How Liposuction Technology Has Evolved In Nearly 100 Years

Today, we live in an advanced, technologically-driven culture. In truth, as much as some people seek to deny it – technology is an integral part of society With each year passing, there is new innovations and upgrade versions of a product in nearly every single industry.  Look at cell-phones, video games, or even cars. There is always a new version of a cell-phone for all major brands each year. It has become a consumer expectation!

The same could be said for the medical field, more specifically, cosmetic surgeries. In fact, the way that a surgeon would perform liposuction today is gravely different, thankfully, due to the advancements in technology. In today’s article, we are going to share insight into how liposuction technology has evolved due to specific innovations and techniques over the course of 50 years.

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How Traditional Liposuction Worked

Before we can explore any recent technology breakthroughs that have influenced liposuction surgery today, we must begin by looking at how traditional liposuction worked. Now, traditional liposuction, the ideology of removing excess fat from the human body, has been scientifically and historically linked back to the 1920s to a French doctor, Charles Dujarier. However, this was not the first-time liposuction was performed in human history. In fact, the first documented liposuction dates back to the 6 century BC by Sushruta, a healer.

Fast forward to 1920, the traditional methods were established and the surgery was incredibly rigorous, risky, and painful. Patients were subject to having their excess fat and blood sucked out by a vacuum. Due to this, they were subject to intense bruising and extensive recovery times.

Due to the lack of experience in the procedure, the risk was grave and potentially life-threatening. Gratefully, with each decade passing, the technological advancements impacted this surgery, making it more secure, safer, and less painful.

Recent Technological Breakthroughs

In the liposuction industry, there are a few different technology breakthroughs and techniques that have influenced the way the procedure and surgery are done. Now, the surgery itself is still performed with a cannula; however, the technique and strategies used are gravely different.

It’s important to note that the current state of liposuction is always evolving. Be sure to contact a plastic surgeon if you are curious as to what methods or techniques they use. Here are three of the most recent technology breakthroughs as of 2018:


One of the best technological breakthroughs in liposuction was the introduction of something known as MicroAire. There are two different types of MicroAire procedures: power or vibration assisted. This innovation has helped surgeons remove more fat in a quicker amount of time, making the surgery less of a burden for patients.


In many different medical procedures, the introduction of laser technology has transformed the entire process. In liposuction, surgeons may use laser lights in efforts to destroy fat cells once and for all. In addition to this, lasers can help sculpt skin in a more effective manner, making this a favorable option for some patients.


Like laser technology, the infusion of water in liposuction surgeries has made a significant impact. Surgeons actually use high-pressure water jets to dislodge any stubborn excess fat and remove it from targeted areas. Some patients tend to prefer the water method because it’s softer and less painful. However, water does not offer the best end-results, like laser lights.

The Future Of Liposuction

While the history of the liposuction is limited to just shy of 100 years, there has been an immense amount of innovation in its course. Now, when you consider that, out of the many different cosmetic surgeries, liposuction is on the rise becoming the 2nd most popular, accruing over 246,354 surgeries in just 2017 – it has led us to the conclusion that the future of liposuction is quite promising. As technology continues to evolve and grow, it will be interesting to see how it will positively influence the procedure, making it safer, less painful, and reduce recovery times.


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