If you’ve delved into the world of liposuction even a little bit, chances are you’ve seen terms like lipo HD, HD Vaser liposuction, hi-def lipo, high-definition liposuction, lipo 360 HD, and similar.

But what do all of these terms mean?

You know that liposuction can produce outstanding results. But does it matter what type of lipo you get?

Well yes, actually.

In fact, for many patients, HD VASER lipo can produce superior results when compared to traditional liposuction. Each patient is different, however, which is why it’s important to educate yourself on each type of liposuction before making a final decision.

What Is Liposuction in the First Place?

Liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that physically removes fat from the body — in particular, unwanted excess fat that tends to be resistant to diet and exercise. Whether because of aging, genetics, or lifestyle, many of us have fat in unwanted places.

Even with persistent and consistent dieting and routine exercise plans, it can be difficult to get this fat off naturally. Liposuction can be a solution.

Traditional Liposuction

Liposuction was developed in the 1970s, and traditional suction-assisted liposuction is basically performed by making a small incision near the treatment area, inserting a thin tube called a cannula, and suctioning the fat out. What’s key here is that, essentially, the fat is being “ripped” out of its natural place.

While this may sound a little dramatic, this is really what’s happening with traditional liposuction. It is an effective procedure and has helped many individuals lose unwanted fat. On the other hand, there are a few downsides to traditional liposuction.

Traditional Liposuction Drawbacks

First, because the fat is essentially being ripped from its place, the process can also end up removing blood vessels and tissue. This results in more bruising and swelling and a longer recovery. Ultimately, the procedure can also end up being imprecise, which may negatively affect the outcome for some patients — especially those who only need a very small amount of fat removed to achieve their goals.

Again, traditional liposuction does work for some patients. It’s just not for everyone, which is why we also have VASER-assisted hi-def liposuction, also known as Vaser high-definition liposuction or HD VASER liposuction (not to be confused with laser liposuction).

What Is VASER Lipo? What Is Lipo HD (Hi-Def Lipo)?

VASER liposuction (Lipo HD) is a new breakthrough technology that changes the way liposuction is performed. VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. It is a different way of performing liposuction, and it requires a special instrument.

Essentially, when we use VASER liposuction, we are adding a step between numbing the areas to be treated and physically removing the fat. The step that we’re adding is the use of ultrasonic energy.

This energy resonates through the treatment area and dislodges the fat cells so that they are more easily removed. The process basically changes the fat to be removed so that it has a composition similar to soft butter.

In this way, we are able to suction out the excess fat more easily, and this leaves the surrounding blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue intact. During recovery, this will mean less swelling, bruising, and discomfort. You’ll be able to return to your normal activities more quickly and enjoy your results faster as well.

What Does HD Lipo Do?

When we use the term,“VASER High Definition Liposuction” or “VASER HD Lipo”, we’re actually referring to two different techniques. The first technique is the VASER technology, which allows for easier-to-remove fat and a faster, more comfortable recovery. The second technique is the hi-def liposuction technique.

HD lipo or high-definition liposuction is a way of liposculpting, which removes fat in problem areas while exposing and highlighting important muscle groups at the same time. This produces natural contours and really makes your results more attractive and unique to you and your goals.

Ultimately, when VASER and hi-def lipo are combined, you get less pain and swelling, more precise sculpting, an easier recovery, and outstanding results.

How Long Is Recovery From HD Lipo?

Everyone will have a different experience with liposuction recovery, and this includes with HD liposuction.

Most patients need to take at least one week off from school or work. During this time, you’ll need to refrain from exercise, wear a compression garment, sleep in a prescribed position, and attend all of your follow-up appointments.

Who Is HD VASER Lipo For?

This form of lipo is best for patients who only want to remove a small amount of fat. It’s great for athletic patients who lead an active lifestyle and who want to accentuate their muscle tone. And of course, anyone who wants precise results and an easier recovery would benefit from this procedure.

What Is 360 Lipo HD?

Lipo 360 HD is an advanced technique that can remove unwanted fat from all around the midsection. The “360” in lipo 360 refers to the entire circumference of the midsection.

If you have unwanted fat on your stomach, sides, flanks, and mid-back and you’re trying to choose between traditional lipo vs lipo 360, liposuction 360 may be right for you. The addition of the “HD” would mean that the fat would be taken off, and important muscle groups would be exposed and highlighted at the same time.

What Type of Lipo Is Right for Me?

If you have been oscillating between traditional liposuction, VASER-assisted liposuction, lipo HD, 360 liposuction, or any combination of these approaches to liposuction, you need to book a consultation appointment.

Plastic surgeons understand the intricacies of fat removal techniques based on various types of liposuction procedures. Whereas high definition body contouring can certainly benefit many patients, some patients would benefit more from traditional liposuction techniques using VASER (ultrasound energy) technology.

The best and only way to know which of these liposuction procedure approaches is best for your situation and goals is to discuss your options with Dr. Sieber. Body sculpting cosmetic procedures like liposuction are complicated, so it’s important to work with an experienced professional.

FAQ: HD Lipo

What does HD lipo cost?

Your HD lipo cost will vary based on the areas you have treated and the scope of your surgery. A consultation is needed for an accurate estimate.

Can HD lipo be combined with fat transfer procedures?

Yes, in most cases, if enough fat removal is achieved with HD liposuction, the fat can be processed and reinjected to other body parts. Ultimately, it depends on how much fat the patient has to relocate and the patient’s desired contours.

How long does HD lipo last?

HD lipo’s ability to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat is outstanding, but the longevity of your HD lipo results will depend largely on maintenance. A healthy lifestyle helps maintain results of removing fat via liposuction. Any weight gain or loss may change the contours of your natural curves.

The same goes for the effects of fat transfer procedures. When HD liposuction is combined with fat grafting (to add volume to the breasts instead of using breast implants, for example), it’s up to the patient to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle, which will help maintain results and an attractive natural shape.

What are the side effects of high definition liposuction?

The most common HD lipo side effects are similar to the side effects of other body contouring procedures: swelling, bruising, and temporary discomfort. Complications are rare after liposuction, but if you have any alarming side effects, always consult your surgeon’s office immediately.

Is HD lipo the best type of fat removal?

While HD lipo does provide superior body contouring outcomes and can be more precise when used with ultrasound assisted liposuction or power assisted liposuction, it’s not for everyone. HD lipo offers precise sculpting for individuals who don’t have a lot of excess body fat.

To find the best body contouring procedure for you, speak with plastic surgeons who have experience performing various types of liposuction. A consultation should show you which procedure can benefit you most.

Schedule a Lipo HD Consultation Today!

Interested in learning more about Hi-Def lipo? Dr. David Sieber of Sieber Plastic Surgery would be happy to sit down with you to discuss your liposuction options, including VASER and HD lipo.

After learning about your goals, reviewing your medical history, and performing a short physical exam, Dr. Sieber can tell you what form of liposuction might be best for you.

Contact Sieber Plastic Surgery San Francisco today to schedule your initial consultation.

References

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/articles/body-contourings-latest-frontier-high-definition-liposuction

Considering a nonsurgical face lift in the Bay Area? 

Although many men and women struggle with drooping cheeks and jowls, the idea of going under the knife for a facelift isn’t always welcome. Additionally, the cost for facelift procedures is often prohibitive.

As a result, an increasing number of people are getting nonsurgical facelifts. Up ahead, we’ll take a deep dive into what nonsurgical face lifts are and how getting one can give you the youthful, vibrant appearance you’ve always wanted. 

What Is a Nonsurgical Facelift?

Compared with a traditional facelift, a nonsurgical facelift is minimally invasive, which means it usually does not require surgery, incisions, or anesthesia. Generally speaking, a nonsurgical facelift involves products such as Botox and dermal fillers and techniques like fat injections and laser treatments. The goal of a nonsurgical facelift is to improve the youthfulness, smoothness, and overall glow of the face, without surgery. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Nonsurgical Facelift?

Most anyone who wants fewer lines and wrinkles, more facial volume and perkiness, and a smoother complexion would be a good candidate for a nonsurgical facelift. It’s an especially good procedure for those who don’t want a lot of downtime after their procedure. With a nonsurgical facelift, patients can go home and return to their normal activities relatively quickly.

Of course, patients must also meet certain health guidelines, which we will cover in a moment. First, here are some of the main focus areas that people who want nonsurgical facelifts in the Bay Area typically wish to improve:

• Wrinkles and fine lines
• Lack of facial volume
• Sagging cheeks
• Drooping jowls
• Double chin
• Loose neck skin

Medical Requirements for Nonsurgical Facelifts

The ideal nonsurgical facelift candidate should have adequate elasticity and flexibility in their skin. Supple skin will react better to dermal fillers, laser treatments, and even Botox. 

This doesn’t mean that you can’t have age-related concerns about your skin if you want a nonsurgical facelift. Actually, those with wrinkles, lines, drooping jowls and cheeks, and loss of volume are some of the best candidates for a San Francisco facial fat graft, Botox, and other treatments. 

Other requirements for a nonsurgical facelift are often based on the treatment itself. Dr. Sieber can discuss these with you at your consultation appointment. For any plastic surgery San Francisco residents may be interested in, it is always important to be in good overall health and to be a non-smoker. Finally, it is critical to have realistic expectations about your treatment outcomes. 

How Can I Get a Facelift Without Surgery? Nonsurgical Facelift Treatment Options

A traditional face lift usually involves being put to sleep and having several incisions made at the hair line and near the ears. The skin will be tightened, and excess skin may even be removed. But this isn’t the only way to perform a face lift. 

Contrary to popular belief, not all facelifts involve surgery. In fact, there are a number of nonsurgical facelift treatments for men and women to choose from. Furthermore, because of advancing technology, many of these options look just as good or even better than some invasive surgical techniques. 

Depending on what you’d like to improve, most nonsurgical facelifts will be catered to the individual. There are several options to choose from. At your facelift consultation appointment, Dr. Sieber will be able to tell you which treatments he recommends for your desired look. We recommend taking a look at nonsurgical face lift before and after photos to help you navigate your options. 

Essentially, most female and male non surgical treatments for the face will involve some combination of the following:

• Facial fat grafting
• Botox
• Dermal fillers
• Laser Treatments

Facial Fat Graft San Francisco

One of the fastest growing areas in the field of plastic surgery San Francisco involves fat grafting. The type of facial fat graft San Francisco residents would be interested in involves taking unwanted fat from the flanks, abdomen, or buttocks and administering it into the face (after the fat has been processed). The procedure is very similar to a Brazilian butt lift, or BBL. Once in the new location, the fat will redevelop a blood supply and will “survive” there for many years. 

Not only does facial fat grafting provide natural-looking results, but it also tends to last longer than traditional “off-the-shelf” dermal fillers.

What’s important to note here, however, is that facial fat grafting is slightly more of an involved procedure than the administration of typical dermal fillers. That’s because liposuction must be performed in order to obtain the “donor fat.” Liposuction for facial fat grafting is a procedure that involves making small incisions at the donor sites, so the administration of anesthesia may be necessary. 

San Francisco Injectables: Botox and Dermal Fillers

Injectables are chemical substances that are injected into various places on the skin with a needle. Only a trained San Francisco plastic surgery professional can administer injectables as the process necessitates a meticulous eye and extensive experience.

There are two main types of injectables: Botox and dermal fillers. Botox is actually a neurotoxin that is injected into the skin to help with issues involving deep lines and wrinkles. In particular, Botox targets dynamic wrinkles. These are the lines that show up around the mouth (frown lines), near the eyes (crow’s feet), and in other places on the face. Botox effectively disables the underlying muscles, which smooths the skin.

Dermal fillers — also known as soft tissue fillers or just fillers — primarily ameliorate loss of volume. So, if you’ve noticed your cheeks looking sunken and your lips looking deflated, dermal fillers might be able to help in these areas by pumping up the production of collagen. As a key connective tissue protein, collagen is necessary for smooth, young-looking skin.

Laser Treatments in the Bay Area

There are numerous types of laser treatments that can be performed on the face. In fact, laser treatments can improve a variety of skin conditions, including:

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Sagging skin
• Acne scars
• Hyperpigmentation
• Sun damage
• Uneven pigmentation

Many patients who are interested in laser treatments are looking for a fix for old acne scars. Acne is a frustrating condition for many that can cause red, purple, or brown-colored marks on the face. A history of severe acne may also have resulted in uneven, bumpy skin or ice-pick, boxcar, or rolling scars. Acne laser treatments can often resurface these areas and provide a smoother, more even appearance.

Additionally, laser resurfacing can also improve signs of aging on the skin, including fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, uneven skin tone, hyperpigmentation, and sagging. Even with the best skincare routine, these effects are not uncommon as we age. Fortunately, patients often see improvements within just a few weeks after undergoing laser treatments for these issues.

Keep in mind that if you are looking for a fast nonsurgical face lift in the Bay Area, you may be better off going with facial fat grafting, dermal fillers, or Botox because laser treatments tend to take time.

Top Nonsurgical Cosmetic Treatments for 2022

In recent years, the demand for noninvasive San Francisco plastic surgery and cosmetic treatments has drastically increased. Let’s take a look at the most popular noninvasive treatment options for 2022. 

Facial Fat Grafting for Volume Loss

Facial fat grafting is one of the leading cosmetic treatments overall in 2022, and it certainly leads the pack in terms of noninvasive options. Most patients opt for fat transfers that help with volume loss. For example, fat grafting under eyes is extremely popular for taking care of bags and dark under eye areas. Dr. Sieber can also apply facial fat grafting to cheeks and jawlines. 

Perhaps one of the best things about facial fat grafting is how long it lasts. Look at any patient who’s had a facial fat transfer after 5 years, and you’ll immediately see that their results have lasted. This means that for the facial fat grafting cost, you’re getting more bang for your buck.

Chin Augmentation

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and been unhappy with the proportions of your fact, you might benefit from a noninvasive augmentation of certain areas using dermal fillers. More often than not, augmenting the chin can make the most drastic difference. 

But is chin augmentation worth it?

Most patients say yes. Look at any chin augmentation before and after photos, and you’ll immediately see the significant changes this procedure can make. Dr. Sieber can technically perform a chin augmentation with incisions and implants, but the noninvasive option would include the use of dermal fillers. 

Dermal Fillers for Lips

Are you after a pair of Khloe Kardashian lips? It’s certainly not the KKW lip liner that’s making them look so big. Instead, it’s more than likely lip filler. 

Lip fillers are injectables that increase the volume of the lips. There are several different lip filler brands, including Juvéderm, Belotero, and Vobella, and depending on your goals, Dr. Sieber can help you choose the best option for you. Having plumper lips can give you the perfect pout!

FAQ: Nonsurgical Facelift Bay Area

What does a facelift improve?

Facelifts are meant to improve signs of aging on the face and neck. Primarily, this procedure will reduce or eliminate the appearance of sagging cheeks, drooping jowls, and deep lines and wrinkles. The procedure can also boost volume, depending on what techniques are used.

How much does a nonsurgical face lift cost?

The cost of a nonsurgical facelift will vary, depending on which treatments you opt for. For example, Botox tends to be approximately $10-$15 per unit, and 30 to 40 units are typically used in one Botox treatment session. Dermal fillers generally cost anywhere from $500 to $1000 in order to achieve a patient’s desired results.

Where can I find a non surgical facelift near me? 

Dr. David Sieber specializes in noninvasive facial treatments to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve volume, firmness, and youthfulness. Treatments like Botox and dermal fillers can help you look younger and more vibrant without the need for surgery.

Are dermal fillers better than Botox?

Both dermal fillers and Botox are effective at smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. However, dermal fillers are more often used to add volume to places in the face that have become sunken and thin over time (the cheeks and lips, for example). 

Botox, on the other hand, tends to fix dynamic wrinkles — those wrinkles caused by repetitive facial movements and expressions (laughter, smiling, squinting, etc.).

What is the best non surgical treatment for jowls?

One of the best treatments for jowls is dermal fillers. Various types of fillers may be able to promote collagen in the sagging area and improve tightness. Alternatively, some patients may opt for a neck lift or surgical face lift to improve jowls. And occasionally, some patients are interested in a chin enhancement in San Francisco.

What is the best non-surgical treatment for men?

Male non surgical treatments range from dermal fillers and Botox to facial fat grafting and laser treatments. Like women, men can benefit from any of these techniques to treat wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and other discoloration, sagging skin, and scars.

Nonsurgical Face Lift Bay Area

The idea of getting a surgical face lift is daunting for many men and women. After all, going under the knife is a serious commitment. Then there’s the fact that you don’t always know how your results will turn out. 

Will you get your desired outcome? Will it look like you had plastic surgery? How long will your results last?

These are all valid questions. They’re also questions that lead many individuals down the path of researching nonsurgical face lifts. After all, if you can achieve your desired results without surgery, that’s often an optimal option.

Are you considering a nonsurgical facelift in the Bay Area? Known as one of the best cosmetic surgeons San Francisco has to offer, Dr. Sieber is double board certified and has extensive experience performing nonsurgical face lifts in the Bay Area. He offers both female and male non surgical treatments, which can help with a wide range of common issues. 

To learn more about our San Francisco plastic surgery options and to book a consultation, contact Sieber Plastic Surgery today.

References

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/dermal-fillers/candidates

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6489637/

https://med.stanford.edu/cosmeticsurgery/aestheticservices/face/facial-fat-grafting.html