AirSculpt is a minimally invasive procedure that utilizes radiofrequency energy and vacuum suction to eliminate unwanted fat cells.
The FDA has approved this non-surgical alternative to liposuction as a safe and effective procedure.
Developed by Dr. Aaron Rollins in Beverly Hills, California, AirSculpt is exclusively available at Elite Body Sculpture centers and is considered the optimal method for achieving your desired results.
How Does AirSculpt Work?
During an AirSculpt procedure, patients are conscious while receiving local anesthesia administered by the medical team.
The surgeon applies radiofrequency energy and suction using a handpiece to break down fat cells in the targeted area and then removes them with vacuum suction.
AirSculpt is a safe and effective procedure with a quick recovery time.
In most cases, patients usually resume their daily activities within a few days.
However, there may be some bruising and swelling that should disappear within a week or two.
AirSculpt is an excellent option for those with stubborn fat that doesn’t respond to diet and exercise and those seeking a less invasive alternative to liposuction.
What Are the Pros and Cons of AirSculpt?
Pros:
- Less invasive than liposuction
- Faster recovery time
- Fewer side effects
- You can use it to treat various areas, such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and arms.
- It removes fat cells and also improves skin tightening
- It transfers fat to other areas of the body, such as the breasts.
Cons:
- More expensive than other non-surgical fat removal procedures
- Liposuction is more effective than Airsculpt for removing large amounts of fat.
- It may not be suitable for everyone
- There is a risk of bruising, swelling, and pain
- In rare cases, there may be scarring
Who’s a Good Candidate for AirSculpt?
AirSculpt is an excellent option for those who have trouble losing fat with diet and exercise.
It’s also a less invasive option than liposuction. Here are some of the factors that a doctor will consider when determining if you are a good candidate for AirSculpt:
- Your overall health and fitness level
- The areas of your body that you want to improve
- The amount of fat that you want to remove
- Your expectations for the results
Here are some specific examples of people who may be good candidates for AirSculpt:
- People who have a small amount of excess fat in one or two areas, such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs
- Those who maintain an active lifestyle and eat healthily may still struggle with stubborn fat that resists exercise.
- Individuals without the desire to undergo a surgical procedure, such as liposuction.
- People who are looking for a procedure with a quick recovery time
What Happens During an AirSculpt Procedure?
Here is a step-by-step explanation of what happens during an AirSculpt procedure:
- Your surgeon will take you to a surgical suite and give you local anesthesia.
- The surgeon will mark the areas of your body to be treated.
- The surgeon will make small incisions in the skin, typically less than 2 millimeters in size.
- A handpiece will be inserted through the incisions. The handpiece has a small cannula at the end to remove fat cells.
- A radiofrequency emitter on the handpiece heats the fat cells, causing them to break down.
- The vacuum suction then removes the broken-down fat cells.
- The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours.
- You will be able to go home the same day.
Following the procedure, it is possible to encounter bruising, swelling, and discomfort.
However, these symptoms should subside within a few days.
You must also wear a compression garment for a few weeks to support the skin and reduce swelling.
How Much Does AirSculpt Lipo Cost?
AirSculpt lipo costs vary depending on the size and number of areas treated and the surgeon’s fees.
According to RealSelf, the average cost of AirSculpt lipo is $13,130.
However, the cost can range from $6,000 for a tiny treatment area to $24,053 for a more extensive procedure.
Here are some factors that can affect the cost of AirSculpt lipo:
- The size and number of areas treated: The cost of the treatment increases with the number and size of the treated areas.
- The surgeon’s fees: Surgeon’s costs vary depending on their experience and location.
- The cost of anesthesia will be higher if general anesthesia is required.
- The cost of other procedures: The price will be higher if additional procedures are performed simultaneously, such as a tummy tuck.
Risks and Complications
Although AirSculpt is a minimally invasive procedure with lower risks than traditional surgical methods, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks and complications.
Here are some of the possible risks and complications that may arise from AirSculpt:
- Infection: There’s always a possibility of infection when undergoing a surgical procedure. Proper sterilization techniques and post-operative care can help minimize this risk.
- Bleeding: There can be some bleeding during and after the procedure. While it’s usually minimal, excessive bleeding can lead to complications that may require medical intervention.
- Bruising and Swelling: They are common side effects of AirSculpt but typically diminish over time. However, they may persist longer or be more noticeable in rare cases.
- Uneven Results: Achieving perfectly even results can be challenging, and uneven fat removal or contouring is possible.
- Asymmetry: There’s a risk of post-procedure asymmetry, where one side of the body looks different. Skilled surgeons aim for symmetry, but it’s not always perfectly achievable.
- Skin Irregularities: Changes in skin texture, contour irregularities, or dimpling can occur after fat removal. These might be more noticeable in individuals with poor skin elasticity.
- Numbness or Sensation Changes: Temporary numbness, tingling, or altered sensation in the treated area can occur due to nerve irritation. In most cases, feelings return to normal over time.
- Scarring: While the incisions made during AirSculpt are small and typically heal well, scarring has potential. Scars might be more visible for some individuals.
- Fluid Imbalance: Fluid shifts and imbalances can occur after the procedure, leading to swelling and discomfort. Proper drainage techniques are usually employed to minimize this risk.
- Allergic Reactions: Though rare, some individuals might have allergic reactions to medications, anesthesia, or other substances used during the procedure.
- Anesthesia Complications: Anesthesia risks, although low, can include allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or adverse reactions to the anesthesia drugs.
- Seroma and Hematoma: These are collections of fluid (seroma) or blood (hematoma) that can form under the skin at the treatment site. They might require drainage if they persist.
- Pigmentation Changes: Skin in the treated area might experience changes in pigmentation, including darkening or lightening. These changes are usually temporary.
- Delayed Healing: Some individuals might experience delayed wound healing or separation, which can prolong recovery.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Pulmonary Embolism (PE): Although extremely rare, blood clots can form in deep veins (DVT) and travel to the lungs (PE).
How Long Is AirSculpt Recovery?
The time required for recovery after an AirSculpt procedure can vary depending on several factors.
They include the extent of the treatment, the treated areas, individual healing rates, and adherence to post-operative care instructions.
AirSculpt is typically associated with a shorter recovery period compared to more invasive surgical procedures.
To give you an idea of what to expect during the recovery process, here’s a general timeline:
Immediate Post-Procedure Period (Days 1-2):
- You should expect some soreness, swelling, and possibly bruising in the treated areas.
- Most people can resume light activities and move around the same day or the day after the procedure.
- You may need someone to drive you home after the procedure due to the effects of the anesthesia.
First Week:
- Swelling and bruising are common during this period and may be at their peak.
- Your surgeon will recommend wearing compression garments to help reduce swelling and shape the treated area.
- You can usually return to light activities and work, depending on the extent of the treatment and how you’re feeling.
Two Weeks:
- Swelling and bruising should disappear, and you should start seeing the first results.
- You can return to more normal activities, depending on your job and the areas treated.
- You must continue to wear compression garments as directed by your surgeon.
Four to Six Weeks:
- Most swelling and bruising should have resolved; you’ll likely see more noticeable results.
- You can resume more strenuous activities and exercise, following your surgeon’s recommendations.
Two to Three Months:
- Most swelling should have subsided by this time, making your final results more apparent.
- Any residual discomfort or numbness should continue to improve.
Long-Term Recovery:
- It can take several months for your body to adjust to the new contours fully.
- Continue following any post-operative care instructions provided by your surgeon.
- Attend follow-up appointments to ensure your healing is progressing as expected.
It’s important to understand that each person’s recovery process is different.
Some individuals recover more quickly than others, while others require more time.
Following your surgeon’s recommendations during the initial healing phase is essential to ensuring a smooth recovery and optimal results.
Are Results Permanent?
Yes, AirSculpt permanently removes fat cells during the procedure, preventing them from regenerating.
However, if you gain weight after AirSculpt, your body will store the fat in other areas, not the areas treated.
To maintain your AirSculpt results, you will have to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle involves:
- Consuming a balanced and wholesome diet.
- Engaging in regular physical activity.
- Refraining from smoking.
Sometimes, a touch-up AirSculpt procedure may be necessary after several years if the results begin to fade.
Is AirSculpt Better Than Lipo?
Both AirSculpt and liposuction are cosmetic procedures that can eliminate unwanted body fat. However, they differ in their approach.
AirSculpt uses a combination of laser energy and air pressure to remove fat cells.
Liposuction uses a cannula to suction out fat cells. AirSculpt has fewer side effects and a shorter recovery time.
On the other hand, liposuction can remove more fat than AirSculpt.
Ultimately, the ideal procedure for you will depend on your specific needs and goals.
If you want a minimally invasive procedure with less recovery time, AirSculpt could be a good choice.
However, liposuction may be a better option to remove significant fat.
Conclusion
AirSculpt uses air pressure and laser energy to remove fat cells with minimal invasion.
It is a gentler alternative to liposuction, with less downtime and fewer side effects.
However, unlike liposuction, AirSculpt can only remove less fat. The results of this procedure are permanent.
If you are considering AirSculpt, consult your doctor or a qualified plastic surgeon to learn more about the procedure, its risks, and its benefits.
- Realself (June 13, 2023). Airsculpt: What you should know. realself.com/surgical/airsculpt
