Minimally Invasive Liposuction
Minimally Invasive Liposuction is a procedure in which localized fat deposits are removed from the body in an attempt to change it’s shape. Small incisions are made and with the use of micro-cannulas, patients can expect a gentler and safer procedure. There is also minimal scarring, bruising, and down time.
We use two types of Minimally Invasive Liposuction methods: VASER® Liposuction and SmartLipo®.
traditional liposuction vs. minimally invasive liposuction?
Minimally Invasive Liposuction is done under Local anesthesia (you are awake). Traditional Liposuction is done under General anesthesia (you are asleep during the procedure).
Large incisions are usually required for Traditional Liposuction and sometimes drains have to be placed. Minimally Invasive Liposuction uses SMALL incisions and rarely requires any drainage placement. This means less down town and discomfort.
With Minimally Invasive Liposuction, patients can expect noticeable improvement in as little as 1 week, with optimal results around 3 months.
There is minimal bruising.
Typically this type of procedure is performed in an “in-office” procedure room, no overnight hospitals stays.
As opposed to major surgery, Minimally Invasive Liposuction has less complications, and typically there is only 1-2 days down time (recovery) required. Many of our patients go back to work after a “3 day long weekend”.
What is the difference between vaser® liposuction and smartlipo®?
Vaser® Lipo is a Minimally Invasive Liposuction that is tissue selective, targeting fat while protecting other tissues from damage. Vaser® Liposuction uses Ultrasonic Vibrations to break down fat.
SmartLipo® is also a minimally invasive type of liposuction, however this type of liposuction uses Laser/Heat (980-1064nm) to break down fat.
VASER® Liposuction
Pretty Faces Atlanta offers a revolutionary way to tone, tighten, and reshape your body when diet and exercise doesn’t seem to do the trick. Using the VASER® Lipo system, we can help you achieve the body you’ve always wanted.*
From minor touch-ups to major transformations, VASER® Lipo can help. VASER® Lipo provides smooth, predictable results with fast recovery and minimal downtime, and is successful with all body types and body weights.*
The Vaser Lipo Difference
Whether you’d like to lose a few pounds in traditional areas - your abdomen, love handles, thighs, bottom, and back – or finely sculpt your waist, knees, arms, neck, or male chest, VASER® Lipo can give you the results you want. And unlike traditional liposuction, VASER® Lipo results in less trauma and fast recovery.*
Using a technique called LipoSelection, VASER® Lipo targets specific areas of the body. It uses ultrasonic energy – high frequency sound waves – to produce superior results. The ultrasonic waves break up and separate the fat cells for removal, while leaving vital tissues unharmed. In fact, VASER® Lipo is so precise and gentle that patients typically report dramatic reshaping and fat removal with little to no downtime or bruising.*
With VASER® Lipo, you can expect:
Realistic curves and definition, even for hard-to-fix areas*
Easy removal of large quantities of fat*
Precise sculpting of delicate areas of the body*
Minimally invasive procedures that can be delivered in a comfortable clinical setting
Fast recovery times*
Smooth, tight results*
Read our Frequently Asked Questions below to find out if VASER® Lipo is right for you.
Smartlipo®
Smartlipo® also has many advantages over traditional liposuction; it is a prime example of Primary Laser Liposuction. Fat is destroyed by means of a special laser housed inside the liposuction cannula. SmartLipo® laser liposuction uses laser-induced heat to "melt" fat, which is then gently suctioned out.
The benefits of minimally invasive laser liposuction compared with traditional liposuction include that it is gentler and safer, partly due to the much smaller cannulas. Second, the smaller cannulas mean smaller incisions, so there is less scarring. Finally, because of the heat generated by this method, there is another very important benefit: the body’s own healing response causes tissues to contract, leaving skin tighter and smoother in the treated area. This is good news indeed, since the traditional liposuction method of merely “sucking out the fat” can sometimes leave patients with uneven contours and loose, sagging skin.
SmartLipo® is generally recommended for smaller areas, like the chin, jawline, back "flaps" (area under arm pits), and thighs.
In fact, this procedure is gaining tremendous popularity for use on the face, especially as a way of redefining the jawline and getting rid of the dreaded “second chin” that creeps up on some of us as we get older.
Is Laser Liposuction safe?
There can be fear for patients when they hear the term "laser" along with liposuction. The phrase “laser lipo” can conjure up unpleasant images. However, please understand that the "tool" isn't what's fearsome, it's the person behind the "tool" that makes all the difference. In the hands of the right provider, Laser Liposuction can do wonders.
Experience and confidence while yielding a laser liposuction tool can be your best friend. This is especially important when dealing with chins, back "fat" and sagging areas of the body. We at Pretty Faces Atlanta have over 15 years of experience in managing pigmented skin and body issues.
Considering Hyperpigmentation and scarring as one of our primary concerns IN GENERAL, you can be well assured, not only do we prep for any issues relating, but our aftercare methods are designed to minimize any skin, scarring, or infection issues as well.
Fat Transfer
While exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are the best ways to improve your appearance, fat transfer procedure is another way to enhance your looks. Body fat is often unevenly distributed due to genetics, and as we age, we begin to lose volume in specific areas like the face and hands. In these cases, fat transfers and fat injections may help enhance your appearance. For over 100 years, fat transfers have been used to fill in facial flaws such as hollow cheeks, sunken eyes, or indented scars. Today, fat transfers, also known as fat grafting, are used to augment many other areas of the body.
Fat injections for your entire body
Fat transfer surgery can be used to enhance many parts of your body. The procedure can be used for the following:
Buttocks (Brazilian Butt Lift): During a Brazilian Butt Lift treatment, your fat is grafted and separated and the best fat cells are injected back into your body. The fat injected into your buttocks provides flattering lift, contour, and shape to your backside.
Fillers for the hands and face: To rejuvenate older and aging hands, your fat is grafted and injected into the areas you would like to look fuller. Hand and facial rejuvenation can result in features that look fuller, smoother, and younger.
Male pec augmentation: Looking to improve the appearance of your chest?
Just another day of collecting fat at Pretty Faces Atlanta.
The fat grafting procedure
A fat transfer is a simple procedure that can be completed in three steps:
Antiseptic and topical anesthesia are applied to two areas: the location where the fat will be removed (donor site) and the treated area where the fat will be injected.
The fat cells are harvested from the donor site through Vaser® liposuction.
The fat cells are processed, purified, mixed with your own plasma rich platelets, and then injected beneath the skin in the targeted area. Additional wound healing and increased fat survival rates are ensured by using a patient’s own plasma rich platelets (PRP) during the procedure. *
Advantages of fat transfers
A fat transfer, or fat grafting, involves your own fat cells, which means that the procedure is biocompatible and may help reduce the risk of allergic reaction or rejection. Body fat transfers also look and feel more natural than a body implant. In order to do a successful fat transfer injection, you must have an area on your body that has not been previously liposuctioned and you must have enough fat to harvest for the transfer.
A thorough appointment would be required to best determine if you are the right candidate and to chart out the best course and treatment plan to ensure optimal success.
Additional skin tightening
In our practice, truSculpt® iD is used in conjunction with VASER® Lipo or SmartLipo to further "uplift" and "tone up" treatment areas (post liposuction). This is an absolute MUST! To ensure NO sagging, loose skin after removing fatty tissue volume, and for the extra perk of increased tightening and smoothing of treatment areas, ALL of our post Liposuction patients are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to have their truScupt®iD at their 2 month follow up appointment.
truSculpt®iD, by itself, provides permanent fat loss in treatment areas, however when performed post Liposuction, it can only be described as a “win win situation.”
truSculpt® iD is a revolutionary non-surgical, body-sculpting treatment that is clinically proven to permanently eliminate fat cells in stubborn areas around your abdomen and flanks. With truSculpt iD, patients can experience significant fat reduction, decreased appearance of cellulite, and increased collagen production in the dermis leading to a "tightening", “firming", and "uplifting" of affected areas. truSculpt® iD can be used to achieve decreased overall abdominal, pelvic, or thigh circumference and girth as well as “chin tightening”, “upper arm tightening” and “butt lifting (Laser /Non-invasive BBB)”. Click here to learn more about truSculpt® iD.
Call Pretty Faces Atlanta today for a detailed appointment, so we can best determine whether truSculpt® iD or VASER® Lipo would be more optimal for your body type and complaint areas.
FAQ Regarding Cosmetic Treatments
*Results not typical. Individual results may vary.
LIPOSUCTION and fat transfer questions?
How long do procedures usually take?
Generally, liposuction procedures take between 2-4 hours and fat transfer procedures take about the same time.
Will I feel anything during my cosmetic procedure?
You will feel an initial stick from a lidocaine injection, but after that you will not feel much more during the procedure.
What is my recovery time?
With most of our procedures, there is little to no down time. While many of our cosmetic procedure options provide fast results, it’s possible that the body will experience light bruising or swelling. Recovery time depends on the individual procedure. During your consultation, ask about the typical recovery time for your cosmetic procedure.
Will I be put to “sleep”?
No, patients are awake during their procedure, however pain and anxiety are controlled.
Am I a good candidate?
You will need to have a thorough one-on-one evaluation with one of our highly skilled medical providers to determine if you are a good candidate and chart out the best course of action to combat your facial or body complaint.
I have other medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, hyperthyroidism....can I still be a candidate?
You will need to have a thorough one-on-one evaluation with one of our highly skilled medical providers to determine if you are a good candidate. Some patients with chronic medical conditions can be considered for minimally invasive treatments. However, this would be determined on a case by case, individual basis.
Is this covered by my health insurance?
We do NOT take health insurance, as most health insurance companies do not cover cosmetic treatments. However, some procedures can be covered under Flexible Spending or Health Savings. In addition, medical financing options are available. Please discuss this with one of our administrative staff.