What is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes stubborn fat from specific areas of the body, creating a more sculpted, refined contour. Liposuction is performed using a variety of liposuction techniques, including traditional, tumescent, laser-assisted, ultrasound-assisted, and power-assisted methods, each designed to optimize fat removal and patient comfort. While there are several techniques available, all forms of liposuction involve suctioning away excess fat cells from the treatment site.
Various technologies exist to prepare the fat for removal, such as applying laser or ultrasound energy to melt or break apart the fat cells. Traditionally, the procedure involves the surgeon manually breaking up the fat with a narrow tube called a cannula before suctioning it away.
At U Plastic Surgery + Aesthetics, Dr. Tag exclusively uses Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL), an advanced technique that uses a vibrating cannula to dislodge fat cells before removal. This dislodging of fat cells makes their removal easier through small incisions. Unlike conventional liposuction, PAL enables smoother and more precise fat removal with less trauma to surrounding tissues, resulting in reduced bruising and a more comfortable recovery.
Dr. Tag also enhances fat removal with technologies such as ultrasound-assisted VASER liposuction, which uses sound waves to break apart fat cells for easier extraction. These methods help dislodge fat cells, making their easier removal possible. VASER is often combined with tumescent liposuction, in which a fluid mixture of lidocaine and epinephrine is injected to facilitate fat removal, reduce blood loss, and improve patient comfort. These methods work together to deliver safer, more consistent results and a more sculpted appearance with fewer complications.
In addition to removing unwanted fat, Dr. Tag specializes in advanced liposculpting techniques, often referred to as high-definition liposuction. Unlike traditional liposuction, which focuses mainly on “debulking,” Dr. Tag uses a combination of technology and sculpting techniques to enhance natural contours and highlight the body’s underlying anatomy. The result is a more defined, athletic, and natural-looking shape, refined with precision rather than simply reduced. Once fat cells are removed during the procedure, they do not return, making the results permanent as long as a healthy lifestyle is maintained.