Liposuction Toronto, Ontario

Awake liposuction is performed while the patient is fully conscious but comfortable, using only local anesthesia. People often equate this with Airsculpt, however Airsculpt is really just a franchise offering awake liposuction. This technique eliminates the need for general anesthesia, reducing risks and shortening recovery time. Patients remain alert and can even change positions during the procedure, allowing for more precise sculpting. It’s best suited for small to moderate areas of fat removal and is often combined with tumescent techniques for added safety and effectiveness. We typically use the SAFElipo technique and PowerLipo instrument while performing Awake Liposuction.

SAFELipo is an advanced three-step liposuction technique that stands for Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalization. First, fat is loosened (separated) using specialized cannulas. Then, the fat is gently suctioned out (aspiration). Finally, the remaining fat is smoothed out (equalization) to create a natural, even contour. This technique minimizes trauma to tissues, reduces complications like contour irregularities, and improves skin retraction.  We use this three step process in most of our liposuction procedures, whether awake or asleep.

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) is a liposuction tool that uses a vibrating cannula to break up fat cells, making them easier to remove with less manual effort. This tool is ideal for treating dense or fibrous areas like the back or male chest. It typically results in less bruising and swelling, shorter surgery times, and more consistent outcomes than traditional liposuction.  We use the PowerLipo instrument in most of our awake and asleep liposuction procedures.

Tumescent liposuction involves injecting a large volume of diluted local anesthetic and epinephrine into the fat layer, causing the tissue to swell and become firm. This reduces bleeding, bruising, and pain. It allows for safer fat removal and is often the basis for many modern liposuction techniques, including awake lipo and laser-assisted methods.

VASERlipo (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) is a liposuction technique where the VASER tool uses ultrasound energy to liquefy fat before removal. This tool is gentle on surrounding tissues, allowing for more precise fat targeting and sculpting. VASER is especially effective for high-definition body contouring and is known for enhancing muscle definition and improving skin tightening.  VASER is used in the first step of SAFELipo: separation.  The ultrasound separates the fat after which we use the PowerLipo tool to aspirate the fat.  Thus VASER and PowerLipo tools are typically used during the SAFELipo technique.

Laser-assisted liposuction (often known by brand names like SmartLipo) uses laser energy to melt fat cells before removal. The laser also stimulates collagen production, which may lead to tighter skin post-procedure. It’s typically used for smaller areas and in patients who desire mild skin tightening along with fat reduction.  Laser is used to pre-treat the fat prior to the actual liposuction of the fat.

Super-wet liposuction is similar to tumescent liposuction but uses less fluid—usually equal to the volume of fat expected to be removed. It’s typically performed under general anesthesia. The technique minimizes blood loss and enhances fat removal efficiency. It’s often used in larger volume liposuction procedures.

AirSculpt is a chain of clinics offering awake liposuction.  People offer interchange the terms ‘airsculpt’ and ‘awake lipo’.  Although Airsculpt markets themselves as something better than traditional liposuction, what they are offering is really awake liposuction.