Laser Liposuction is an innovative, updated version of traditional liposuction. Its most notable difference from traditional methods is that it uses the heat produced by lasers to melt and break down the fat underneath the skin, making it less invasive and traumatic for the treated area.
There are also diminished side effects during laser lipo, thanks to the updated technology and innovative procedure. After the fat is melted and broken down, the rest of the process is similar to traditional liposuction, where a cannula sucks the fat out through an incision.
Like traditional liposuction, which uses a fluid to break fat down before its removal, laser lipo also makes use of a cannula for the extraction portion of the procedure. With laser lipo, however, the cannula is designed to be smaller and less invasive because it only needs to extract the already broken-down fat, rather than help with breaking it up.
Contrary to popular belief, the lasers also do not burn your skin. Some side effects might include itchiness and redness, but that is because of the drastic change in that area. In a tiny number of cases, patients have reported burns or scars that do not disappear with time, but these can usually be attributed to the surgeon rather than the procedure. As always, be sure to conduct extensive research before picking a doctor, including checking their background, credentials, and confirming that they are board-certified.
The procedure is rather painless and quick, with each session lasting about 60 minutes. Results should appear almost instantly, with full effects becoming apparent after a few weeks once the swelling and bruising have subsided.
Not to be confused with noninvasive laser liposuction, which actually has no relationship with liposuction besides the name, laser lipo does, in fact, involve a minimally invasive procedure. Noninvasive laser lipo procedures, like the one pictured below, break down fat through energy-emitting pads placed on top of the skin. The body then naturally flushes these dead cells out over the following weeks.
The actual, minimally invasive laser liposuction, as we mentioned above, provides results much more quickly thanks to the use of a cannula to remove broken-down cells.
Laser liposuction can sculpt small, specific areas of the body, though it can also be used on more significant parts like the abdomen or thighs. For example, facial laser liposuction has become popular because only minimal incisions are needed, and recovery time is rapid, two benefits traditional liposuction can not offer.
After the procedure, the fat removed from the treated body will not return. It can, however, come in new areas that could give you a disproportionate appearance. In cases of extreme weight gain, fat can return to the treated area, but new fat cells will first have to grow and develop. This explains why we strongly urge patients to commit to a healthy lifestyle as the best way to capitalize on their procedure and derive the most value for their money.