There are many different ways to perform liposuction. I like to divide them into those that use heating devices and those that do not. The ones that do not use heat include traditional liposuction and power-assisted liposuction (PAL). Those that use heat include ultrasonic liposuction devices like Vaser and laser lipolysis machines like Smart Lipo. The heating devices in my opinion tend to have a higher risk of fluid collections (seromas), prolonged numbness, and the potential for burns.