Tumescent Liposuction or Finesse Liposuction?
You might be wondering what the difference between Traditional Liposuction and Finesse Liposuction is. Is it just a gimmicky name to sell the same procedure? Is it something else entirely? What exactly is it? I suppose it depends upon whom you ask.
Finesse Liposuction is usually just a term to correct, or revise, the liposuction you’ve had performed before, or simply to feather some very minor concerns in patients that have slight contour issues. It is a minimal fat removal procedure for further refining an area that doesn’t need much tweaking in the first place. Still, I have seen that some surgeons refer to Tumescent Liposuction (a method using repeat injections of saline, lidocaine and epinephrine distend the treatment area) as Finesse Liposuction. I feel this is incorrect. Finesse by definition is simply further refinement by subtle means. The method isn’t the difference so much as it being the volume and careful subtle removal that marks the dissimilarity. Unfortunately revision after liposuction surgery is a reality. Well, it was in my case…
After I had my initial liposuction procedure performed, I felt I had some considerable-in-my-opinion contour and adhesion issues I was dissatisfied with. I was going in for a revision on my breast lift surgery after some complications I experienced anyway so my surgeon took the opportunity to address the contour concerns.
During my liposuction surgery my surgeon removed very little fat volume, but did replace the fat cells he did remove in areas which too much had been removed from in the initial procedure. Basically, I had fat grafting to the dents and the lumps were removed. Sort of. The adhesions were never successfully corrected—hence my hatred of wearing a bathing suit.
Some surgeons use Stand Up Liposuction methods for Finesse procedures. Still others, stand all of their patients up in the end to avoid the need for revisions. I am a firm believer in Stand Up Liposuction. So, it’s not the method, but rather the careful sculpting of the area, whether you are a first time patient or not.
Marianne
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I work for a plastic surgery center in FL that specializes in liposuction in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, and yeah, it can be confusing. First, liposuction itself goes by several different names: liposuction, lipo, liposculpture, suction lipectomy and lipoplasty. Then, as you mention, there are different types of liposuction: tumescent, ultrasonic (UAL), super wet, laser lipolysis. Finally then, there are new lipo-like treatments such as lipodissolve. My recommendation is to find a surgeon you like, schedule a consultation, and then quiz him or her. And while you're quizzing them, ask them if they're board certified. Research your procedure, but don't forget to research the surgeon as well. Good luck.