Lipedema is a chronic fat disorder that can affect women regardless of BMI. Here's why lipedema can remain hidden for years, especially in skinny women.
June 10, 2026
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When liposuction appeared on the scene, it answered many hopes and fulfilled them.
Anyone constantly battling with the extra bulge and deemed suitable to undergo the procedure could look forward to a brand-new physique, confidence, and even a new life.
Fast forward years later, and the emergence of fat freezing extended that dream and aspiration to even more people, particularly those still apprehensive about looking for a non-surgical option.
Both liposuction and fat freezing remove unwanted cells, but they are distinct procedures that use different technologies and have different downtime, side effects, and risks.
Knowing these differences enables a potential candidate to understand which is more appropriate to their needs and concerns.
Liposuction: How it generally works
Liposuction ranks among the top FIVE most popular cosmetic surgeries despite having been around for decades.
It involves using a cannula, a long, narrow suction tube, which will be inserted into areas of the body where excess subcutaneous fat has been identified, where prior incisions have been made.
The cannula suction removes the fat permanently.
The procedure can be performed under general or local anaesthesia.
Various types of Liposuction techniques
There are different types of liposuction techniques, and they are:
Tumescent liposuction
It is the most common type of liposuction.
A large amount of fluid mixture is injected into the identified areas before the fat is removed.
Depending on the need, the amount injected may be up to THREE times more than the volume of fat to be removed.
The mixture contains lidocaine (a local anaesthetic), epinephrine, which contracts the blood vessels and an intravenous (IV) salt solution.
Lidocaine, which may be the only anaesthesia needed, helps to numb the affected areas during and after surgery.
The use of epinephrine helps reduce blood loss, bruising, and swelling.
The IV solution makes fat removal easier, and the excess fat is suctioned.
Laser-assisted liposuction (LAL)
Fat cells are liquified via laser energy and removed via suction.
The cannulas used are smaller than those in traditional liposuction, so doctors prefer this technique for confined areas, including the face, chin, and jowls.
The use of laser energy may help prevent skin sagging, which is the likely advantage of laser-assisted liposuction.
VASER (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) Liposuction
Vaser Liposuction uses ultrasound energy to break up and liquefy fat cells, making them easier to extract.
The doctor can reduce and remove large volumes of fat or small pockets of fat while stimulating collagen production.
Modern Liposuction with MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo technique
Dr Ivan Puah, an MOH-accredited liposuction doctor in Singapore with over 20 years of experience in body sculpting surgery, developed MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo (Multi-Dimensional Contouring), a proprietary surgical approach and technique.
It achieves the three main objectives of successful liposuction: fat removal, customised body contouring, and skin tightening.
The impetus behind this technique lies in Dr Puah's understanding of a patient's needs, stemming from his awareness that, when it comes to the body and body fat, no two people are alike.
The MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo technique's ability to navigate different body shapes and contours is a welcome relief from the challenge that doctors typically face in addressing issues such as knee fat, 'bra bulges' and armpit fat.
It is also effective when high-definition sculpting is needed and in areas with mild to moderate loose skin.
MDC-Sculpt®️ Lipo not only delivers results but is also gentler and less traumatic, resulting in faster recovery, less bruising, and less discomfort for patients.
Pros and cons of liposuction
The many success stories of liposuction attest to its capabilities.
Unwanted fat is removed immediately, with noticeable changes.
As post-op tissue swelling gradually resolves, patients will begin to appreciate the results and contour changes over the next three to six months.
Notwithstanding, however, the individual must adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle post-liposuction to ensure that the results last.
Also, note that, as with any surgery, there are potential risks, including blood clotting, delayed healing, scarring, and other possible irregularities.
Therefore, it is always essential to ensure that a doctor is qualified and experienced in performing liposuction.
Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing): What is it
In cryolipolysis, fat is frozen, and the body naturally removes it over time.
A study by two Harvard University scientists found that fat cells tend to freeze before outer skin tissues when subjected to extremely cold temperatures.
The research centred on the effects of frostbite, revealing that fat cells can actually be broken up.
This led to the invention of the cryolipolysis device in 2008.
Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing): How it generally works
Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing) doesn't involve surgery.
A gel pad is placed on your skin, and a specialised cooling applicator is applied to the targeted area.
Gentle vacuum suction draws the fat bulge between two cooling panels.
Controlled cooling is applied for 30 to 60 minutes, which crystallises the subcutaneous fat cells while leaving the overlying skin unharmed.
The frozen fat cells undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis).
Over the following 2 to 3 months, your body's lymphatic system naturally metabolises and eliminates these dead cells as waste.
Most patients can resume their daily activities immediately.
Pros and cons of Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing)
Pros of Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing)
The obvious and attractive advantage of cryolipolysis is that it is a non-invasive procedure.
This allows a patient to resume their normal activities immediately and, even more so, makes it an ideal option for those who have reservations about liposuction.
Still, discomfort, soreness, and pain are expected, and the vacuum-like device may result in bruising and swelling in the treated areas.
Cons of Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing)
Potential common side effects include redness, muscle cramps, a stinging sensation, tenderness, and, in some cases, diarrhoea.
Less common ones are dizziness, sweating, nausea, increased pain in the treated area, and a condition known as Paradoxical Adipose Hyperplasia (PAH), in which the treated area appears larger and firmer, like a stick of butter.
Additionally, results are not immediate and may take up to THREE to FOUR months to show gradually.
Liposuction vs Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing): Which is better?
Convenience between Liposuction and Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing)
Liposuction involves more downtime than cryolipolysis. Although it must be noted that today's liposuction techniques have come a long way - they're safer, less intrusive, and facilitate a quicker recovery.
Liposuction is typically performed as day surgery under local anaesthesia, and the duration depends on the body areas that need to be addressed. It may take between TWO and THREE hours, but ONE session suffices.
Cryolipolysis, on the other hand, takes about ONE hour, but multiple sessions spaced a couple of weeks apart are needed.
In some cases, doctors may combine treatment with weight-loss medication and a diet program to achieve optimal results.
Liposuction, being more invasive, is also better suited to situations where larger areas of fat need to be effectively removed. It can also shape the patient's contour.
Cryolipolysis is suited for smaller pockets of fat, such as the chin, arms, love handles, knees and others. It can treat up to 13 areas, but cannot shape the patient's body contour.
Fat Loss Results between Liposuction and Cryolipolysis (Fat Freezing)
Liposuction offers immediate results, while cryolipolysis may take longer to become visible.
The main reason for the latter's slower appearance is that the body takes time to remove the broken-down fat cells naturally. In liposuction, fat is removed instantly via suction.
Despite its ability to treat multiple body parts, the amount of fat that can be removed via cryolipolysis is limited by the applicator size. This is typically about 20% reduction, while a patient can experience up to 80% fat loss in liposuction.
Having realistic expectations is essential
This is where a qualified and experienced liposuction doctor like Dr Ivan Puah is needed.
He can advise on and recommend the appropriate procedure that delivers results and, more importantly, is safe for the patient.
