What is the Difference Between Colombian Liposculpture™ and Traditional Liposuction?

Liposuction, a popular cosmetic procedure worldwide, has evolved into various techniques and approaches. Traditionally, liposuction involves the removal of fat tissue through suction using cannulas, often performed under general anesthesia. However, advancements in the field have led to the emergence of alternative methods, including Colombian Liposculpture™, which offers distinct differences and benefits.

This comprehensive blog post explores the intricacies between Colombian Liposculpture™ and traditional liposuction, shedding light on their respective techniques, anesthesia protocols, and potential impacts on recovery and outcomes. Despite sharing the common objective of sculpting the body by eliminating excess fat, discerning the differences between these procedures is paramount for individuals contemplating cosmetic enhancements. Join us as we navigate through the nuances of these two approaches to gain a deeper understanding and determine the optimal choice that aligns with individual preferences and goals.

Before delving further, let’s begin by defining liposuction: a procedure that removes fat tissue through suction using cannulas. Various technologies, such as VASER (employing ultrasound to liquefy fat) or PAL (utilizing vibration for assisted liposuction), have been developed to enhance the efficacy of this process.

While liposuction in the USA and many other countries typically involves general anesthesia, our approach prioritizes minimizing the use of IV sedation/anesthesia agents, intubation, and spinal anesthesia whenever feasible. This strategy facilitates quicker recovery and mitigates the associated risks of anesthesia, ensuring a safer and more streamlined patient experience.

Colombian Liposculpture™:

1. “No General Anesthesia/No IV Anesthesia/No ‘Twilight'”:

We employ a concept known as NEUROLEPTOANESTHESIA, utilizing oral medications to induce relaxation during the procedure and prevent nausea or vomiting. Patients can ingest these medications before the procedure, typically with a light breakfast such as yogurt or oatmeal. Since patients are not under general anesthesia can be prompted to move as needed during the procedure, which is crucial for achieving optimal body contouring. Under general anesthesia, patients often need to maintain specific positions that may limit the ability to address all desired sculpting details. Furthermore, recovery is notably rapid without the use of general anesthesia, reducing the risk of complications associated with it, such as blood clots, cardiac arrhythmias, and pulmonary issues.

Colombian liposculpture™ patients undergo a comprehensive battery of preoperative tests, including CBC, CMP, insulin levels, HbA1C (to screen for diabetes), TSH, Vitamin D levels, hepatitis profile, COVID testing, and coagulation tests. Additionally, an EKG is performed, and a detailed medical history covering past surgeries, allergies, dietary habits, BMI, blood pressure, smoking and alcohol use, and functional status is obtained. This thorough preoperative evaluation and medical clearance encompasses what we term “AWAKEN LIPOSUCTION.”

2. The Technique Employed to Sustain Pain Control throughout Colombian Liposculpture™

There are several variables to consider:

Firstly, proper preparation involves determining the concentrations of the Tumescent fluid. This fluid, comprising LIDOCAINE, EPINEPHRINE, and BICARBONATE mixed in Normal Saline, is crucial for pain control. Unlike oral sedation, which plays a supplementary role, it’s the Tumescent fluid that primarily manages pain by numbing the area.

The second variable concerns achieving the correct concentration of the Tumescent fluid tailored to the patient’s weight. However, there’s a limit to the amount of lidocaine that can be safely administered.

Equally significant is the technique used to infiltrate the Tumescent fluid into the adipose tissue. The method employed greatly influences pain control and overall effectiveness.

Additionally, the choice of pump for delivering the Tumescent fluid is pivotal. Due to technological constraints, traditional pumps often need more flexibility to infiltrate multiple areas simultaneously. In contrast, we utilize a German pump specifically designed for precise infiltration and adipose tissue aspiration. This pump offers various spray sizes and strengths, akin to the experience of showering in different settings in a luxury hotel.

In Colombian Liposculpture, a coordinated and specific infiltration technique enables rapid pain control. While Tumescent fluid is utilized, the approach diverges from the conventional Tumescent technique pioneered by Dr. Jeffrey Klein in 1985. This technique, performed under “local anesthesia,” significantly reduces blood loss compared to “dry liposuction” under general anesthesia, thanks to the vasoconstrictive properties of EPINEPHRINE Tumescent fluid.

Reference: Klein JA. Anesthesia for liposuction in dermatologic surgery. J Dermatol Surg Oncol. 1988; 14:1124-32.

3. How is Adipose Tissue Removed During Colombian Liposculpture™?

First, the areas targeted for liposuction are meticulously marked to outline the desired body contour. Small incisions are then made, often discreetly hidden along bikini lines. Following this, the Tumescent fluid is infiltrated methodically. Traditionally, there’s typically a waiting period of 40 to 45 minutes after infiltration before liposuction begins. However, in Colombian Liposculpture™, the process can commence immediately due to the innovative technique where the tumescent fluid is sprayed onto the adipocytes (fat cells) rather than saturating them. This unique approach minimizes swelling in the liposuction areas, thus ensuring optimal visibility for the procedure.

Colombian Liposculpture™ utilizes water-assisted liquidation (WAL) technology from Germany. This method involves using a water spray, which dislodges fat while simultaneously aspirating adipose tissue. This advanced technique allows for precise and efficient fat removal.

A key aspect of Colombian Liposculpture is its customization. The primary objectives include reducing excess subcutaneous fat deposits, enhancing waist curvature, and improving skin laxity to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, the goals of Colombian Liposculpture™ encompass faster recovery, minimal bruising, the ability to wake up the next day without needing pain medications, and avoidance of general anesthesia. This is particularly beneficial for patients with elevated BMI or underlying medical conditions that pose risks associated with general anesthesia, providing them with a viable alternative.

Another consideration is that many patients are often presented with only one option: abdominoplasty (commonly known as “Tummy Tuck”), which typically involves general anesthesia. However, abdominoplasty may not be the preferred choice for numerous individuals whose primary goal is to reduce subcutaneous fat deposits and achieve waist contouring without extensive surgical intervention. Instead, techniques for skin tightening can be employed selectively, especially in patients with skin laxity, ensuring a tailored approach to meet their aesthetic goals.

4. Customization and Recovery:

Colombian Liposculpture™ prioritizes customization to reduce subcutaneous fat deposits, enhance waist curvature, and improve skin laxity. This tailored approach facilitates faster recovery, minimal bruising, and reduced reliance on pain medications, which is particularly advantageous for patients with elevated BMI or medical conditions contraindicating general anesthesia. Conversely, traditional liposuction may not offer the same customization or targeted outcomes.

5. Only One Colombian Liposculpture™ a Day

In addition to the variables above, it’s important to note that I perform only one Colombian Liposculpture™ procedure per day, regardless of the size of the treatment area. Furthermore, beyond the considerations related to local anesthesia and the Tumescent fluid technique, the art of body sculpting plays a crucial role.

While liposuction primarily involves fat removal, Liposculpture, as the name suggests, entails a meticulous approach to creating optimal body contours. This process requires extra time and attention to detail to achieve the best possible curvatures.

In the realm of cosmetic enhancements, the choice between Colombian Liposculpture™ and traditional liposuction hinges on individual preferences and goals. While both procedures share the common objective of body contouring, their distinct techniques and approaches offer unique benefits and considerations. By understanding the differences outlined in this guide, individuals can make informed decisions to achieve their desired aesthetic outcomes confidently and safely.

Schedule a Consultation

Embark on your Colombian Liposculpture™ journey with a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Mercado. To schedule a liposuction consultation at Eterna MD, call (407) 664-1073 or conveniently contact us online. Transform your body contours with this advanced and personalized approach, and let us guide you toward achieving the body you’ve always envisioned.