Water-Assisted Liposuction

Much gentler than traditional liposuction procedures, water-assisted liposuction uses a stream of water to loosen and dislodge fat tissue before removing it by washing it out of the body. A water jet is pulsed into the tissue while fat is suctioned away at the same time. Water-assisted liposuction is a safer alternative to other types of liposuction, since it removes fat with less effect on blood vessels or vital tissues.

Procedure: Local anesthetic is introduced through small incisions around the procedure area, then a cannula, or tiny surgical tube, is precisely guided through the incisions, while a stream of water is sprayed from its tip and a vacuum on the tube collects the fat.

Length of procedure: 1-2 hours per region of the body.

Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia, depending on the area or areas to be treated.

In/Outpatient: Outpatient.

Risks: Removes fat smoothly with very low risk and virtually no pain, swelling, bruising, scarring or bleeding.

Recovery: Very short recovery time; typically just a few days. Most people return to normal routines immediately with no downtime needed. Recovery will be longer if multiple areas are treated.

Duration of results: Permanent.

Ideal candidate: Water-assisted liposuction is best for those who are healthy and physically fit, and are not attempting to use the procedure as weight control. This procedure is intended to contour areas not affected by diet and exercise.

Additional benefits: Fat removed can be kept living and healthy to be moved through fat transfer into a different part of the body as desired for a natural filler or facial fat graft.