six to eight weeks is typical.
Schedule a Consultation
If you live in Arizona and want to consider one of these procedures, contact Gawley Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation to discuss your options. Call our office or contact us online to schedule your appointment.