Laser Liposuction

Liposuction, the removal of body fat by suction technique, has been around for a long time. Unfortunately, invasive vacuum liposuction carries great risks as well as great benefits. Blood clots and tissue destruction were known complications, and recovery time was typically six weeks in length. Now laser liposuction has changed the way patients get rid of extra fat.

Laser liposuction offers a less traumatic experience than its predecessor. Incisions are small, and fat is melted into liquid form with the laser. This liquid fat is much easier to remove through the incisions than solid fat. Patients require local anesthesia only, which is also safer than the old way of doing surgery under general anesthesia. The laser can also be used to tighten skin and stimulate collagen regeneration. Before, patients who underwent liposuction often required extra plastic surgery to correct loose, sagging skin.

Laser liposuction costs vary depending on the area of the body being worked on, the doctor, and your geographical location. Abdominal liposuction has an average cost of $5,000. When you attend the pre-operative consultation, you’ll be given a firm estimate of the actual cost, including associated fees. You will also be advised to come to your session with clean, dry skin, and to avoid using makeup, creams, lotions, or perfumes on the day of the procedure.

Session lengths vary, but an hour or two is typical. The surgeon will use the laser to liquefy the fat beneath your skin. Then small incisions will be made, and the liquid fat will be squeezed or suctioned out. A small amount of fat might stay behind and get absorbed into the body. Tests have shown no elevated fat levels in patients’ bloodstreams following treatment, suggesting that there is no increased risk of heart disease associated with the fat absorption.

Recovery lasts for about two weeks, during which time the patient is dressed in pressure bandages. There will be bruising and soreness, but on a smaller scale than would be expected with regular liposuction. Some surgeons claim that the results are permanent, but there is little long-term data to support that claim. It is suspected that poor diet and exercise habits will cause fat stores to return.

Laser liposuction is a relatively new service, so ask around to find the most experienced provider in your area. Look for quality over low cost, and get a recommendation from your doctor or past liposuction laser treatment patients.

Are you also looking for a way to remove unsightly veins? Click here for information on laser vein removal.