You may be surprised to learn that there are different types of liposuction. Thanks to advances in technology, today’s procedures are safer, more precise, and more customizable than ever before. At our practice, we offer three leading techniques—tumescent liposuction, Smartlipo™, and VASER® liposuction—so we can match the right approach to your unique goals.
So, how can you decide which option is best for you? Below, we’ll walk through how each method works, what patients typically experience during recovery, and how to choose the treatment plan that fits your body and lifestyle.
Tumescent Liposuction
Often called traditional liposuction, tumescent liposuction is the most time-tested and widely performed technique. A tumescent solution containing lidocaine (for comfort), epinephrine (to minimize bleeding), and saline (to saturate fat) is infused into the treatment area. This makes fat easier to remove through a thin tube called a cannula.
- Best suited for: Patients seeking reliable fat removal in larger or multiple areas.
- Recovery notes: Expect bruising and swelling for the first week, with most patients back to work in 7 to 10 days.
- Why we recommend it: It’s highly versatile and remains the gold standard for safe, effective body contouring.
Smartlipo® (Laser-Assisted Liposuction)
Smartlipo uses laser energy delivered through the cannula to liquefy the fat before it’s suctioned away. The heat not only makes the fat easier to remove but also stimulates collagen production, which may create a subtle skin-tightening effect.
- Best suited for: Patients with smaller areas of fat who also want mild skin tightening—for example, the arms, jawline, or neck.
- Recovery notes: Bruising and swelling are typically lighter than with traditional lipo, and many patients return to daily activities within 3 to 5 days.
- Why we recommend it: It offers greater precision and may improve skin quality in addition to reducing fat.
VASER® Liposelection® (Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction)
VASER liposuction uses ultrasonic energy to gently break apart fat cells while leaving the surrounding tissues largely undisturbed. This makes it especially effective in areas with dense or fibrous fat.
- Best suited for: Patients looking to treat tough areas like the chest, back, or flanks, as well as those considering more detailed body sculpting.
- Recovery notes: Downtime is usually similar to Smartlipo (3 to 5 days for most), with less tissue trauma compared to traditional methods.
- Why we recommend it: Provides excellent contouring power while minimizing damage to nearby structures.
Alternatives to Liposuction
If you’re hesitant about surgery, options such as CoolSculpting® or SculpSure® may be worth considering. These nonsurgical fat reduction treatments use controlled cooling and heat, respectively, to destroy fat cells, which your body then eliminates naturally. While they don’t remove as much fat as liposuction, they can be a good choice for patients with small, “pinchable” areas who prefer little to no downtime.
How To Choose the Right Liposuction Type for You
With multiple body contouring options available, it’s natural to wonder which is the best fit. The truth is, there is no single “best” liposuction method—each has strengths that make it the right choice for certain patients and goals.
That’s why the most important step is a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During your visit, we’ll evaluate your body, discuss your goals, and recommend the approach—or combination of approaches—that will deliver the best results for you.
See the Difference for Yourself
Take a look at our before-and-after photo gallery to see how each technique can transform different areas of the body. If you would like to learn more about liposuction, CoolSculpting, or other body contouring options in Palo Alto and San Jose, CA, please contact us online or call (650) 325-1118 (Palo Alto) or (408) 371-1118 (Campbell).
This blog post was originally published in December 2020 and has been updated for 2025.
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