As a leading NYC plastic surgeon specializing in body contouring, Dr. Smith uses the latest techniques to provide customized outcomes that accentuate each patient’s natural beauty.
AirSculpt is a commonly used marketing term in the liposuction and body contouring space, and this comprehensive guide is designed to provide a detailed overview of what AirSculpt entails, how it compares to other fat removal and skin tightening procedures, and important factors to consider when evaluating your body sculpting options.
What is AirSculpt Laser Liposculpture?
AirSculpt is a proprietary marketing term coined by Elite Body Sculpture to describe its specific approach to laser-assisted liposuction.
The minimally invasive procedure combines traditional liposuction techniques with laser energy to remove unwanted fat and tighten the skin for improved body contours.
Liposuction alone doesn’t tighten skin. Laser, ultrasound, and radiofrequency energy can address loose skin after fat removal.
Laser (like AirSculpt) is an older, less effective skin tightening technology in our experience as compared to ultrasound (VASER) and radiofrequency (BodyTite).
How do Airsculpt procedures work?
- Local anesthesia is used for patient comfort during the procedure.
- The surgeon make a small incision to insert the thin liposuction cannula.
- They’ll manipulate the cannula to remove unwanted fat from your chosen areas.
- Laser energy stimulates collagen production and skin tightening.
AirSculpt aims to remove fat and improve skin quality permanently, but it’s important to remember that individual results may vary. While it’s marketed as a superior liposuction alternative, AirSculpt is essentially liposuction with added laser energy, an outdated method for skin tightening.
Another important limitation of AirSculpt is that it is only performed under local anesthesia – Elite Body Sculpture does not offer other options. Being awake for your procedure can limit the results we can achieve due to discomfort. While small individual areas like the arms or chin can often be treated under local anesthesia, procedures involving multiple or large areas are best performed with general anesthesia or IV sedation to ensure your safety and a pleasant experience.
What Areas Can Be Treated with AirSculpt?
Similar to traditional liposuction techniques, AirSculpt can be used to target localized fat deposits and tighten mild skin laxity on virtually any area of the body, including:
- Abdomen and stomach
- Flanks, sides, and love handles
- Back, bra rolls, and upper back fat
- Upper arms and bat wings
- Inner thighs and outer thighs
- Buttocks and banana roll
- Male chest and gynecomastia
- Chin, neck, and jawline
- Knees and inner knee fat
What Are the Benefits of AirSculpt?
- Permanently removes fat cells: This benefit is shared by all liposuction techniques.
- Improves skin tightness: Tends to offer mild skin tightening; superior results can be obtained with other energy-based liposuction methods.
- Allows for precise sculpting: Common to all liposuction techniques
- Minimally invasive: Shared characteristic of liposuction techniques involving small incisions.
- Safety: Both traditional liposuction and AirSculpt are generally safe when performed by qualified surgeons. However, all surgical procedures carry inherent risks.
- Recovery time: Comparable recovery process to other liposuction methods, with similar downtime. VASER ultrasound liposuction does have reduced recovery time due to decreased blood loss with this technique.
- Achieves natural-looking results: Primarily dependent on the surgeon’s skill and artistry, not the specific technique.
AirSculpt can produce visible enhancements in body contours and mild skin retraction for the right candidates.
However, based on Dr. Smith’s vast liposuction experience, more advanced energy delivery systems like VASER (ultrasound) and BodyTite (radiofrequency) typically offer superior skin tightening and precision sculpting compared to laser-based AirSculpt.
How Long is Recovery After AirSculpt?
The recovery timeline following AirSculpt is similar to the healing process associated with other energy-assisted liposuction techniques. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect during your AirSculpt recovery:
- Immediately After: You can resume light activities immediately, though mild discomfort, swelling, and numbness are expected in the treated area. A compression garment will help reduce swelling and aid healing.
- 1 Week Post-Op: Any swelling will significantly reduce within a few weeks. The bruising will also fade, and you might return to work and light exercise. The overall appearance should be close to pre-procedure levels.
- 2-4 Weeks Post-Op: The bruising will fade, and your swelling will continue to decrease. Numbness may persist, but intense workouts can be resumed. Body contour improvements will become more noticeable.
- 6 Weeks Post-Op: The incision sites should be well healed and fading. You will appreciate your sculpted new shape with much of the swelling resolved.
- 3-6 Months Post-Op: The final results become visible as the swelling fully disappears. Skin tightening continues, enhancing body contour in the following months.
Following your plastic surgeon’s personalized aftercare instructions is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible aesthetic outcome. This may include wearing your compression garment as directed, avoiding certain activities or products, and attending all scheduled follow-up appointments.
Remember, while AirSculpt recovery is relatively quick, giving your body adequate time to rest and heal is essential.
How Much Does AirSculpt Cost?
AirSculpt costs vary widely. Factors like treatment area, fat removal, location, and surgeon experience influence price. Typical costs range from $10,000 to $14,000 per area, but combining areas can offer savings. For example, the airsculpt cost for a mommy makeover will depend on the specific procedures involved. Always get a personalized quote after consultation.
AirSculpt vs. Other Fat Removal Procedures
It is essential to have realistic expectations regarding any fat removal or skin contouring procedure. We have all the information you need if you’re weighing up your options. Here’s how Airsculpting compares to other procedures.
AirSculpt vs. Traditional Liposuction
AirSculpt and traditional liposuction are surgical procedures designed to remove excess fat cells and improve body contours. However, there are some key differences to consider:
- Approach: AirSculpt combines laser energy for skin tightening with a cannula for fat suctioning. Liposuction focuses solely on fat removal without the addition of laser technology.
- Results: AirSculpt uses laser energy to remove fat and tighten skin, while traditional liposuction only removes fat. Dr. Smith prefers ultrasound (VASER) and radiofrequency (BodyTite) for skin tightening.
- Anesthesia: AirSculpt uses local anesthesia, limiting treatment areas. Traditional liposuction offers various anesthesia options for more flexibility.
- Downtime: AirSculpt advocates claim that it involves less bruising, swelling, and recovery time than other forms of liposuction. However, the healing process is similar to other liposuction methods.
- Cost: Due to the addition of laser technology for skin tightening, AirSculpt may carry a higher price tag than traditional liposuction alone. However, the overall cost is generally comparable to other energy-based liposuction procedures.
In Dr. Smith’s experience, AirSculpt offers limited skin tightening, while VASER and BodyTite provide superior results for skin tightening and sculpting.
AirSculpt vs. CoolSculpting
CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure that freezes and destroys fat cells. It’s best suited for smaller, localized fat pockets and offers a gradual reduction over time.
AirSculpt is a surgical procedure that uses laser energy to liquefy and remove fat. It’s more invasive but provides quicker, more dramatic results, often with some skin tightening benefits. It’s suitable for larger areas and those seeking immediate contouring.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual goals, preferences, and the specific areas to be treated.
AirSculpt vs. EmSculpt Neo
EmSculpt Neo is a non-invasive modality that leverages high-intensity focused electromagnetic (HIFEM) energy to induce forceful muscle contractions and radiofrequency (RF) energy for fat reduction and skin tightening.
It’s a non-surgical means to build muscle, tone the physique, and reduce localized fat deposits.
AirSculpt employs laser-assisted liposuction to eliminate unwanted fat and simultaneously stimulate collagen production for improved skin texture.
While EmSculpt Neo excels in muscle building and non-invasive fat reduction, AirSculpt offers a more dramatic and immediate transformation through surgical means.
AirSculpt vs Kybella
AirSculpt is a surgical procedure that directly removes fat cells and offers potential skin tightening benefits. Kybella is a non-surgical injection that dissolves fat cells over time.
While Kybella is less invasive, it often requires multiple treatments, results are less predictable, and recovery time can be longer. AirSculpt provides more precise fat removal and more substantial results.
Laser Lipo vs Cavitation
Cavitation, a process utilizing ultrasound energy, disrupts stubborn fat deposits prior to fat removal with liposuction. Generating microbubbles within the fat tissue facilitates easier and less traumatic fat removal.
Dr. Smith favors VASER liposuction, which employs this technology, for its efficacy, reduced blood loss, and expedited recovery.
VASER offers a refined liposuction experience, particularly beneficial for challenging areas such as the male chest and revision cases.
Airsculpt vs BodyTite
AirSculpt and BodyTite are energy-assisted liposuction techniques that aim to remove excess fat while tightening the skin. The key difference lies in the type of energy used: AirSculpt employs laser technology, which represents an older and less advanced approach to skin tightening, while BodyTite utilizes a state-of-the-art bipolar radiofrequency (RF) energy system.
In Dr. Smith’s extensive body contouring experience, the RF energy delivered by BodyTite consistently outperforms the laser technology used in AirSculpt regarding skin retraction, tissue remodeling, and overall sculpting precision. RF energy penetrates deep into the dermal layers, stimulating more robust skin contraction than laser treatments.
The before and after images below showcase the impressive results of BodyTite RF-assisted liposuction for skin tightening and body contouring. The first patient underwent BodyTite treatment in combination with liposuction of the abdomen and direct excision of excess chest tissue.
The second patient had struggled with skin laxity on her thighs despite trying various non-invasive and minimally invasive treatments, and she was able to achieve her desired outcome with a single BodyTite session.
Why Does Airsculpt Cost More Than Traditional Lipo?
The cost of any liposuction procedure, including AirSculpt, can vary significantly based on a range of factors, such as the number and size of treatment areas, the volume of fat removed, the experience and reputation of the plastic surgeon, and the geographic location of the practice.
In general, if AirSculpt is priced higher than traditional liposuction, it is likely due to the addition of laser technology for skin tightening, which is not typically included in standard liposuction.
Liposuction vs. Airsculpt vs. LaserLipo: What’s the Real Deal?
With the ever-expanding array of body contouring treatments available, it can be challenging to decipher the differences and determine the best approach for your needs. Dr. Smith offers his expert insight:
“Body contouring offers a spectrum of options to refine the body’s shape. A tailored approach is essential, from surgical interventions like liposuction and tummy tucks to non-invasive treatments such as CoolSculpting. While surgery delivers more dramatic and immediate results, non-surgical methods offer convenience and minimal downtime.
My expertise lies in combining artistry with advanced techniques to achieve exceptional outcomes. I prioritize patient satisfaction and employ a meticulous approach to every procedure. Whether you desire the precision of surgical sculpting or the convenience of non-invasive treatments, I am dedicated to helping you achieve your ideal body contour.”
Choosing the Right Option for You
Choosing the right body contouring treatment can be overwhelming. With numerous options available, personalized guidance is essential. Dr. Smith offers expert consultations to assess individual needs and recommend tailored treatment plans.
While AirSculpt is an option, advanced techniques like BodyTite and VASER often yield superior results for skin tightening and overall body contouring.
Dr. Smith’s expertise in combining artistry with technology ensures exceptional outcomes, helping patients achieve their desired body shape and boost confidence.
Please book your initial consultation today and discover how Dr. Smith can transform your body.
FAQs About AirSculpt
What is AirSculpt?
AirSculpt® is a proprietary marketing term used by the national chain of cosmetic surgery clinics, Elite Body Sculpture, to describe their specific laser-assisted liposuction technique.
Introduced in 2012 by Dr. Aaron Rollins, AirSculpt combines traditional tumescent liposuction with laser energy to remove unwanted fat and mildly tighten the skin.
How is AirSculpt performed?
During an AirSculpt procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions in the treatment area and infiltrates a tumescent solution containing anesthetic and vasoconstrictive agents to minimize pain and bleeding.
A thin, hollow tube called a cannula is then inserted through the incisions. The surgeon uses back-and-forth motions to suction out the liquefied fat while the laser energy heats the surrounding tissues to promote skin retraction.
What areas can be treated with AirSculpt?
AirSculpt can remove excess fat deposits and tighten mildly lax skin on virtually any body area where liposuction is typically performed, including the abdomen, flanks, back, arms, thighs, buttocks, chest, chin, and knees.
Does AirSculpt require anesthesia?
AirSculpt is often marketed as a procedure that can be performed under local anesthesia while the patient is awake However, this approach may limit the size of the treatment area and the patient’s overall comfort.
Some AirSculpt providers do offer IV sedation or general anesthesia for more extensive procedures or at the patient’s request.
How long is recovery after AirSculpt?
Most patients experience mild to moderate swelling, bruising, and discomfort for the first few days after AirSculpt, which gradually subsides over 2-4 weeks. You’ll be able to return to normal activities relatively quickly.
Most swelling resolves within six weeks, and final results become apparent after three to six months as the skin contracts and remodels.
Does AirSculpt produce permanent results?
Yes, the fat cells removed during an AirSculpt procedure are permanently eliminated from the body.
However, it is vital to maintain a stable weight and healthy lifestyle habits to prevent the remaining fat cells from enlarging and compromising the results.
Is AirSculpt a safe procedure?
When performed by a qualified, board-certified plastic surgeon, AirSculpt is generally considered safe.
However, as with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks, such as significant swelling, bleeding, infection, and contour irregularities, which should be thoroughly discussed with your surgeon before treatment.
How many AirSculpt treatments are required?
In most cases, AirSculpt can achieve the desired fat reduction and mild skin tightening results in a single treatment session.
However, some patients may require additional treatments to address multiple areas or to refine the outcomes further.
Does AirSculpt work for firming loose skin?
While the laser energy used in AirSculpt can stimulate collagen production and mild skin retraction, it may not be as effective as more advanced technologies, such as radiofrequency (BodyTite) or ultrasound (VASER), for achieving significant skin tightening, especially in cases of moderate to severe skin laxity.
Can AirSculpt fix stretch marks?
AirSculpt is not designed to treat or eliminate stretch marks.
While the procedure may improve the skin’s overall appearance through mild tightening effects, it will not significantly reduce the appearance of existing stretch marks.
Can AirSculpt treat the face and neck areas?
Yes, AirSculpt can remove excess fat and tighten mildly lax skin on the face and neck, particularly in the submental (under the chin) area.
However, treating these delicate regions requires significant skill and experience to achieve natural-looking results and avoid complications.
What kind of results can I expect with AirSculpt?
After AirSculpt, patients can expect to see a noticeable reduction in fat volume and a mild improvement in skin tightness in the treated areas.
The results will continue to improve over 3-6 months as the skin contracts and remodels.
However, individual outcomes may vary depending on age, skin quality, and the amount of fat removed.
Are there any side effects associated with AirSculpt?
Common side effects of AirSculpt include temporary swelling, bruising, numbness, and discomfort in the treated areas.
These typically resolve within a few weeks as the body heals. More severe complications, such as infection or contour irregularities, are rare but can occur.
Do I need to follow a special diet or exercise routine after AirSculpt?
While no specific diet or exercise regimen is required after AirSculpt, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with balanced nutrition and regular physical activity can help sustain the results and prevent future fat accumulation.
Your surgeon will provide personalized recommendations based on your individual needs and goals.
What is the cost of AirSculpt body contouring?
AirSculpt costs vary based on factors like treatment area and surgeon expertise. Average costs start around $10,000 per area, with discounts for multiple areas treated.
Dr. Darren Smith offers advanced body contouring options, including power-assisted tumescent liposuction, BodyTite, and VASER. His expertise and commitment to natural results ensure exceptional outcomes.
Choose a qualified surgeon for your body contouring journey. Dr. Smith’s experience and dedication to patient care make him an ideal choice. Contact us to schedule a consultation and explore your options.
