With elective medical procedures, making the right choice for your needs helps to ensure that you achieve the best results. BodyTite™ and liposuction are two body contouring procedures that have some similarities and some differences. The following will help you decide whether BodyTite™ or liposuction is better for your needs.
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| BodyTite™ | Liposuction |
|---|---|---|
Type of Procedure | Minimally Invasive | Surgical |
Body Contouring | Yes – both fat removal and skin tightening | Yes – fat removal only |
Treatment Areas | Virtually anywhere on the body | Virtually anywhere on the body |
Fat Removal | Yes – excess fat is melted away using RF waves transmitted through two electrodes | Yes – excess fat is suctioned out of the body through a thin, hollow tube |
Skin Tightening | Yes | No |
Recovery Time | Usually 3 to 4 days | Usually 1 week |
Time to See Results | Some immediate, some improve over time | Immediate |
Risks | Fewer (minimally invasive procedure) | Greater (surgical procedure) |
Minimally Invasive vs. Surgical Procedures
BodyTite™ is a minimally invasive procedure, which means that there is minimal trauma to the body tissues. Tiny incisions are made in the skin so that an electrode can be passed through to transmit radiofrequency energy waves. These RF waves melt away excess fat and tighten the skin. Only a local anesthetic and mild oral sedative are necessary.
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that usually requires general anesthesia and a more invasive approach to achieve the desired results. Through small surgical incisions, a cannula is inserted, and excess fat is suctioned out of the body.
Body Contouring
While they use different strategies, both BodyTite™ and liposuction are effective body contouring procedures. Liposuction improves body contours through fat removal alone while BodyTite™ improves by contours with both fat removal and skin tightening.
Treatment Areas
Both treatments can be used virtually everywhere on the body. BodyTite™ is most often performed on the abdomen, thighs, bra line, flanks, and upper arms. Liposuction is most often performed on the abdomen, thighs, hips, back, upper arms, and under the chin.
Fat Removal
Both liposuction and BodyTite™ provide fat removal. With BodyTite™, this is accomplished through the use of radiofrequency waves transmitted through electrodes above and beneath the skin layer. These RF waves melt away the excess fat. With liposuction, fat removal is accomplished using suction technology. Through a cannula (thin tube) inserted through the skin into the fatty tissue, excess fat is suctioned out of the body.
Skin Tightening
BodyTite™ provides skin tightening, with some immediate results and results that improve over time due to collagen stimulation. Liposuction does not provide skin tightening.
Recovery Time
Since BodyTite™ is only minimally invasive, it typically has a shorter recovery time than liposuction. However, depending on patient circumstances and the extent of treatment, recovery times can vary for either procedure.
Time to See Results
Both treatments have some immediately visible results. Liposuction results are immediate and become more noticeable as the surgical swelling subsides. Some BodyTite™ results can be seen immediately, but most of the skin tightening typically occurs over the following months.
Risks
As a surgical procedure, liposuction may have more potential risks than BodyTite™. Nonetheless, both treatments are considered safe by the FDA, and thousands of patients have undergone these procedures without experiencing any complications. The potential risks and benefits will be discussed with you prior to your procedure.
Which Has Better Results?
Both liposuction and BodyTite™ can produce excellent body contouring results. Many patients who desire body fat removal could achieve impressive results with either procedure. Some patients prefer to combine liposuction and BodyTite™ to further reduce unwanted fat and also tighten loose skin. Choosing to combine the two procedures can lead to even smoother body contours.
To learn more about BodyTite™ and liposuction, schedule your consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joyce Aycock. Call 720-634-7400 or contact Dr. Aycock online today.