Radiofrequency-Assisted Liposuction (RFAL)

Neither Vaser nor Smartlipo can create this dramatic level of skin tightening and contour improvement. Vaser produces an 8-10% skin surface area reduction, about the same as traditional liposuction or SAL. Smartlipo can create a 13-17% skin surface reduction. Using radiofrequency in combination with liposuction can give up to 35% skin surface contraction as measured with a Canfield computerized Vectra system.

He felt the project “turned out really well”. He returned to work 3 days postop and resumed gym workouts at about 5 weeks.

Because liposuction remains at the top of the popularity list monitored by ASAPS, both practitioners and consumers continue to focus on improving outcomes. The use of tumescent fluid infused before removing fat reduces blood loss and perioperative discomfort. A close tab on the use of lidocaine reduces the risk of lidocaine toxicity. Limiting the amount of fat removed in an outpatient setting has made the procedure safer. Also, use of soft tissue tightening has greatly reduced the likelihood of wavy, ripply skin. Nowadays, instead of using superficial liposuction for that purpose, RF-based devices can achieve measurable skin tightening without adding risk.

The patient still has a slight bulge due to internal or omental fat. This can easily be lost with a low carb diet in men. Women tend to have a bit more subcutaneous fat. Their results with diet and exercise are much slower.

An Austrian colleague explained it to me: old fat is usually soft, or pudding-like. Young fat is usually more fibrous and can be found even in otherwise trim athletes. Soft fat responds quite well to liposuction. The more fibrous fat can be stubborn. These types of areas are very responsive to the addition of RF energy.