Struggling with stubborn fat in areas like under the chin, bra bulges, or around the knees can be frustrating, especially when diet and exercise seem ineffective. Genetics often play a significant role in these hard-to-shrink areas. Micro liposuction offers a solution by using smaller tools to target these specific zones, resulting in permanent sculpting with minimal invasiveness. This liposuction technique uses a smaller cannula tube on small areas under local anesthesia, allowing most patients to return to work the next day. Additionally, micro liposuction can be combined with laser or radio-frequency tools for added skin tightening.
Under the Chin
With micro liposuction, a tiny cannula is used to remove fat from small pockets for precise sculpting. “You get focused results with less bruising and swelling, and you can be accurate about the fat removal,” says Dr. Richard A. Rival, MD, FRCSC. Under the chin is the top site for this hour-long procedure. The patient can be fully awake and walk out of the office.
Above the Knee; Inner Knees
“These areas are very tricky to get any sort of improvement without surgical contouring,” says Stephen Mulholland, former surgeon of Toronto’s SpaMedica. Since it’s nearly impossible to get rid of chubby knees with diet and exercise, micro liposuction here is increasingly becoming an effective option. In fact, Demi Moore is rumoured to have indulged in this liposuction procedure.
How to Sculpt Your Body with Targeted Liposuction Techniques?
Ankles (Not Ideal)
Thick ankles or “cankles,” as they’re known, are trouble spots many women may want to sculpt, but the area is tricky. “I try to talk people out of this if it’s modest or mild, because it’s a risky area,” says Mulholland. Concerns center on a higher risk of post-operative complications like venous thrombosis and phlebitis.
Back
While it was one of several procedures done on Heidi Montag, don’t be surprised if you haven’t heard of “back scooping.” Strategic pockets of fat are removed to contour the back, take in the waist, and reduce those hard-to-lose bra bulges.
Inner Arms
“Rapidly gaining and losing weight can come with an unfortunate side effect—saggy underarms. Usually, in addition to targeted fat removal, some type of skin tightening is added for optimal results,” says Mulholland.
Inner Thighs
The experts agree fat here doesn’t seem to budge — even with tons of exercise. Shaping the upper inner thighs can be done under local anesthesia, with contouring lasting for years. Compared to traditional liposuction, the bruising and recovery time is also lessened since there’s not as much trauma.
Micro Liposuction vs. Traditional Liposuction
Cannula Size and Precision
- Micro Liposuction: Utilizes a smaller cannula, allowing for more precise targeting of small, stubborn fat deposits.
- Traditional Liposuction: Employs a larger cannula, making it suitable for removing larger volumes of fat from broader areas of the body.
Anesthesia
- Micro Liposuction: Usually performed under local anesthesia, minimizing risks and shortening recovery time.
- Traditional Liposuction: Often requires general anesthesia, which comes with higher risks and a longer recovery period.
Recovery Time
- Micro Liposuction: Patients can often return to their daily activities, including work, within a day or two.
- Traditional Liposuction: Typically involves a longer recovery period, with several days to weeks of downtime.
Scarring and Invasiveness
- Micro Liposuction: Results in smaller incisions, leading to minimal scarring and a less invasive procedure overall.
- Traditional Liposuction: Involves larger incisions and can result in more noticeable scarring.
What Are the Benefits of Micro Liposuction?
- Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions reduce the risk of complications and result in minimal scarring.
- Precision: The smaller cannula allows for precise contouring of specific areas, providing more refined results.
- Quick Recovery: Most patients can resume their normal activities within a day or two, making it a convenient option for those with busy schedules.
- Local Anesthesia: Reduced risks associated with local anesthesia compared to general anesthesia.
- Skin Tightening: When combined with laser or radio-frequency tools, micro liposuction can enhance skin tightening in the treated areas.
Bottom Line
Micro liposuction offers a targeted and minimally invasive solution for removing stubborn fat deposits in specific areas of the body. With its use of a smaller cannula and local anesthesia, this liposuction technique provides precise sculpting, minimal scarring, and a quick recovery time. Whether you’re looking to address under-chin fat, bra bulges, or other localized fat deposits, micro liposuction can help achieve a refined and contoured look with minimal downtime.
