What are Liposuction, Cellulaze and BodyTite?

Liposuction, Cellulaze and BodyTite are all surgical body contouring procedures that address concerns affecting the body's shape and definition.

The delineation of the body’s shape is often a key element of the first visual impression we have of a person’s appearance. Therefore, it is understandable that if an individual feels that the shape of their body is imbalanced or irregular, this can affect confidence, and certain concerns may also cause physical discomfort.

Liposuction, Cellulaze, and BodyTite smooth and define the body’s silhouette by addressing the various underlying causes. They can each be performed as standalone procedures, but are often combined, either together or with procedures such as Tummy Tuck, Arm Lift, Thigh Lift or Buttock Lift.

Cadogan Clinic is a specialist body contouring clinic - our founder, Mr. Bryan Mayou, introduced Liposuction to the UK over forty years ago. Since then, we have continued to pioneer various body contouring procedures, building on the exceptional results Liposuction initially delivered.

Which Body Contouring Procedure is Right for Me?

During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss your concerns and the treatment options which are best suited to you. They may suggest combining body contouring procedures or performing one of the following alongside another surgical procedure.

What is Liposuction?

Liposuction is a surgical procedure which removes excess fat from various areas of the body to contour and define the body. Different types of Liposuction offer additional benefits, such as skin tightening, which enhance the final result.

Although Liposuction can be used across the body, popular treatment areas include:

• Upper and lower abdomen
• Waist
• Back
• Buttocks
• Thighs
• Calves
• Arms
• Lower face and jawline

While Traditional Liposuction can be successfully used in any of these areas, alternative options may be specifically suited to certain areas:

VASER Liposuction

VASER Liposuction combines fat removal with radiofrequency technology, which encourages skin tightening to enhance body contouring results.

This is especially suited to areas such as the upper arms and inner thighs, where the skin is thinner and stretchier, which may not return to its original shape after fat has been removed.

Laser Liposuction

Also known as SmartLipo, Laser Liposuction uses laser energy to break the fat down before it is extracted from the body. In addition to making the procedure less invasive, this encourages natural collagen production, which rejuvenates skin quality.

Similar to VASER Liposuction, Laser Liposuction is suited to areas where the skin is thin and stretchy, but also areas with high visibility, such as the chin and jawline.

Liposuction is suited to patients who wish to address body contouring concerns caused by stubborn pockets of fat due to weight loss, ageing, or pregnancy.

Liposuction Pros and Cons

Pros

• Removal of stubborn fat deposits
• Permanent results
• Different options to treat a range of concerns
• Effectively combines with other procedures

Cons

• Doesn’t directly treat cellulite

What is Cellulaze?

Cellulaze is an innovative surgical procedure which specifically targets cellulite. While previous cellulite treatment options have varied in their success, Cellulaze delivers effective outcomes, smoothing and defining the treatment areas.

Laser surgery for cellulite works by loosening the tightened bands of connective tissue that cause the textured appearance, using lasers. The treatment involves small incisions being made in the skin and is performed under general anaesthetic.

Cellulite surgery can be performed across the body in any areas affected by cellulite. Popular areas for the treatment include:

• Thighs
• Buttocks
• Abdomen

For patients whose confidence and comfort are affected by cellulite, Cellulaze provides an effective long-term treatment option.

Cellulaze Pros and Cons

Pros

• Effective treatment for cellulite
• Long-lasting results
• Combines well with other procedures

Cons

• Not a fat removal procedure
• Not a skin tightening procedure

What is BodyTite?

BodyTite is a new generation surgical procedure for skin tightening across the body. Similar to other popular procedures for skin tightening, such as Morpheus8, BodyTite uses radiofrequency energy to rejuvenate and tighten the skin.

Although BodyTite skin tightening is not suitable for patients with major loose skin, it is a highly effective treatment for individuals with slight loose skin concerns caused by weight loss, ageing or pregnancy.

The procedure involves a small incision being made in the skin of the treatment area before a specialist radiofrequency probe is inserted. By applying radiofrequency to the deeper layers of the skin, results are more pronounced and longer-lasting than with treatments that apply it to the outer layer.

BodyTite is suitable for treating mild to moderate loose skin across the body, but is often used around:

• Abdomen
• Waist
• Back
• Arms
• Thighs
• Buttocks

It is also well-suited to areas with thin, flexible skin.

Although BodyTite skin tightening can be performed as a standalone procedure, it is often combined with other surgeries to improve skin elasticity and quality.

BodyTite Pros and Cons

Pros

• Effective procedures for skin tightening
• Combines well with other procedures
• Long-lasting results
• Minimally invasive

Cons

• Not a fat removal procedure
• Doesn’t address cellulite

Different Body Contouring Concerns

There is a range of concerns which can affect the silhouette of the body in different ways:

Loose Skin

Loose skin is one of the most common concerns affecting the contour and definition of the body.

Weight loss (including weight loss medication), pregnancy and ageing can all result in excess skin developing in different areas of the body. Loose skin can develop anywhere on the body; however, areas where the skin is naturally thin and stretchy are more prone, such as the:

• Upper arms (sometimes known as bingo wings)
• Back of the thighs (sometimes known as banana rolls)
• Inner thighs

As well as impacting the appearance of the body, loose skin can also cause functional and medical concerns:

• Reduced mobility caused by the positioning of loose skin can make it challenging to maintain hygiene
• Folds of loose skin can trap sweat and bacteria, causing skin infections and rashes
• Physical imbalance resulting from loose skin can lead to poor posture, which may cause back and muscle pain

Many patients find that loose skin is an unwanted side effect of positive life changes, and this can tarnish their achievements.

Excess Stubborn Fat

Fat is distributed throughout the body, providing protection, insulation, and energy reserves. However, uneven fat distribution or stubborn pockets of fat, resistant to diet and exercise, can result in an imbalanced body appearance.

Localised fat deposits can be left behind after weight loss or pregnancy or occur with ageing. Although fat deposits can form anywhere, common areas of concern include:

• Abdomen
• Waist (also known as the flanks)
• Hips
• Back
• Thighs
• Buttocks

Similar to loose skin, stubborn fat can affect the appearance of the body, reduce mobility, and compromise posture and physical comfort.

Cellulite

Cellulite is a common condition that results in a dimpled or bumpy appearance to the skin, most often on the thighs, buttocks and abdomen.

Cellulite is caused by bands of connective tissue that join the skin and the muscle, tightening and pushing the surrounding fat up against the skin, creating a textured appearance. This, in turn, affects the overall definition and silhouette of the body.

Despite misconceptions that cellulite is related to being overweight, anyone can develop cellulite, regardless of overall weight. As well as causing self-consciousness, cellulite can be uncomfortable, especially when paired with loose skin, which can lead to rubbing and skin irritation.

Body Contouring Surgery: Differences in Recovery

Your surgeon will discuss surgical body contouring recovery during your initial consultation. This will allow you to prepare thoroughly ahead of your surgery, ensuring your recovery and healing are smooth.

Liposuction, Cellulaze and BodyTite all have comparable recovery times; however, the extent of the procedure and any other surgeries performed at the same time may lengthen the downtime required.

Following all body contouring procedures at Cadogan Clinic, patients have two follow-up appointments:

• The first is with our specialist nurses 7-10 days after the procedure to assess their initial healing and remove any sutures
• The second is 6 weeks after the procedure to discuss your results and recovery with your surgeon

Body contouring often requires compression garments to be worn throughout the recovery period. These will reduce swelling, protect the treated areas and aid healing.

Liposuction Recovery

• Full recovery within 6 weeks
• Compression garments for up to 6 weeks
• Reasonable mobility within 1 day
• Avoid exercise and strenuous activity for 4-6 weeks

Cellulaze Recovery

• Full recovery within 2 weeks
• Compression garments for up to 2 weeks
• Reasonable mobility on the same day as surgery
• Avoid exercise and strenuous activity for up to 2 weeks

BodyTite Recovery

• Full recovery within 2-3 weeks
• Compression garments for up to 3 weeks
• Reasonable mobility on the same day as surgery
• Avoid exercise and strenuous activity for up to 3 weeks

Your surgeon will discuss any factors that may affect your individual recovery process following any surgical body contouring procedure. During your recovery period, you will be given the 24-hour phone number for our specialist nurses, who will be on hand to answer any questions which may arise.

Summary

Liposuction, Cellulaze and BodyTite are a selection of body contouring procedures that address common concerns affecting the shape and definition of the body, such as excess fat, cellulite and loose skin.

While Liposuction is typically used to extract stubborn fat from the body, Cellulaze effectively addresses cellulite, and BodyTite tones and smooths mild to moderate loose skin. However, each of these procedures can also be combined with other surgical procedures, such as Tummy Tuck, Body Lift, Buttock Lift, Thigh Lift or Arm Lift to enhance and optimise results.

Speaking with a specialist Consultant Body Contouring Surgeon will provide guidance on which treatment options are most suitable for your concerns and the results you are hoping to achieve. Cadogan Clinic’s specialist patient advisors are on hand to discuss your concerns and match you with the best surgeon to meet your needs at our award winning clinic.

Words From Our Founder