Laser Liposuction

Laser liposuction is one of many advances in liposuction surgery, which is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the world.
Laser-assisted liposuction uses laser energy. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia or sedation anesthesia, depending on the amount of fat that will be removed.
The concept is simple: lasers heat the fat, turning it semi-soft and making it easier to remove via liposuction. Just as in traditional liposuction, fluid is first injected under the skin in the area where fat is to be removed. This fluid contains a mixture of saline, local anesthetic and epinephrine (which constricts blood vessels and minimizes blood loss). Next, the laser energy is applied, and fat is suctioned from the body via cannulas (thin tubes) inserted through small incisions in the skin.
In addition to softening the fat for easier removal, the laser energy heats skin cells, stimulating the production of collagen. Collagen is the main structural protein found in skin, but its production slows with advancing age. Thus, by promoting the production of collagen, the laser energy is believed to not only aid in the removal of fat but also improve the skin’s appearance.

Are You a Laser Lipo Candidate?

If you have mild to moderate amounts of excess fat and skin laxity, laser lipo may work for you. Skin tends to become lax after about age 35. If you are about 20 percent overweight or less, you are probably a good candidate for liposuction of the face, abdomen or other body area. The procedure is not a solution for obesity. If you are in good physical condition and have good muscle tone, you will likely respond very well to laser liposuction because your muscles will provide underlying support for the tissues. Laser lipo can be used on the thighs, abdomen, arms, knees, face and neck, as well as on back fat rolls. It’s also useful in treating gynecomastia (excess male breast tissue), or ”man breasts.”

Before Laser Liposuction

You should ask your physician for specific instructions, such as whether to stop taking certain medicines before your surgery. If you smoke, it is important to kick the habit before laser liposuction or any surgical procedure. In addition to all of its other negative health effects, smoking also impairs the healing process.

After Laser Liposuction

After the procedure, results can be noticeable after a week with laser liposuction, while traditional liposuction can take two to four weeks. The results may be more immediate with laser lipo because the fat removal is reported to be less traumatic. Besides a reduction in the amount of fat, you can hope for some improvement in skin tightness. It may be several weeks to months before you notice the skin changes because it takes time for the body to produce new collagen. It is the new collagen that gives the skin a tighter-looking appearance. Bruising can be less extensive with laser liposuction than with traditional lipo because lasers can coagulate small blood vessels. You can expect to be back to your normal activities in three to five days. Strenuous exercise should be put off for three or four weeks, typically. Ask your surgeon for specific advice.

Before	After