Liposuction is good, in fact it is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the world, but it can always be better. We know that suction alone is not the best way to remove fat cells.
The process wreaks havoc on the inside of the body and leaves the patient internally bloody and sore. Using the tumescent technique is better. The tumescent technique involves filling the tissues with fluid and anesthetic to make the procedure more comfortable and the suctioning less traumatic on tissues.
Further enhancements include applying ultrasound from the outside, applying ultrasound from the inside, and even using lasers to “zap” unwanted fat cells. This first approach is not very effective and the last two approaches can leave burns inside the body. So how does water-jet assisted liposuction factor into all of this?
Ideal Candidates for Water-Jet Assisted Liposuction
Water-assisted liposuction is particularly well-suited for individuals who are close to their ideal weight but have stubborn pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. It is not intended as a treatment for obesity or significant weight loss but rather as a body contouring procedure.
Common treatment areas include the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, and back. Because Body-Jet liposuction causes less trauma to the tissues, it is also an excellent option for patients seeking a fat transfer procedure, such as natural breast augmentation or Brazilian butt lift, since the viability of harvested fat is often higher with this technique.
The Evolution of Liposuction Techniques
Water-jet assisted liposuction was pioneered, developed, and marketed by a German company called human med AB. The water-assisted liposuction device is marketed under the brand name BodyJet and, thus far, is the only version of the device available.
Their corporate website is a bit lean on details but the product site provides more of things that consumers would like to know such as, “Is water-jet assisted liposuction safe?” and “Is Body-Jet effective?” While the Body-Jet website is a nice place to start, to find out the real answer to these questions one must dig a little deeper.
How Water-Assisted Liposuction Works
In water-jet assisted liposuction, instead of using ultrasound energy or laser light, the liposuction cannula employs a thin, wedge-shaped jet of water to spray the fat cells. The approach is reminiscent of using a garden hose to clear away debris from a sidewalk or driveway.
The water jet is focused or targeted on a fat pocket and the water stream loosens fat so that it can be carried away by the liposuction cannula. In many ways it takes the widely used tumescent technique one step further because anesthetic can be added to the water used by the Body Jet system.
Benefits Over Traditional Liposuction Techniques
Many patients researching the best liposuction methods ask how Body-Jet compares to traditional liposuction or SmartLipo.
One of the most significant advantages of water-assisted liposuction is that it typically results in reduced post-operative bruising and a quicker recovery.
Since the Body-Jet system uses gentle water pressure instead of mechanical scraping or heat, there’s less risk of nerve damage or internal scarring.
This makes it a safer and more comfortable option for those looking for minimally invasive body contouring. Additionally, surgeons report improved precision, which can lead to smoother and more natural-looking results.
Body-Jet vs. Traditional Liposuction
As with any new procedure, it takes time for surgeons to adopt it into practice and for clinical research data to emerge on the subject. However in the four short years since the device has been available, the published research has been favorable.
In 2008 the FDA declared that Body-Jet was “substantially equivalent to its predicate devices” which means that after review of the available clinical data, Body Jet lipo was as good as any of the legal liposuction devices that are currently on the market. That means it is safe and effective, but is it any better than previous technologies?
Is Body-Jet Lipo Better?
It is too soon to answer that question based on currently published data. However, we do know that surgeons’ early experiences with Body-Jet show that it is good at achieving painless or near-painless lipoplasty. The anesthetic in the water leads to a more comfortable procedure and in most people that means that general anesthesia is not necessary.
Patients also seem to recover more quickly after water-jet assisted liposuction. Since the liposuction under the skin is less traumatic, there is less pain during recovery. Because the water jet is delivered in a thin, targeted stream, there is less swelling during the procedure. Less swelling means that the surgeon can better visualize the areas that need to be contoured and sculpted. Thus water-assisted liposuction is a bit more precise.
In truth it is just too soon to tell whether water-jet assisted liposuction will emerge as the superior liposuction technology, or simply be another choice in minimally invasive fat removal surgery. As with any decision, it is important to weigh all of your options before choosing and this is especially true in matters of plastic surgery.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery time after Body-Jet liposuction varies depending on the size and number of treated areas, but most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
There may be some minor swelling, tenderness, or light bruising, but these symptoms usually resolve quickly. Because general anesthesia is typically not required, many patients experience fewer side effects and a faster return to their routines.
To maintain optimal results, it’s important to follow your plastic surgeon’s post-procedure instructions and maintain a healthy lifestyle. For those searching for quick recovery liposuction options, Body-Jet offers a compelling choice.