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Introducting Lipo-Vibe -- Nutational Infrasonic Liposuction finds a Spot in US Liposuction

 

Many different methods of liposuction are now available in the US, with one more recently approved, what do they all have in common?

Used in Europe for years, Nutational Infrasonic Liposuction (NIL) is also known as Custom Acoustic Liposuction (CAL) and Lipo-Vibe. While the names might be a bit confusing, the science seems to be solid and thanks to recently gained FDA approval, it's now coming into favor across the US. There are now many options available to liposuction patients.

measuring thigh

Traditional liposuction uses a cannula, a long narrow tube which is inserted under the skin. The cannula breaks up and suctions out excess fat in the selected treatment areas, which can be just about anywhere, most popularly the stomach, buttocks, and thighs. Patients typically undergo general anesthesia for the procedure and recovery can be a difficult process. There are now many methods of lipo that use different methods to break up the fat before it is suctioned out, reducing trauma on the patient.

Tumescent liposuction pumps fluid into the treatment area. {!Body-Jet} Liposuction works similarly and is also known as Water-Jet by pumping water into the area which helps to break up the fat while also preserving the other tissues present. The benefits include an easier recovery, minimal risk as the procedure is often performed under local anesthesia, and a quicker treatment time.

Laser lipolysis goes by many names, including SmartLipo, SlimLipo, ProLipo, and more. In this liposuction method, the fat is melted by tissue specific lasers, and is then suctioned out with a very small cannula. Many of these lasers are also able to tighten the overlying skin, helping to avoid the trauma of removing portions of skin. Laser lipolysis usually requires only local anesthesia and patients report less bruising and a fast recovery.

Vaser Liposelection, and {!Vaser Hi-Def} use ultrasound technology to loosen and melt the fat before it is removed. It is tissue selective as well and performed under local anesthesia. In a recent poll of US physicians, Vaser received a 95% approval rating. Similarly to other 'alternative' lipo techniques, patients recover quickly and have minimal bruising. It is able to tighten the skin and is very precise.

LipoVibe differs from the others by using 3D acoustic energy. By using a three way combination of rotation, vibration, and reciprocation, the acoustic energy is emitted a lower, infrasonic frequency which is considerably safer than ultrasonic waves. The cannula remains cool during the procedure, keeping the patient safer.

About the only thing that these technologies have in common is that they remove the fat that you can't get rid of. While they all have their risks, most are minimal and the majority of patients are pleased with their results. Doctors are able to use the new lipo technologies to see the results as they go, which has resulted in less repeat treatments. Some patients will still have some rippling of the skin or may need longer to recover. Discuss all of your options and your goals with your plastic surgeon. Your individual goals and medical makeup will determine which technology is right for you.