If you are physically fit but have small pockets of fat that are annoying and hard to get rid of, you may want to consider mini lipo. Traditional liposuction involves surgery centers, general anesthesia, and some recovery time. Mini liposuction is perfectly suited for taking care of mini problems!
How is it different
Mini lipo is much more patient-friendly. Mini lipo, sometimes also called micro lipo, can be done right in the doctor’s office with only local anesthesia. The patient remains fully awake during the procedure which takes little more than one hour.
In traditional liposuction, large cannulas may leave lumps and ripples in the skin and powerful suctioning may cause excessive pain, swelling and bruising. So, instead of big cannulas and a powerful vacuum, mini lipo uses small incisions (about the width of a pencil eraser), minimally invasive small cannulas, and small syringes to gently remove fat. Everything is mini! This enables the surgeon to have greater control over the procedure and get better, more refined, results.
Another problem with traditional liposuction is that too much fat is sometimes removed which can leave an unattractive irregular shape and loose skin in the treated area. To prevent this, mini lipo removes a maximum of about 2 ½ pounds of fat from any one area.
In general, the procedure is not painful, but some patients have mild discomfort. Recovery can take as little as 24 hours up to a week if multiple areas are treated in one session. Patients are usually permitted to resume normal activities immediately after surgery. Mini-lipo is also very affordable in comparison to other liposuction procedures; the costs average $2,500 to $3,500 per treatment.
A similar procedure is known as SmartLipo™, one of the first FDA-approved laser-based lipo treatments. In this case, the small cannula contains a laser fiber which, once inserted into the skin, uses the laser’s energy to heat and break down the fat cells. The liquefied fat is easier to remove and, as with mini lipo, there is reduced bleeding and bruising.
The best target areas
Our bodies distribute fat unevenly and some fat deposits just won’t disappear. Mini liposuction is best suited for small areas of fat such as under the chin, behind the elbows, near the armpit, tummy, buttocks, and “love handles” around the waist. Thigh liposuction for “saddle bag” thighs is also a popular option.
If there is too much fat or too many areas to cover, other forms of traditional or laser liposuction may be recommended for better results.
Who should consider mini lipo
Mini liposuction is designed for patients who are in good health, have good skin elasticity, are within 25 pounds of their ideal weight, and who need only small pockets of fat removed. Patients should also be over the age of 18.
For those seeking smaller fine-tuning, mini lipo is a great alternative to other more involved liposuction procedures. As with any medical procedure, you should always consult your doctor to discuss and understand all of your options.
