What is Water Liposuction?
Water liposuction or water lipo is one of the latest forms of liposuction. It is a technique involving a stream of water strategically targeted at the fat layer, breaking it apart for easier removal. Also known as WAL or H20 Lipo, water assisted liposuction techniques include Water-Jet and Body-Jet liposuction. These methods use a thin beam of water to loosen the structure of the fat layer underneath the skin.
How does Water Assisted Liposuction Work
First, local anesthesia is delivered in order to numb the targeted tissue. Then, small incisions are made to allow the surgeon to insert the cannula (or hollow tube) used to perform the liposuction.
The specialized device used to perform water assisted liposuction uses a cannula with openings near the tip, on both the sides and top. The top opening is used to deliver pressurized saline water in a 360 degree fan, which breaks apart the fat while avoiding damage to nerves and blood vessels. During the procedure, water is continually added to loosen additional areas of excess fat, unlike traditional tumescent liposuction, in which a large volume of liquid is injected prior to the fat removal process. This fluid typically contains lidocaine, a local anesthetic, so that the tissue remains anesthetized throughout the duration of the procedure.
The holes in the sides of the cannula are used to suction out both the water and the loosened fat. The surgeon will move the cannula underneath the surface of the skin to target precise areas of excess fat. Once all of the targeted fat has been removed, the cannula is removed from the fat layer. The incisions usually require no sutures, and the patient is free to return home immediately.
Water Liposuction Cost
This procedure is one of the newest forms of liposuction, and it is still not offered by many surgeons. In addition, it requires specialized surgical equipment. As a result, it tends to be more expensive than comparable liposuction techniques; most patients find that their procedure costs at least $5,000.
Why Choose Water Jet Liposuction
After gaining FDA approval in 2008, water jet assisted liposuction began to gain popularity quickly. It has a reputation for offering a gentler, more precise approach and faster recovery time. It is believed that this method reduces trauma to surrounding areas, resulting a shorter recovery time. Water assisted liposuction patients may experience less bruising and discomfort than those undergoing traditional liposuction.
Because the fat is removed gently rather than scraped away, as with other liposuction techniques, the contours created are exceptionally smooth. This method is best for the treatment of fibrous areas of fat, such as those located on the thighs, back, or buttocks. It is less ideal for treating smaller areas of the body, such as the face.
This gentle removal of the fat preserves it in a healthy state, making it possible for the surgeon to re-implant it in a fat transfer procedure. Should the patient so desire, the fat can be used to augment the breasts, buttocks, or other areas of the body without the use of artificial implants.