Liposuction Glossary
The words your surgeon and anesthesiologist will use — translated. If a term is missing that you encountered elsewhere, bring it to your consultation.
Adipocyte
A fat cell. Liposuction physically removes adipocytes; those specific cells do not grow back, though remaining cells can enlarge with weight gain.
Aspirate
The material suctioned from the treatment area — a mixture of fat, tumescent fluid, and a small amount of blood. Total aspirate volume is a key safety metric.
AAAASF / QUAD-A
The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (now QUAD-A). Accredits office-based surgical facilities to hospital-equivalent standards.
Awake liposuction
Liposuction performed under local tumescent anesthesia only, without IV sedation or general anesthesia. Volume-limited and area-limited.
BodyTite (RFAL)
Radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis. Uses internal + external RF electrodes to melt fat and contract skin simultaneously.
Cannula
The blunt, hollow metal tube used to aspirate fat. Sizes range from 2 mm (fine sculpting) to 5 mm (large volume).
Contour irregularity
Visible or palpable unevenness after liposuction. Most cases are minor and improve as swelling resolves; persistent irregularities may need revision.
Diastasis recti
Separation of the abdominal muscles, usually from pregnancy. Liposuction does not correct diastasis; a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) does.
Fibrosis
Firm scar-like tissue that can develop under the skin after liposuction. Lymphatic massage and time typically soften it; severe cases may need ultrasound therapy.
HD liposuction
High-definition liposuction. Superficial sculpting that reveals underlying muscle borders — most commonly with VASER or PAL.
Lidocaine toxicity
A serious complication from exceeding safe tumescent lidocaine dose. Board-certified surgeons calculate dose per kilogram and stay well below 45 mg/kg.
Lipo 360
Circumferential liposuction of the entire midsection: upper abdomen, lower abdomen, flanks, and mid-to-lower back.
Lymphatic drainage massage (MLD)
Light-pressure massage performed by a trained therapist to redirect swelling and reduce fibrosis after liposuction.
PAL (Power-Assisted Liposuction)
A vibrating cannula (MicroAire is the common device) that reduces surgeon fatigue and speeds fat removal without adding heat.
Renuvion (J-Plasma)
Helium plasma + radiofrequency device used for subdermal skin tightening. FDA cleared for cutting, coagulation, and — as of 2022 — dermal resurfacing; off-label for many contouring uses.
Seroma
A pocket of clear fluid that can accumulate under the skin after liposuction. Small ones resolve on their own; larger ones may need aspiration.
SmartLipo (LAL)
Laser-assisted lipolysis. A laser fiber melts fat and provides mild skin tightening before aspiration.
Tumescent solution
A dilute mixture of saline, lidocaine (local anesthetic), and epinephrine (vasoconstrictor) infiltrated into fat before suctioning. Reduces bleeding and pain.
UAL / VASER
Ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty. VASER is the most common device — it emulsifies fat with ultrasonic energy before aspiration.
VTE (Venous thromboembolism)
Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Risk is minimized with Caprini scoring, sequential compression devices, early ambulation, and — in higher-risk patients — chemoprophylaxis.
17+ years of body-contouring practice in Miami. Technologies used: VASER 2.2, MicroAire PAL, BodyTite (InMode), Renuvion (Apyx), Tickle Lipo. Hospital privileges: Baptist Health South Florida, Mount Sinai Medical Center Miami Beach. Consultations in English and Spanish.
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