Rhinoplasty

Liposuction vs. HD-Lipo – What’s the Difference?

Cosmetically trimming down your body in the past meant going to the surgeon’s office for liposuction. We don’t need to tell you about liposuction. The procedure has steadily gained popularity ever since it was first introduced back in the 1920s.

It’s almost common knowledge that the safe and effective cosmetic technique removes stubborn pockets of fat from various areas of the body.

Liposuction can be used on the face, neck, chest, back, abdomen, arms, thighs, and even ankles.

The result is a slimmer profile and more attractive contours, all without slaving away in the gym.

There is another technology you should know about called Hi-Definition Liposuction, otherwise referred to as HD-lipo.

Hi-Def lipo is a body contouring procedure that removes fat and tones and tightens your body. The procedure leaves your body parts looking athletic and defined.

HD-lipo is like traditional liposuction, but there are some distinct differences. Let’s look at those now.

What is Hi-Definition Liposuction?

Liposuction vs. HD-Lipo

You might hear this technology called Hi-definitely liposuction, VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance), or 4D lipo. The technique uses ultrasound energy to break up unwanted fat.

During the procedure, a small incision is made near the treatment site. This allows for the insertion of the HD-lipo device. The device uses ultrasound to liquefy the fat, which makes it easier to remove. The fat is then removed gently via suction, allowing room for additional augmentation procedures.

As a side note, the fat that is removed with HD-liposuction can be put back into your body for popular procedures like natural breast augmentation and the Brazilian butt lift. We call it the fat transfer technique. The fat is sterilized before it is reinjected into the body parts, where you want subtle and natural-looking results.

Ask Dr. Moein about the fat transfer technique during your consultation.

What Can You Expect from HD-Liposuction?

HD-liposuction tones muscle and tightens skin. You can trim your arms, thighs, waist, and abdomen, and you can even rid yourself of your double chin. Some men may want chiseled abs, while women want slimmer and firmer contours. You can have these results with HD-liposuction.

You will enjoy these amazing results without excessive dieting or grueling exercise programs.

The ultrasound mechanism employed makes fat removal a smooth process. It means you should be back to your usual routine within four to seven days.

How Does HD-Liposuction Differ from Traditional Liposuction?

Attractive Body Contours

When compared side by side, the results from HD-lipo tend to be more significant than those of tried-and-true lipo.

With traditional liposuction, the surgeon uses the cannula to break up unwanted fat. This requires the surgeon to use tugging and pulling motions for clinging and stubborn connective tissue.

With HD-lipo, ultrasound energy melts the fat, making it easier to suction out. This is a major reason HD-Liposuction is given the nickname 4-D lipo because it can safely be used all over the body for impressive results. Anywhere you want more tone or definition so you can turn heads wherever you go, HD-lipo is the cosmetic surgery to request.

Faster Recovery Period

Recovery Period

After undergoing traditional liposuction, most patients require at least 24 hours of inpatient care. You can expect to return to work after ten days in most cases.

With HD liposuction, you should be back to work in as little as three or four days. Some patients need seven days of recovery to fully heal. If you feel discomfort or pain, stop whatever activity you are engaging in until after you have fully healed.

However, unlike traditional liposuction, which is inpatient, HD-lipo is an outpatient procedure. It means you will return home the same day after undergoing the procedure.

Lowered Risk

Traditional liposuction typically uses general anesthesia when substantial amounts of fat are removed. This ensures your comfort and safety, as you will be unconscious for the entirety of the surgical procedure. When you wake, you will undergo observation for a day, and then you can go home to heal.

Because general anesthesia is used, risks to your health can become slightly elevated.

HD-liposuction, on the other, doesn’t require the use of general anesthesia. A localized tumescent anesthetic is used instead, which means you will be awake for the procedure. You will also be well enough to go home afterward.

And since a single incision is made that is one or two centimeters in length, you will find HD-lipo gentle on the body indeed.

Remove Fat from Anywhere on the Body

Liposuction is meant for large pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. The back, flanks, and thighs are common lipo surgery treatment sites.

Hi-definition liposuction can be used to remove fat from almost any place on the body. Even sensitive areas of the body, like the inner knee and ankles or the face, can be treated with the gentle fat removal process.

Want fat removed from a more typical area, such as the abdomen or the hips? HD-lipo can liquefy the fat all over for a slimmer, more contoured result.

A bonus is that the skin around the treatment area won’t need to be lifted or cut on account of HD-lipo’s skin tightening benefits.

How Long Does the HD-Liposuction Procedure Take?

In most cases, an HD-lipo session at Moein Surgical Arts takes around seven hours to perform. It all depends on how much fat is being removed and the area being worked on.

You will be awake for the duration of the procedure, but you won’t feel a thing. The procedure isn’t as invasive as traditional liposuction, so you’ll feel relaxed and safe while Dr. Moein slims your body with this revolutionary cosmetic technique.

When Can You See the Results of HD-Lipo?

Results of HD-Lipo

Hi-definition liposuction gives you immediately noticeable improvements. The area will appear sleeker with the fatty areas missing and with toned skin left behind. However, those are only the initial results.

The true results of the procedure won’t manifest for another twelve weeks following treatment. That means you will get to witness your skin getting tighter the longer time goes on. When those twelve weeks have expired, you’ll notice dramatically greater muscle tone and firmer skin at the treatment site.

Are HD-Lipo Results Permanent?

Both traditional liposuction and HD-lipo offer permanent fat removal. The fat cells are extracted from your body entirely and will not regenerate. That means that even if you gain weight, fat growth in the treatment area will be significantly reduced as there will be fewer fat cells left behind.

You will still need to watch your weight and exercise. If you can manage to live a healthy lifestyle, you can experience long-term results and the best appearance thanks to HD liposuction.

Keep in mind that untreated areas of the body will still experience fat growth.

As far as the tightness of your skin, those results are not permanent. The skin tightening effects of HD-lipo do improve for months. Then, after about a year, you may see your results fade. The rate of fading depends on your lifestyle and age. You can retain the results longer by taking care of your skin. Avoid excessive sun exposure and keep your skin moisturized and healthy.

You can always return to Moein Surgical Arts for skin tightening treatments if you wish to prolong your results.

How Should You Prepare for Liposuction or HD-Liposuction?

Before you are scheduled for lipo or high-definition lipo, you will need to schedule a consultation with Dr. Moein. During this private, one-on-one meeting, Dr. Moein will ask you about your current state of health, medical history, and the results you hope to achieve. Dr. Moein wants to ensure you understand every aspect of liposuction or HD-lipo before recommending you for surgery.

Once you are recommended for surgery, the date will be scheduled. Before surgery, make sure you have a ride home from our accredited cosmetic surgical center. With liposuction, you’ll want to plan to spend a day in recovery at Moein Surgical Arts, whereby you will return home the following day.

With HD-lipo, you can expect to be home and in recovery on the same day.

After the Procedure

After liposuction and HD-lipo, you should plan to take it easy for a few days. Even if a local anesthetic was used, your body needs time to heal. If possible, have someone nearby who can prepare meals and engage in light cleaning so you can rest.

After HD-lipo, you should expect to experience a lymphatic drainage massage. The purpose of this technique is to stimulate your lymphatic system, which aids in the removal of waste from your body.

The surgeon will ask you to wear a compression garment after both types of procedures for up to four weeks following your procedure. We may ask you to return to Moein Surgical Arts for follow-up visits to ensure long-term results and assess for rare potential complications.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for HD-Lipo?

Candidate for HD-Lipo

Hi-definition liposuction is suitable for people seeking to remove stubborn pockets of fat from certain areas of their bodies. The aesthetic technique is safe and effective for all types of bodies and skin tones if you are in good general health.

To be considered for surgery, your BMI needs to be in the normal range (around 32). If you have recently undergone significant loss, your doctor may want your weight to stabilize for a few months before recommending you for surgery.

The effects of HD-lipo work best when your weight is stable and close to your ideal based on your height.

Who is Not a Good Candidate for Lipo or HD-Lipo?

You will not be a good candidate for liposuction or high-definition liposuction if you have a high BMI.

With HD lipo, you would be denied surgery if your skin elasticity doesn’t have the bounce-back effect to make skin tightening possible.

Then some are at higher risk for complications, such as pregnant and nursing women. Dr. Moein would ask that you wait until after childbirth to consider a technique like liposuction or HD lipo.

Other factors that may get you denied for both surgeries include taking anti-inflammatory or blood-thinning drugs and if you have health conditions like immunodeficiency disorders that require medications that could interfere with these procedures.

How Much Does Liposuction vs. HD-Lipo Cost?

Traditional liposuction costs around $4,000 on average. Meanwhile, hi-definition lipo costs $6,500 on average.

While HD-lipo is slightly more expensive, it gives you that extra skin-tightening effect you don’t get with traditional liposuction.

Will Insurance Cover Liposuction or HD Liposuction?

Your health insurance plan is unlikely to cover a procedure like lipo or HD lipo. These are elective procedures that don’t benefit your health. Your insurance provider can give you further details regarding the specifics of your coverage policy.

If insurance doesn’t cover the costs of your liposuction procedure, there are other ways to help you afford improved contours and tighter skin. Medical financing is one option, as is crowdsourcing, where you can get your friends and family to pitch in and help you out.

Ready to Experience the Life-Changing Benefits of Liposuction or HD-Lipo?

You already know about liposuction. Now you know more about hi-definition lipo, otherwise known as 4D lipo or VASER lipo. Contact Moein Surgical Arts throughout Los Angeles, Encino, or Glendale, and schedule a consultation with Dr. Moein to ask about lipo or HD lipo today. (310)694-4486.

Contact Call Moein, MD on the phone at (213) 414-7572