The WAL Technique

The Water­Assisted Liposuction (WAL) technique was developed to circumvent the problems associated with tumescent infiltration commonly used with other liposuction techniques (standard, mechanical­assisted, ultrasound­assisted).

The fan-shaped water jet infiltrates the fatty tissue, transforming it into a gelatinous state. The tissue can then be suctioned off more effectively and in a manner that is less stressful for the patient than conventional liposuction.

Mode of Action of Water¬Jet Assisted Liposuction

The principle of water-jet assisted liposuction is akin to uprooting a plant. You can either dig the roots out (traditional liposuction) or use a jet of water to flush the soil off. The latter is less traumatic for the roots.

In WAL, the water jet flushes out the fat and leaves the nerves and blood vessels intact.

Simultaneous irrigation and suction reduces the swelling from tumescent solution. Special cannulae jet water from the tip and suck up the fat/fluid from side ports.

Stage I: Infiltration

Infiltration of a solution containing vasoconstrictors and local anaesthetic for pain relief and to reduce bleeding.
70% less exposure time and volume compared to other liposuction techniques

Stage II: Flushing & Simultaneous Aspiration

The fat cells are fragmented by the water jet, not physically destroyed by the cannula or ultrasound/laser energy

Cells, cell fragments and fluid are aspirated simultaneously

Stage III: Post-Operative Result

Homogeneous structure, selective sparing of vessels and nerves. Less trauma, minor residual sequelae.

The jet has an impact power comparable to a powerful shower head. It therefore does not carry any risks of shearing and trauma to the adjacent tissues. The blood vessels are kept intact, hence less bruising and swelling is seen after WAL than any other liposuction technique.

Histology of the removed fat shows that extensive disruption of the fat does not occur. Swelling due to tumescent effects is also absent.

This results in numerous advantages WAL has over other liposuction techniques

1. Painless surgery without the need for heavy sedation or general anaesthesia
2. Minimal intra-operative swelling allowing precise body contouring intra-operatively
3. Reduces risk of irregular skin surface common after other types of liposuction
4. Little swelling or bruising after operation
5. Little pain after the procedure, with most patients reporting mild pain in the first 3 days and over 90% pain-free by 4th post-op day
6. Resumption of light activities by first post-op day, sporting activities once comfortable Over 94% patient satisfaction from one procedure

Main Advantages of WAL

1. Minimal tissue trauma, less injury to nerves and vessels
2. Less strenuous simultaneous flushing & aspiration technique
3. Short recovery time (walk in & walk out office procedure)
4. Significantly shorter operating times
5. Optimised intraoperative assessment of operation sites
6. Better contouring of transition zones and small areas
7. Significant reduction in revision rate

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