Body-Jet Liposuction Coming to Santa Barbara

There have been several improvements in liposuction over the last several years, and the latest offers some distinct advantages.  It is Body-Jet liposuction, a water-assisted liposuction (WAL) platform that pulses a gentle stream of water to wash away the fat droplets which are then sucked away.  Actually the "water" is tumescent fluid, just like other liposuction techniques: saline, with lidocaine for anesthesia and epinephrine to minimize blood loss.  The fluid and fat come out with virtually no bleeding, and the fat is capable of being injected for liposculpture if desired (unlike with laser assisted liposuction or conventional liposuction).  The  procedure is extremely safe as it can be done easily under local anesthesia, causes minimal bruising, and minimal post-op swelling.  There may even be some skin tightening, although this is being evaluated.  It can be combined with other liposuction techniques as well.

I watched Dr. Sasaki perform a demonstration on a patient today in Pasadena, and was impressed with the results, especially since this older patient had had previous abdominoplasty and liposuction.  These patients are more challenging, and to do this on an awake patient was encouraging.

Regardless of the technological platform used, the cosmetic result from a liposuction procedure will still largely depend on the skill and artistry of the surgeon.  Expect to see Body-Jet liposuction in Santa Barbara soon.

Douglas J. Mackenzie, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Santa Barbara, CA