Types of Liposuction: Complete guide to choosing the right technique (Barcelona and Madrid)

Although all techniques share the same principle of extracting fat through a cannula via small incisions, they have evolved significantly. Today, they are mainly differentiated by the technology used to liquefy or separate the fat before aspirating it, which affects precision, recovery, and skin retraction. In practice, the three main modalities that cover most cases are traditional liposuction, liposculpture, and high-definition liposuction.

1. Traditional Liposuction

Traditional liposuction is the classic and most well-known technique. The surgeon uses cannulas connected to a vacuum aspiration system to remove localized fat that does not disappear with diet or exercise. It is usually applied using the tumescent technique, which involves injecting a solution with anaesthetic and vasoconstrictors to minimize bleeding and inflammation during the procedure.

Who is it for?

It is the reference option when there are specific areas abdomen, flanks, thighs, back or chin with fat deposits that persist despite taking care. Its goal is to reduce volume and improve body contour proportion.

Key advantage: it is a proven and versatile technique, suitable for most areas of the body. At the Instituto de Benito the indicative price of liposuction starts from €4,500, and it can be combined with other technologies depending on the case.

2. Liposculpture

Liposculpture goes a step beyond simple extraction. It is a more artistic procedure that not only removes localized fat deposits but also reshapes and sculpts the silhouette to improve proportions and define body contours. Its great peculiarity is that the extracted fat can be reused through lipotransfer to add volume to other areas, such as the buttocks or hips.

Who is it for?

It is indicated for those who are not only looking to reduce but to rebalance the figure: refine the waist, harmonize the abdomen and, if desired, add volume where needed. It is the ideal approach when the goal is a more streamlined and proportionate silhouette overall.

Key advantage: it uses your own fat to shape, with natural results. At the Instituto de Benito, liposculpture incorporates Synapta®, a proprietary method that significantly reduces postoperative pain and inflammation. Indicative price from €4,500.

3. High-Definition Liposuction (HD VASER)

High-definition liposuction , also known as HD liposuction or VASER, is the most advanced technique for sculpting the body with maximum precision. It uses ultrasound energy (VASER) and Microaire cannulas to emulsify and separate fat cells before aspirating them, allowing work on both superficial and deep fat and highlighting the underlying musculature.

Who is it for?

It is aimed at people in good physical shape, with little excess weight, who want an athletic and defined appearance that cannot be achieved with training alone. It allows for the definition of abs, pecs, arms or back with a level of detail impossible with the traditional technique.

Key advantage: by acting selectively, it preserves nerves and blood vessels, promotes skin retraction and makes the postoperative period less painful. HD liposuction is performed in the operating theatre under general anaesthesia; the initial assessment consultation costs €80.