New Survey Reveals Surgeons’ Liposuction Preferences

Posted February 20, 2011 by Jacob Haiavy, MD, FACS

liposuction preferencesThere are a variety of liposuction techniques, from an ultrasound-assisted liposuction device to a laser, but which ones do surgeons prefer? A new survey revealed that suction-assisted lipectomy (SAL), which is considered traditional liposuction, was the preferred method of fat removal for over half of the plastic surgeons who responded.

“In a field that is so rapidly advancing, it is essential to continually evaluate new technologies and methods to ensure that we maintain the safety of our patients,” said Jamil Ahmad, MD, lead author of the survey, which was published in the February issue of the Aesthetic Surgery Journal.

The survey explored surgeons’ preferences on liposuction, and for the 492 who responded, the preferred method of fat removal from most to least popular was:

  • Suction-assisted lipo (SAL) (51.4 percent)

  • Power-assisted lipo (PAL) (23.0 percent)

  • Ultrasound-assisted lipo (UAL) (20.9 percent)

  • Laser-assisted lipo (LAL) (3.9 percent)

Most of the surgeons who responded perform between 51 and 100 liposuctions per year, and they had the most experience with SAL, UAL and PAL liposuction. The surgeons had less experience with laser-assisted liposuction (12.8 percent), mesotherapy (5.7 percent) and noninvasive devices (12.8 percent).

“Our survey found that ASAPS members tend to more frequently employ the fat removal methods that have the longest track records and the most data to support their efficacy and safety,” said Ahmad. “In the future, we may notice preferences shift as we see additional prospective data comparing techniques, and as we gain more experience with newer methods. These factors will also help us continue to improve safety-related standards of care.”

Dr. Haiavy performs traditional liposuction (suction-assisted liposuction) and VASER liposuction, which uses ultrasound technology for fatty tissue emulsion and aspiration.

Blog Home