The Skinny
Average Recovery
10 days
Permanence
Temporary
Application
Minor Surgical Procedure
Surgical
Yes
Cost
$4500 - $10000
The Specifics
What is water jet-assisted liposuction?
Water jet-assisted liposuction is a fat reduction solution utilizing a saline spray to dislodge fat for easier, faster, and more efficient removal. The saline spray loosens adipose (fat) tissue for a less aggressive removal process therefore creating less tissue damage and less recovery time.
This is unlike other assisted liposuction techniques like ultrasound-assisted liposuction (UAL) or laser-assisted liposuction that may cause damage with thermal energies. Additionally, in the case of fat cell harvesting for re-implantation elsewhere, water jet-assisted liposuction is more gentle and harvests a greater number of healthy fat cells.
What cosmetic concerns does water jet-assisted liposuction treat?
Who is the ideal candidate for a water jet-assisted liposuction procedure?
The ideal candidate for water jet-assisted liposuction has stubborn fat deposits resistant to diet and exercise, realistic expectations of the procedure, and/or is seeking fat grafting for reimplantation. Water jet-assisted liposuction is not recommended for those at an unhealthy or unstable weight, those with certain medical conditions, or those without adequate skin elasticity.
What is the average recovery associated with a water jet-assisted liposuction procedure?
Most patients experience one to two weeks of downtime following a water jet-assisted liposuction. Candidates generally return to work within five days. Bruising, pain, and swelling resolve over two weeks, and a compression garment may be recommended for up to two weeks. Some swelling may persist for four to six weeks.
To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to liposuction recovery.
What are the potential side effects of a water jet-assisted liposuction procedure?
Possible side effects following a water jet-assisted liposuction include hot sensations at the treatment site, erythema, edema, tenderness, myalgias, ecchymosis, scars, infection, and pruritus.
What can someone expect from the results of a water jet-assisted liposuction procedure?
The results of water jet-assisted liposuction are visible following the cosmetic procedure, however, they will become more visible as swelling subsides over four to six weeks. Full effects of the water jet-assisted liposuction will be seen six to 12 months after the cosmetic procedure.
What is the average cost of a water jet-assisted liposuction procedure?
A water jet-assisted liposuction procedure can cost anywhere from $4,500 to $10,000. The actual cost of water jet-assisted liposuction is dependent upon location, board certified plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the plastic surgery. Learn more in our complete guide to the cost of liposuction.
Pros
- Less Bruising
- Less Swelling
- Faster Healing
- Gentle
Cons
- Not Suitable For Significant Weight Loss
- Not Suitable For Poor Skin Elasticity
Invasiveness Score
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
Water jet assisted liposuction introduces a gentle yet powerful spray to help dislodge fat cells during aspiration in order to harvest more tissue with less damage to surrounding areas. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a water jet assisted liposuction procedure.
The Takeaway
Water jet-assisted liposuction is a fat removal plastic surgery procedure for body contouring and excess fat removal. Saline spray loosens fat cells for a less aggressive fat removal solution with less swelling, pain, bruising, and recovery time.
