When he developed the SAFELipo multistep process approach, Dr. Simeon Wall Jr. hoped to improve liposuction results for his patients in Louisiana. A recent study confirms that he has not only achieved, but surpassed that goal, producing a comprehensive body contouring process that results in the elimination of unevenness and skin irregularities common to other forms of liposuction while delivering dramatic results and no serious complications.
Background on SAFELipo
The SAFELipo of today began as a way to help patients who had undergone unsatisfactory procedures elsewhere. SAFELipo was developed to correct contour irregularities that Dr. Wall Jr. saw in these revision liposuction patients. The acronym “SAFE” stands for Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalization, all pertaining to the management of fat. When patients are dissatisfied with liposuction results, it’s often because the skin has healed unnaturally by adhering directly to the underlying muscle fascia, creating an uneven, tethered, or “lumpy” appearance.
Dr. Wall Jr. addresses these problems partly by using fat equalization, the last step in the SAFELipo process. During fat equalization, Dr. Wall Jr. smooths out entire areas, equalizing the skin and fat thickness and repairing dents and divots, all by using specially designed probes and cannulas. The fat equalization process creates a thin layer of fat that prevents the skin from healing unevenly, utilizing the concept of equalization with “local fat grafts.” This thin layer is just enough fat between the skin and fascia for a smooth, even result.
After seeing success with liposuction revision patients, Dr. Wall Jr. then realized that the process would be equally effective for patients having their primary liposuction procedure, with the added benefit of reducing the risk of the very complications he was correcting. To prove this, he undertook a large-scale study to test the safety and efficacy of the procedure.
The Study
Dr. Wall Jr. looked at 734 cases of past patients who had undergone SAFE liposuction procedures between 2006 and 2011. The study, published in the December 2016 issue of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons’ Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery journal, indicated that these patients had SAFE liposuction in all different treatment areas, including the face and neck, chest, arms, midsection, flanks, and legs.
Safety
After controlling for patients who had also had another procedure concurrently, the study found that there were zero instances of major complications among SAFELipo patients (where “major” was defined as any complication requiring a revision procedure) and that there were zero instances of patients with contour deformities. Only 5 patients developed seroma, or fluid buildup, that can be resolved during a follow-up visit.
Efficacy
Beyond the question, “Is this liposuction method safe?” the study also held SAFELipo to higher scrutiny by establishing five criteria as the hallmarks of a successful liposuction method: optimizing fat removal, comprehensive body contouring, preserving vascular integrity, maximizing skin retraction, and minimizing complications.
In its conclusions, the study found that SAFELipo advances each of those objectives. In other words:
- It can efficiently remove a significant amount of fat.
- It’s useful across a range of treatment areas.
- It does not damage nearby blood vessels and lymphatic tissue.
- It successfully avoids abnormalities in skin retraction.
- It reduces the risk of complications.
Overall, the study called SAFELipo “a reliable means of delivering improved aesthetic results and limiting complications.”
SAFELipo Patients at The Wall Center
So, what does this mean for patients here at our practice? It’s simple: You can rest assured in the knowledge that SAFELipo lives up to its name, delivering beautiful results while minimizing the risks of complications.
If you are interested in seeing what’s possible for you with SAFELipo, please contact us and we’ll be happy to set up a consultation.
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