Body-Jet WAL — water jet liposuction

WAL is an abbreviation for “water-assisted liposuction.” Water-assisted liposuction is the Finnish term for “vesiavusteinen rasvaimu.” As the name suggests, the procedure uses a water jet to dislodge fat cells.

Regardless of the liposuction technique used, fat is removed through a thin, hollow cannula. In traditional liposuction, the cannula is inserted through the tissue to the area where the fat is to be removed. Once the cannula is in place, the fat is mechanically broken down, making it easy to suction out.

In water jet liposuction, fat is not broken down mechanically but is instead loosened using a water jet. As a result, the dislodged fat cells do not die, and they can be processed and transferred from one area to another. Fat transfer can be done to areas such as the face, breasts, or buttocks.

In Body-Jet WAL liposuction, the doctor treats the fat tissue with a pulsating water jet. The water jet is used to soften the fat and loosen it from the surrounding tissues. This method of fat dislodging is much gentler than the mechanical fat removal used in traditional liposuction. At the same time as the water jet treatment, fat is suctioned out with a thin cannula.

The Body-Jet liposuction procedure has three phases:

1. Spraying a local anesthetic solution onto the treatment area.
2. Loosening the fat with the water jet and suctioning out the dislodged fat with the cannula.
3. Suctioning away any excess fluid from the liposuction area.

Water jet liposuction (Body-Jet WAL) is almost always an outpatient procedure performed in an operating room. The procedure requires anesthesia or pain relief. General anesthesia (being put to sleep) is a possible form of anesthesia, but often the procedure can be done with local anesthesia and intravenous sedation. Lidocaine, which is injected into the tissues with the water jet before the fat is actually removed, also helps relieve pain. If the liposuction is done under general anesthesia, it is essential to follow the fasting instructions. There is no need to fear anesthesia, but careful preparation is necessary.

Liposuction typically takes a few hours, depending on the extent of the area being treated. The actual liposuction usually takes between one to three hours. Water jet liposuction generally takes less time than traditional liposuction.

The length of the recovery time varies from person to person. Most often, pain is gone within a few days. Returning to daily activities and exercises should always be done according to the doctor’s instructions.

Water-assisted liposuction is performed in an operating room that is clean and sterile. A skilled nurse assists the doctor during the procedure.

The procedure is shorter than traditional liposuction because the water jet helps to detach and soften the fat more quickly.

If you are of normal weight or slightly overweight and have stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to dietary changes, liposuction may be suitable for you. Body-Jet liposuction is commonly performed on areas such as:

• Abdomen
• Hips (love handles)
• Back
• Thighs
• Knees
• Chin (double chin)
• Fat can be removed from multiple areas during the same procedure.

Cityklinikka also offers a wide range of other fat removal methods. There are plenty of options available. In addition to water-assisted liposuction, fat can also be removed using the following methods:

• CoolSculpting (cryolipolysis)
• BodyTite liposuction
• Surgical liposuction
• Lipolysis injections
• Moderate fat removal can also be achieved using cold laser or TightSculpting laser treatments.

After water-assisted liposuction, soreness and swelling are possible. However, the swelling, bruising, and pain are generally less than those experienced after traditional liposuction surgery. Recovery time varies depending on how many areas were treated and the size of the treatment areas. Typically, recovery takes between two days and a week. Since WAL liposuction is almost always performed under local anesthesia, patients do not need to allocate time for recovery from general anesthesia (sleep anesthesia).

Initial results from the liposuction are visible immediately after the procedure. Full recovery of the body takes several months, and the final result can be assessed after 3 to 6 months.

Every liposuction procedure comes with general side effects. Swelling and bruising are always possible and likely. Numbness in the treated area may also occur. Sensory disturbances are temporary.

Risks include:

• Mild asymmetry
• Seroma (fluid accumulation)
• Hematoma (bruise)
• Risks related to possible anesthesia

Water-assisted liposuction (WAL) is gentler compared to traditional liposuction surgery. Because fat cells are detached using a water jet, there is less swelling, bruising, and other damage. Recovery is faster, and anesthesia may not even be required when treating larger areas. This also eliminates the risks associated with general anesthesia.