Laser Liposuction

Laser Liposuction is a liposuction technique that employs the use of sophisticated lasers and a small cannula to liquefy and remove fat from the body. These lasers are controlled by a highly skilled cosmetic surgeon to dissolve fat in the intended areas, while contouring the body into an attractive shape.

Unlike traditional liposuction, these lasers are able to effectively contour the body, in a relatively gentle manner, without leaving behind noticeable scarring.

The decrease in scarring is due to a smaller cannula being used during the procedure, which allows for the drainage of the dissolved fat. This is why laser liposuction is gaining in popularity and is becoming more popular than the traditional liposuction of the past.

Laser liposuction is known by many names, including SmartLipo, CoolLipo, ProLipo PLUS, LipoLite, LipoTherme and LipoControl. While all of these techniques employ the use of lasers, they each differ slightly in technique and results.

SmartLipo

SmartLipo is a technique that uses concentrated lasers to dissolve the fatty tissue located directly beneath the epidermis. SmartLipo does not require the surgeon to make any incisions into the skin, and also stimulates collagen production so that the skin may effectively tighten to make up for the fat loss.

CoolLipo

CoolLipo is the laser liposuction technique most commonly used to treat small areas, like the neck, jowls, and chin.

ProLipo PLUS

ProLipo PLUS employs the use of an extremely powerful laser that can effectively contour the body to the patient’s preferences. ProLipo PLUS is a technique commonly used when treating the arms, chest, abdomen, thighs, back, hips, buttocks, knees, and can also be used on the neck, jowls, and chin.

LipoLite

LipoLite is a technique that allows surgeons to have the utmost control over the laser, which allows for the most control when contouring the body. LipoLite can be used on the arms, abdomen, buttocks, chest, chin, jowls, thighs, and neck, and is less invasive than most other laser liposuction techniques.

LipoTherme

LipoTherme can be used on the ankles, arms, abdomen, back, chin, hips, jowls, knees, and thighs. LipoTherme also works to tighten the skin and results in a smooth, contoured appearance.

LipoControl

LipoControl employs the use of electronic mapping that a surgeon can view throughout the procedure, to help the surgeon do the best job possible. In addition, the use of electronic mapping helps to make this procedure very safe for the patient. LipoControl can be used on the ankles, abdomen, arms, back, chin, hips, jowls, knees, and thighs.

National Average Cost

The average costs of laser liposuction depend on the area of the body on which the procedure was performed. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of laser liposuction in 2009 was $4,000, with $2,000 being the lowest average cost, and $6,000 being the highest average cost. Full article on laser liposuction national average cost, fees and financing options.

Time Required For Surgery

The average laser liposuction procedure lasts anywhere from half an hour to two hours.

Side Effects And Risks

There are a few side effects associated with laser liposuction. These side effects include bruising, swelling, minor burning, and some bleeding. However, laser liposuction also runs the risk of infection, and in some cases, causes numbness in the treated area.

How Long Do Results Last?

The effects of laser liposuction are permanent. Once the fat cells have been removed, fat will no longer be able to be stored in the treated area. However, if a patient were to gain weight, he or she would store fat in different areas of the body. Many times, this will lead to a disproportionate and unattractive appearance.

How Long Is The Recovery Period?

After laser liposuction a patient will be required to wear a special garment to compress the treated area for up to three weeks. If a large amount of fat was removed during the procedure, a patient may also be required to have a drainage tube during this period. The recovery period after laser liposuction generally lasts for one month, but may last for up to eight weeks.

Does My Insurance Cover Laser Liposuction?

In the great majority of cases, health insurance will not cover the cost of laser liposuction, nor will it cover the cost to treat any side effects a patient experiences.

Pain, Discomfort & Anesthesia?

During laser liposuction, only general anesthesia is required. This relieves the patient of any pain or discomfort during the procedure. However, the patient may experience pain or irritation in the treated area for up to a week.

What Result Are Realistic To Expect?

During laser liposuction, a surgeon may remove up to five liters of fat. This fat removal can effectively contour, slim down, and tone an area of the body. However, patients should not expect a significant weight loss or use this procedure as a means of maintaining their weight.

Alternative Procedures and Less Invasive Alternatives

Laser liposuction is actually a less invasive alternative to traditional liposuction. Although, for those that deem laser liposuction also too invasive, they may want to try firming creams, Mesotherapy, which is the injection of amino acids and other substances to dissolve fat, or simple exercise.

Advantages Towards Other Methods

While other methods may be less effective, they are generally also less expensive. Another advantage of these other methods is that they do not carry the same risks as laser liposuction.