High Definition Liposuction

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that aims to refine the shape and contour of your body.

Traditional liposuction primarily focuses on the removal of fat to reduce volume in specific areas, aiming for a general slimming effect without detailed sculpting. High definition liposuction, however, takes the approach of meticulously removing fat around muscle groups to enhance the visibility of natural muscular contours, achieving a more sculpted, athletic appearance.

Just like routine liposuction, high definition liposuction uses very small incisions and liposuction cannulas (small tubes) to remove the fat that is under the skin. High definition liposuction requires advanced skills, as it involves precise shaping and an artistic approach to body contouring. Because high definition liposuction involves working with very specific surface areas, the cannulas used and the technique can be different from traditional liposuction, as well.

Both traditional and high definition liposuction require a surgeon with extensive experience to achieve safe and effective results and to avoid injury to the internal organs or to the skin. Be sure to discuss your options, along with all the attendant risks and benefits, in a consultation with your physician.

High definition liposuction requires a high level of skill and artistic vision from your plastic surgeon, as they must have a thorough understanding of the underlying anatomy and the ability to meticulously remove fat in a way that enhances the natural contours of the body.

Your surgeon will often use specialized cannulas and techniques such as VASER (vibration amplification of sound energy at resonance) or PAL (power-assisted liposuction) to selectively remove fat while preserving the surrounding tissues. VASER utilizes ultrasound energy to emulsify fat before removal, allowing for more precise sculpting, while PAL involves a rapidly vibrating cannula that facilitates fat extraction.

Given the complexity of high definition liposuction, it is crucial that your plastic surgeon has had extensive training and experience. Patients should seek out board-certified plastic surgeons who have a proven track record of success with high definition liposuction to ensure optimal results and minimize the risk of complications.

While high definition liposuction can achieve remarkable results, it is not the only option for patients seeking a more sculpted physique. Alternative treatments include non-invasive body contouring treatments such as cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting®), laser lipolysis (SculpSure®), and electromagnetic muscle stimulation (Emsculpt®). These treatments can help reduce fat and tone muscles, though they may not achieve the same level of definition as high definition liposuction. Additionally, they are best suited for patients who are close to their ideal body weight and have good skin elasticity. Patients with significant fat deposits or loose skin may be better candidates for surgical procedures like high definition liposuction or a tummy tuck.

Regardless of the chosen treatment, patient safety should always be your surgeon’s top priority. High definition liposuction, like any surgical procedure, carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and contour irregularities.

Before you go

When considering high-definition liposuction, discuss key factors with your plastic surgeon to ensure the best outcome and safety during the procedure. Evaluate your candidacy, assess the surgeon’s expertise and experience, and understand the procedure details, risks, and complications.

Review the surgeon’s before-and-after photos to ensure their results align with your expectations and aesthetic goals. Have an open dialogue about your desired outcomes and the realistic results achievable with high-definition liposuction, considering your natural anatomy and skin elasticity. By addressing these points during your consultation, you can make an informed decision about whether high-definition liposuction is right for you and feel confident in your surgeon’s ability to deliver the best results.

During the procedure

High definition liposuction is usually done under general anesthesia, so you will be pain-free throughout the procedure. A tumescent fluid is injected to reduce bleeding and facilitate fat removal, followed by the insertion of a thin cannula to precisely suction out fat and sculpt the body. Your surgeon will use small incisions to facilitate the use of the liposuction cannulas.

The procedure concludes with your surgeon closing the incisions with dissolvable sutures and applying compression garments to support healing and contouring. Your procedure will typically take one to two hours to be completed.

High Definition Liposuction Aftercare 

After high definition liposuction, you should expect some discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the treated areas. Prescription pain medication will be provided to manage your discomfort in the initial days following surgery, and you can transition to over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol) as tolerated.

Wearing compression garments, as directed by your surgeon, is essential to minimize swelling, support the healing process, and ensure optimal results. You will require one to two weeks of downtime before resuming normal activities and should avoid strenuous exercise for three to six weeks. Since the sutures used for the skin incisions are usually absorbable, they will not require removal. Follow-up appointments with your surgeon are necessary to monitor progress and address any concerns.

While an immediate improvement in body contours may be noticeable, final results will take several months to fully develop as swelling subsides and the skin adapts. Maintaining a stable weight and healthy lifestyle is key for long-lasting effects. You should be aware of potential complications and report any concerning symptoms to your surgeon promptly. The results of high definition liposuction are usually durable but can be affected by significant weight fluctuations or pregnancy.