Body contouring is a hot trend at the moment and has been for some time. It is only recently, though, that devices have been manufactured to sculpt the body without surgery. In light of these developments, including devices like CoolSculpting and SculpSure, why is it that liposuction continues to be a leading cosmetic procedure? Here, we discuss the value of minimally invasive liposuction for anyone wanting significant results.

How Non-invasive Body Sculpting Works

Devices like CoolSculpting work by provoking a natural fat-elimination response in the body. This particular system creates this process by freezing an area of tissue between two panels. According to the manufacturer as well as patients who have been treated, the large panels can address an area of tissue about the size of a stick of butter. This translates to about 3 to 4 ounces of fatty tissue. After 3 to 6 months, the body will have eliminated up to 23% of the fat that was treated (less than half of that stick of butter).

How Liposuction Works

Dr. Regina Rosenthal conducts ultrasonic liposuction under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgical facility. The delivery of high-frequency ultrasound waves liquefies fat, lessening the need for back-and-forth motions to separate fat cells. The average laser or ultrasound-assisted liposuction procedure can remove approximately 2.5 liters of fat. This translates to about 100 ounces or many, many “sticks of butter.” Initial recovery lasts less than a week, after which patients can return to work and light activities with minimal soreness and maximum confidence in their new shape.

In addition to removing fat more gently than conventional liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction provides the advantage of controlled heat. Initially, the value of heat is to melt fat for easy extraction. But the heating of subdermal tissue also excites the cells that produce collagen. Ultimately, patients who undergo ultrasonic liposuction notice that their body is more sculpted and the skin in the treatment area appears firmer and tighter than it did before sugery.

Body contouring will continue to be a significant trend for the foreseeable future. Learn more about the benefits of liposuction in our office near San Jose. Schedule your visit at 408-559-4700.