Are you considering liposuction to remove excess body weight and tighten loose skin? You have two options: liposuction or liposculpture. These two cosmetic procedures are similar, but they do have unique differences. It’s important to understand these differences so that you can make the best decision for your body. Berlet Plastic Surgery is proud to offer both traditional liposuction and the Smartlipo procedure.

Liposuction vs. Liposculpture: The Main Differences

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes excess fat deposits from the body. Liposuction is most commonly used on the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, upper arms, and lower legs. It’s an effective procedure that is performed under general anesthesia. To ensure a beautiful cosmetic result, it’s essential to work with a trained and experienced cosmetic surgeon.

On the other hand, liposculpting, also known as Smartlipo, is a more advanced cosmetic surgery used on the neck and chin. The goal is the same as liposuction: to remove excess body fat. The difference is that the procedure uses a single laser fiber as opposed to a syringe or suction pump. The fat is melted away rather than sucked out. The procedure also tightens the skin, eliminating sagginess which can be a complication of traditional liposuction.

Liposuction & Liposculpture: Similarities

While both of these procedures are performed differently, the truth is that liposculpture is a derivative of liposuction. Doctors frequently use these terms synonymously despite their differences. When performing liposuction, the plastic surgeon is aiming to remove fat cells in bulk from a certain area. This practice was simply improved upon with the invention of liposculpture. This procedure focuses on removing fat in specific areas with the goal of sculpting and shaping the body.

Despite the apparent differences between these two procedures, whenever a surgeon performs liposuction or liposculpture, the overall aesthetic outcome should be a priority. Taking out the most amount of fat possible does not always yield the best aesthetic results.

Liposculpture recovery vs. Liposuction recovery

The recovery process for these two procedures varies. The patient’s overall health and the quantity of fat that he removes affect the overall recovery process.

Generally, for liposculpture recovery, you can expect to rest for 48 hours following the procedure. Your doctor should give you permission to return to work within two to four days. Generally, your doctor restricts exercise and other strenuous activities for one week up to 10 days, depending on your surgery specifics.

When it comes to recovery from liposuction, the timeline is only minimally different. It generally takes one week to 10 days before you can return to work. Your doctor will likely also recommend 4 to 6 weeks before you can get back to physical activities, such as exercise. The entire recovery process where you can visibly see the results and swelling decreases takes about 3 months.

Cost: Liposculpture vs. Liposuction

The cost of these two procedures varies based on many factors. The list includes the following.

  • Treatment area
  • Doctor’s fees
  • State/County/Town in where the procedure happens
  • Anesthesia fees

Generally speaking, liposuction can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $15,000+ depending on the target treatment areas. For liposculpture, the cost is usually marginally lower. This is because liposculpture is a minimally invasive procedure. The cost of liposculpture can range from $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the target treatment areas.

Will insurance cover my liposculpture or liposuction?

In some cases, insurance will cover your fat loss procedure. You should speak to your individual insurance carrier to learn more about the details. Usually, the company will cover your liposculpture or liposuction procedure if the fat loss will improve an existing health condition or change the overall quality of your life. However, insurance companies do not usually cover less drastic procedures.

Which Procedure is Best?

One of these procedures isn’t better than the other. Both liposuction and liposculpture offer benefits. They both also yield similar risks to the patient. To know which procedure will best achieve your desired results, you’ll need to discuss your unique situation with your doctor. Here are a few things to know about the procedures and how they differ.

  • Liposculpture uses a local anesthetic to keep bleeding and swelling to a minimum. Liposuction generally uses general anesthesia, which carries risks of its own.
  • Liposuction typically removes more fat than liposculpture, making it a good option for the hips and stomach. However, liposculpture can shape larger amounts of fat.
  • Liposculpture provides precise results. However, it does not typically achieve large weight loss results. For those who want to remove a lot of fat, liposuction is best.

Learn More From a Top NJ Plastic Surgeon

No matter which method you choose to lose excess weight, there are benefits to both liposuction and liposculpture. Generally speaking, liposuction is the best choice for those who want to lose a large amount of weight. Smartlipo is ideal for those who want more shaping and sculpting with their fat loss. Berlet Plastic Surgery offers both methods and we can help you determine the best procedure for you and your end goals.