AirSculpt Lipo is an FDA-approved liposuction procedure that has gained popularity for its minimally invasive approach and impressive results. Traditional liposuction procedures involve using a cannula to manually scrape and break up excess fat before suctioning it out, and Airsculpt follows this same process while utilizing a specific type of cannula.
AirSculpt Liposuction
AirSculpt Liposuction is just like other forms of liposuction that uses a handpiece and a thin, vibrating cannula. This advanced technology allows for a gentler approach, minimizing trauma to adjacent tissues. The vibrating cannula breaks up individual fat cells with minimal “shearing” before suctioning them out, resulting in a quicker recovery time. Some patients may only require one to two days of downtime, compared to the typical one to two weeks.
Benefits of AirSculpt Technology
AirSculpt Lipo offers several advantages over traditional liposuction procedures. Here are some of the key benefits:
1. Gentle and Minimally Invasive
The AirSculpt procedure, like other liposuction procedures, is performed using a small, vibrating cannula, making it a gentle and minimally invasive option for body sculpting. It can be performed under oral sedation with the option of local anesthesia, eliminating the need for general anesthesia and reducing associated risks and expenses.
2. Mild Skin Tightening
The vibrations generated by the AirSculpt cannula and other vibrating cannulas also provide mild skin tightening benefits. The frictional heat produced during the procedure triggers a natural healing response, producing new collagen and firmer skin in the treated area.
3. Versatility
AirSculpt Lipo like other tumescent liposuction techniques, can be performed on various body areas, including the hips, abdomen, love handles, arms, back, and even under the chin. This versatility allows patients to target specific areas of concern and achieve their desired body contour.
4. Viable Fat Transfer
AirSculpt technology like other liposuction, allows fat cells remain viable for fat transfer to other body areas. This is often done in combination with other procedures, such as Brazilian butt lift (referred to as Power BBL Brazilian butt lift or AirSculpt BBL), breast augmentation (Up A Cup), or hip augmentation (HipFlip for HipDips). The ability to transfer fat cells allows patients to enhance other body areas and achieve a more comprehensive transformation.
Pros and Cons of AirSculpt Lipo
As with any medical procedure, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of AirSculpt Lipo before making a decision. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to keep in mind:
Pros
- Quick recovery time: AirSculpt Lipo typically requires only 1-3 days of downtime, compared to the 1-2 weeks associated with traditional liposuction.
- Viable fat transfer: The gentle fat removal technique allows for the preservation of fat cells, which can be used for fat transfer to other body areas.
- Mild skin tightening: The procedure stimulates collagen production, leading to firmer skin in the treated area.
- Positive patient reviews: Many patients have reported positive experiences with AirSculpt Lipo, citing a relatively easy recovery, minimal pain, and significant before and after transformations.
Cons
- Potential risks: As with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks involved, including bruising, swelling, and the possibility of infection.
- Mixed results: While most patients have positive experiences, some have reported lumps, asymmetry, or a lack of significant changes post-treatment.
- Limited skin tightening: While AirSculpt Lipo offers mild skin tightening benefits, it may not be sufficient for treating significant laxity.
Ideal Candidates for AirSculpt Lipo
AirSculpt Lipo is best suited for healthy adults looking to remove pockets of stubborn fat or sculpt specific areas of their body. Ideal candidates may have concerns with their abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, buttocks, or under the chin. It’s important to note that AirSculpt Lipo is not intended for weight loss but rather for fine-tuning and sculpting targeted areas of the body.
AirSculpt Lipo and Skin Tightening
While AirSculpt Lipo offers mild skin tightening benefits, it may not be sufficient for treating significant laxity. However, Elite Body Sculpture now offers AirSculpt+, which combines AirSculpt body contouring with Renuvion skin tightening. Renuvion is an FDA-cleared treatment for moderate to severe lines and wrinkles and skin laxity on the neck and under the chin. While using Renuvion for body skin tightening is considered an “off-label” procedure, it should only be performed by an experienced surgeon.
The AirSculpt Lipo Procedure and Recovery
Before undergoing an AirSculpt Lipo procedure, you’ll be taken into a treatment room where you’ll change into a surgical gown. Your surgeon will mark the targeted areas on your body. To help you relax, you’ll be given prescription medication and offered nitrous oxide. Local anesthesia will be administered using a needle-free jet injector, ensuring you are numb and comfortable throughout the procedure.
The surgeon will create a tiny entry point and insert the vibrating cannula, which separates and permanently removes the fat cells. The duration of the procedure depends on the amount of fat being removed and the number of areas treated, typically ranging from 45 minutes to four hours. After the procedure, you’ll be taken to a recovery room, where the treatment area will be covered with padded bandages. You’ll also receive a compression garment to minimize swelling and enhance your results.
Recovery Process
After an AirSculpt Lipo procedure, recovery typically involves a few days of downtime. Here’s what you can expect during your recovery:
- Showering is usually permitted after 24 hours.
- Fluid leakage from the cannula insertion site may occur during the first few days, requiring daily changes of padded bandages.
- Follow your surgeon’s instructions for keeping the incisions clean to prevent infection.
- Regular walking for at least 45 minutes a day is recommended.
- Prescription antibiotics are usually prescribed for the first two weeks post-procedure.
- Bruising and swelling are common initially but should subside within a week.
- Wearing the compression garment for two weeks, followed by nighttime use for an additional week, helps reduce swelling.
- Initial body contouring results will be visible within a week as swelling decreases.
- Full workouts and strenuous activities can typically be resumed after two weeks.
- Final results, including the resolution of swelling and the formation of new collagen, can be expected within six months.
Long-Term Results and Maintenance
AirSculpt Lipo permanently removes fat cells, ensuring long-lasting results. However, it’s important to maintain a stable weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise to prevent the remaining fat cells from expanding, which can lead to contour irregularities and weight gain. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can enjoy the benefits of your AirSculpt Lipo procedure for years to come.
Safety and Risks
AirSculpt Lipo is considered safe when performed by an experienced surgeon. The AirSculpt handpiece is designed to automatically turn off if it comes into contact with anything other than the targeted fat layer, reducing the risk of trauma or perforation to nearby tissues. However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects and risks to consider, including bruising, swelling, infection, and a small risk of cannula perforation. During your initial consultation, your surgeon will explain these risks and how they mitigate them.
The Cost of AirSculpt Lipo
The cost of an AirSculpt Lipo procedure can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of areas treated, their size, and other considerations. On average, the cost ranges from $5,000 to $25,000, with an average cost of $13,355. Many providers offer financing options like CareCredit to make the procedure more accessible to patients.
Conclusion
AirSculpt Lipo is a new brand of tumescent liposuction that offers a gentle and minimally invasive approach to body sculpting. With its advanced technology and impressive results, it has gained popularity among those seeking to enhance their body contours. While it has several benefits over traditional liposuction, it’s important to consider the potential risks and consult with an experienced surgeon to determine if AirSculpt Lipo is the right option for you. With proper maintenance and a healthy lifestyle, the long-lasting results of AirSculpt Lipo can help you achieve the body you desire.
