The main difference between cavitation and liposuction lies in the method used to perform the treatment. Both are procedures in the area of aesthetic medicine, which are used to reduce accumulated fat in different areas of the body.
Cavitation uses ultrasound waves to break up fat accumulations so that fat is eliminated naturally by the body. And liposuction consists of removing fat by means of a surgical intervention through an incision in the skin.
Next, we will go into the characteristics of each of the treatments to understand which one is the most appropriate in each case.
What is cavitation
When we talk about cavitation we refer to a treatment that uses ultrasound waves to break up fat in a specific area of the body. It is a non-invasive technique that allows the fat to be eliminated naturally through the lymphatic system.
A handpiece is used which is slid over the area of the body where fat is to be eliminated. It is usually used on the thighs, arms, abdomen and lower back.
The results of cavitation are usually evident in a very short time and since it does not require anesthesia or hospitalization, you can live a normal life immediately.
How long does the effect of cavitation last?
The effects of cavitation will depend on the individual. Several sessions are recommended and, although its effects are almost immediate by reducing swelling and improving skin firmness, this can be reversed at any time if you are not able to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What is liposuction
Liposuction is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of fat through small incisions made in the skin. A cannula is inserted through these and connected to a suction machine.
It can offer dramatic and noticeable results in a short period of time and is an effective technique for treating larger areas of the body. As you can see, it is an invasive treatment, anesthesia is required to perform it and a certain amount of rest time is usually necessary for the body to recover.
The technique is quite simple, although it is usually used in cases where fat loss through exercise and good nutrition does not work. During the procedure, the cannula is used to remove the fat selectively, so as not to damage the surrounding tissues and to shape the contour of that area of the body.
Differences between cavitation and liposuction
You already know the main difference between cavitation and liposuction, but there are others.
- In summary we could say that, while cavitation is a non-invasive technique, liposuction is a more aggressive procedure that requires surgical intervention.
- Recovery after cavitation is generally faster and less painful than after liposuction. However, its results may be more gradual and less noticeable than those of liposuction. Cavitation requires no recovery time, while liposuction may require several days or weeks for the body to fully recover.
- Liposuction is a more effective procedure for removing large amounts of fat, while cavitation is more suitable for small amounts of localized fat.
- Regarding possible risks, cavitation has very few and hardly any complications, while liposuction is a surgical procedure that carries some risks, such as infections, hematomas, skin irregularities, among others.
- Also the price is very different, since cavitation is much cheaper than liposuction.
What is the most appropriate treatment?
Given the differences between the two treatments, which one is appropriate will depend on the needs of each individual. In principle, if the aim is to reduce localized fat, we will opt for cavitation. It would be useful, for example, for people who want to show a slim figure but are unable to remove a small accumulation of fat, for example in the abdomen, despite exercising and following a good diet.
On the other hand, we would opt for liposuction if we want to remove large amounts of fat. We are not talking about obesity, because it would not be the right procedure for this case, but it could be used with people who have managed to lose a lot of weight, but have remained stagnant.
It should be noted that neither cavitation nor liposuction can replace a healthy lifestyle, which includes diet and physical exercise. Even if fat can be eliminated, to a greater or lesser degree with these treatments, the results can only be maintained with prolonged healthy habits.
