Laser liposuction is an advanced, FDA-approved cosmetic procedure used to remove fatty tissue from localized areas of the body, and to contour those areas by tightening the affected skin. Designed specifically to target fat in parts of the body resistant to diet and exercise, laser liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure, and represents a technological advance over liposuction, the original treatment for removal of localized fat.
Benefits Of Laser Liposuction
Although effective, liposuction is an invasive procedure that requires a lengthy recovery time. Laser liposuction, on the other hand, offers effective results with minimal downtime. Just as there are several types of liposuction, there are several types of laser liposuction. All are derived from conventional liposuction, during which unwanted fatty tissue is suctioned out of the body through small tubes called cannulas. In laser liposuction, laser energy melts the fatty tissue before its removal, and smaller cannulas, which cause less tissue trauma, are used.
Laser liposuction, when performed as an isolated procedure, treats only small areas of the body. It is sometimes referred to as “lunchtime lipo” because it takes only an hour or two to produce effective results. When a more significant reduction of fatty tissue is required, laser liposuction is often performed along with traditional liposuction, helping patients to achieve maximum results in just one treatment.
After treatment, a patient can expect significant circumferential reduction and skin-tightening in the targeted area. Common areas treated with laser liposuction include the waist, abdomen, back, hips, buttocks, knees, ankles, face and neck.
Laser liposuction has a number of benefits over traditional liposuction. They include:
- Less trauma
- Shorter procedure time
- Less scarring
- Less downtime
- Effective fat removal
- Skin-tightening
- Fewer risks and complications
Risks Of Laser Liposuction
Although laser liposuction is considered safe, it is not appropriate for patients who are pregnant or regularly take certain medications. Because of the minimally invasive nature of the treatment, there is a lower risk of side effects, which include bruising, soreness, bleeding and swelling, than with conventional liposuction. Small lumps may be palpable at the treatment site, but will disappear in a short time. More serious complications are rare, but may include nausea, vomiting, fever, infection or prolonged bruising. If these symptoms are present, immediate medical intervention is required.
Recovery From Laser Liposuction
After laser liposuction, patients can often return to work and other regular activities the next day. The positive effects of the procedure are immediately apparent, and the treated area, as it heals, continues to improve for several months. As with conventional liposuction, results of laser liposuction are considered permanent unless a significant amount of weight is gained after treatment.