Water-jet Assisted Liposuction

Traditional tumescent liposuction works using a two-step process of firstly infiltrating the target zone with considerable quantities of tumescent solution, followed by an aggressive aspiration phase (that typically leaves much of the infiltration fluid - and the medications in it - behind).

In WAL, the infiltration and aspiration phases have been refined to provide levels of safety, comfort, and precision significantly beyond those possible with traditional techniques.

Infiltration Phase

Initial vasoconstriction and anesthetisation of the treatment area are performed in the infiltration phase. The jet allows controlled infiltration with minimal fluid and no damage to functional structures. Unlike traditional techniques, following infiltration there is minimal deformation of the treatment area.

By avoiding the large infiltration volumes of traditional tumescent liposuction, WAL achieves the following benefits:

• without the associated swelling and contour changes, results can be realized with greater precision.
• patient mobility is improved, optimising access to the treatment area and enabling intra-operative assessment of the patient in a standing position.
• patient comfort is improved both during and after the procedure (post-op leakage is reduced to less than 24 hours).
• medication load and residual volumes are kept to a minimum, making it much safer for the patient, and allowing for the treatment of multiple zones within a single session.

Aspiration Phase

Aspiration is started immediately after the infiltration phase. Because the jet is used to loosen the fat cells, there is no need to wait for any tumescence effect. Rinsing and aspiration proceed concurrently, in a localised and controlled way.

Typical fluid formulations (per 1000ml NaCl 0.9%) are given below:

Summary

Throughout the procedure, the jet significantly improves the liposuction process in the following ways:

• the jet displaces functional structures (like nerves and blood vessels) protecting them from mechanical trauma. This makes the procedure safer and more comfortable for the patient and significantly reduces recovery times. Similarly, less scar tissue makes for more even and predictable results.
• the fine fan-shaped jet allows for precise control and contouring of small areas.
• the jet works to expand the space around the fat cells, loosening them for aspiration. Because the jet is doing the work the technique is smooth and force-free, requiring less physical effort by the surgeon.
• continuous localised application of anaesthesia and vasoconstriction at the operating site removes time pressure on the surgeon.
• fat cells are not tumesced. This saves time and also enables harvesting and transfer of clean fat.