Liposuction is a widely accepted cosmetic surgical procedure to get rid of unwanted fat which refuses to go away even with dieting and exercise. It has also found use in treating lymphedema in cancer patients. There are different types of techniques such as traditional invasive liposuction surgery and minimally-invasive options such as radiofrequency assisted BodyTite liposuction in NYC. If you are considering body contouring treatment, it is important to know the difference between these techniques.
BodyTite Liposuction is an advanced minimally invasive permanent fat removal and skin tightening treatment. It uses radiofrequency-assisted liposuction (RFAL) for effective fat removal and cellulite reduction with noticeable skin tightening effects. The procedure can provide 40% more skin tightening than traditional liposuction treatment. A young, healthy person with good quality skin may experience good skin contraction after the procedure.
Traditional liposuction, on the other hand, involves invasive surgery that targets stubborn fat pocket. It is performed under general anesthesia as it requires large incisions to insert a larger cannula for fat removal. Conventional liposuction alone does not provide any skin tightening benefits. So there is an increased possibility of dimpling or sagging after the procedure, particularly with older patients who have lost skin elasticity.
BodyTite NYC works on the same principal as liposuction to remove stubborn fat. The device has two probes that work simultaneously. One works beneath the skin, heating the entire soft-tissue matrix and melting the fat via the temperature controlled radio-frequency technology. The second probe simultaneously aspirates the liquefied fat and coagulates the adipose, fibrous, and vascular tissue. The heat generated tightens the skin quickly and coagulates the tissues, allowing the plastic surgeon to sculpt the body to the ideal shape. BodyTite liposuction can provide noticeable skin tightening effects, especially for those who are left with sagging skin or loose skin after traditional liposuction.
Differences between BodyTite and traditional liposuction are shown below:
| BodyTite | Traditional Liposuction | |
| Anesthesia | Requires local anaesthesia | General anaesthesia / IV sedation |
| What it does | Liquefies fat before removal via suctioning and uses radiofrequency energy to tighten the skin | Suctions out fat but leaves behind loose skin |
| Skin Tightening | Visible skin tightening through renewed collagen production | Additional surgery may be needed to remove loose skin |
| Scars | Minimal scars that fade with time | Result in larger scars |
| Downtime | Downtime is approximately 2-3 days | Downtime is about 7 – 14 days |
| Compression garment | A compression garment may have to be worn for about 2 weeks | May require wearing a compression garment for up to 6 weeks |
| Surgical trauma | Reduced bruising, swelling and other surgical trauma | More bruising and swelling to the area. Extensive deep tissue bruising that may last weeks and even months. |
| Recovery | Most patients achieve full recovery in a couple of days | Regular liposuction involves a long recovery time |
| Number of treatments required | Usually one treatment is sufficient though some people may need two. | Usually one session is enough as up to three liters of fat can be removed in just one session and up to three areas of the body can be treated (depending on the size). |
| Results seen | Results are patient specific and depend on the treatment area and amount of fat removed. Larger areas will require a longer recovery time. Initial results can be seen immediately after the procedure, with the best results visible after 6-12 weeks. | Following traditional surgery, noticeable improvement is usually seen in about 3-9 months’ time and final results after one year. |
Leading NYC plastic surgeons may combine advanced and traditional liposuction techniques to provide patients with the best outcomes. If you are considering body contouring treatment, choose an AAAASF-accredited NYC plastic surgery practice with surgeons who are experts in performing the procedure. A good plastic surgeon attaches top priority to patient safety and care and can ensure attractive and long-lasting body sculpting results. Regardless of the type of procedure you have, following a healthy lifestyle is necessary to maintain the results.