3D Superficial Liposuction

Superficial or 3D-SLS is liposuction of the layers of fat in both the intermediate and superficial layers, whereas conventional suction-assisted liposuction or lipoplasty, the more traditional liposuction technique, only removes fat from the deepest layers.

Superficial liposuction can give a more rounded or sculpted look with improved skin shrinkage or retraction. This technique is called three dimensional or 3D superficial liposuction as it removes fat from all of the layers to give a better contoured result and not just a reduction in the overall volume of fat.

As the outer layer of fat is heavier than the superficial layer of fat, it can sometimes fall and sag following a suction-assisted liposuction procedure if the superficial fat is left in tact and is not removed. This can result in an uneven and bumpy surface after a period of time.

As the more traditional ultrasonic-assisted lipoplasty and suction-assisted lipoplasty methods only remove fat from the deeper layers, the resulting effects are more like the theory behind that of deflating a large balloon. Both of these methods are unable to reproduce a more natural result as they work in the deeper layers of fat only rather than the layer immediately below the surface fo the skin and are therefore unable to sculpt the curves of the outer thighs, hips and buttocks.

Superficial liposuction is a more effective method of fat removal with better results as it can be performed on nearly all parts of the body where there is an excess of fat.

How Superficial Liposuction Is Performed

The actual application of this method uses smaller cannulas or microcannulas (which are suction tubes) resulting in minimal bruising and bleeding. In this method there is no generation of heat at the internal end of the suction tube, so superficial liposuction can be carried out with no risks of burning to the skin (unlike ultrasonic-assisted lipoplasty).

Fat is actually suctioned and removed as the procedure is conducted, so there is no need for fluid drainage after the operation, unlike the ultrasonic method which causes the fat to liquefy and where drainage is vital.

Ideal Candidates for Superficial Liposuction

Patients with only a relatively small amount of loose skin get tremendous results with this liposuction method as the skin retracts and tightens, whereas loose skin can look far worse after suction-assisted and ultrasonic-assisted surgery procedures.

Superficial liposuction is particularly effective for patients who have reached their ideal weight and who are exercising regularly whilst maintaining a good healthy diet, and yet still have some specific areas of their body which continually resist improvement.

There is no upper age limit for the procedure, providing the individual is physically healthy.

If however, your skin has been over-stretched and remains loose after either weight loss or pregnancy, then liposuction may not be the answer, and in this situation, removal of the excess skin will be more effective. This is particularly the case in the areas of the buttocks, inner thighs, arms and abdomen.

Recovery After Superficial Liposuction

It is possible to remove up to 6lbs of fat safely during one treatment with a speedy healing duration, and the patient is able to resume general routine activities within seven days.

If larger amounts of fat are removed, the recovery time can be prolonged, and if more than 10 lbs of fat is removed, the patient will need to stay in hospital overnight and be monitored for a minimum of 24 hours following the procedure.

Superficial Liposuction Surgery Results

By three weeks after superficial liposuction surgery, swelling will have decreased by approximately 60%, and by 3 months, approximately 80%.

The fat and surface skin areas  will continue to contract and reshape for almost one whole year following the operation, and it is because of this that surgeons won’t recommend further surgery within that timescale.

After the fat has been removed by liposuction, it will not return. Although if the patient gains further weight after they have had their surgery, the surviving fat cells in both the treated areas and the non-treated areas will increase in size, thus greatly reducing the effects of the liposuction procedure in the first place.

Whereas if the patient loses further weight following liposuction treatment, the initial impact of the results of the procedure can be enhanced further, but only if the loss of weight is not excessive.

Excessive Superficial Liposuction

Excessive superficial liposuction can sometimes yield considerable aesthetic problems.

Some surgeons erroneously considered that scraping the undersurface of the skin using the liposuction cannula can induce the skin to contract. Truth be told there is no scientific evidence to support the concept that deliberate impairment to the skin, by simply undertaking excessive superficial liposuction treatment, provides improved aesthetic success results.

Excessive superficial lipo treatment might injure the superficial blood and lymphatic vessels found in the immediate undersurface of the skin, resulting in considerable side effects, among them scarring, lumpiness and an uneven appearance, long-lasting unusual and irregular pigmentation, as well as complete death of the covering skin.

Skin naturally shrinks soon after liposuction treatment due to the fact that:

• skin naturally is made up of elastic fibres and
• skin is relieved by the gravitational effects of excess subcutaneous fat, and
• liposuction surgery normally results in shrinkage of the collagen in the subcutaneous body fat.

Surgeons that recommend superficial liposuction treatment must be very careful to avoid the performance of excessive superficial lipo surgery.

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