Explanation of ‘SAFE’ lipo

PLASTIC SURGERY Michael Frederick, MD

Question: What is “SAFE” lipo?

Answer: Most liposuction techniques done today are very safe, but the most common problem after liposuction is contour irregularity. SAFE lipo is a new and different liposuction technique designed to minimize contour irregularities while getting out the most fat possible. SAFE lipo is an acronym that stands for Separation, Aspiration and Fat Equalization.

In the first step the fat is separated from its fibrous attachments so that the fat is now freefloating under the skin. This allows me to be very aggressive about breaking up more firm areas of fat without worrying about over resecting (i.e. causing divots) because I am not sucking out the fat at this time. After separation, I lightly suck out all of the freed-up fat.

Occasionally, there are some stubborn areas of firm fat left behind and that is when I go back in without using suction to free up those last fibrous attachments and equalize the remaining fat to leave a nice smooth contour.

This technique has several other advantages in that the separation technique also separates blood vessels from the fat so there is less bleeding and the quality of the fat is perfect for fat-grafting to other parts of the body. In many a case where patients would like to augment their buttocks (for a Brazilian butt lift), or use their fat for filler in the face, treat aging hands or even augment their breasts, this fat is ideal.

SAFE lipo is not a gimmick, marketing trend or fancy machine. It is a surgical technique that, in my opinion, is the new gold standard in cosmetic liposuction procedures. To learn more or to see if you are a candidate, call for your complimentary cosmetic consultation with me. Board Certified plastic Surgeon, Michael Frederick, MD, recently joined Hass Plastic Surgery completing the prestigious Harvard Plastic Surgery Residency program at Massachusetts General Hospital. He hails from California where he completed his undergraduate degrees in Marine Biology and Spanish at UCLA followed by his Medical Degree at the University of California at San Francisco. He has published many peer reviewed articles and presented at multiple national meetings including the AAPS and ASPS. He is also fluent in Spanish.