Laser Treatment for Cellulite

Cellulite is an unwelcome part of life for many women. Traditionally, effective cellulite removal consisted of dangerous vacuum liposuction. Other remedies had no demonstrated effect on the lumpy fatty deposits. Then laser treatment for cellulite came along, offering a non-invasive option for cellulite reduction.

Laser cellulite treatments (also called laser liposuction) use a combination of techniques to get rid of the deep-tissue fatty deposits. Lasers are used to shrink the fat cell membranes. At the same time, gentle vacuum suction is used in conjunction with firm, rolling pressure to massage and break up the deposits. This treatment is administered in six to ten sessions spread out over several weeks. Each session lasts approximately one hour and costs an average of $500. As with any cosmetic procedure, the length and cost of the sessions can vary from doctor to doctor. The size of the area being treated, as well as the city you live in, will also affect your final price.

Before you go in for treatment, you will want to meet with the laser surgeon or technician to ask about associated costs. They will evaluate your needs and come up with a price estimate. Sometimes you can get a package deal by paying for all of the sessions up front. At the consultation, don’t hesitate to ask any questions you have about the procedure. Ask for pictures of past patients’ results, and ask about how many procedures the doctor has performed.

On the day of your laser cellulite treatment, you should arrive with clean, dry skin that is free of cosmetics or creams. During a session, the technician will apply a hand piece over the body area to be treated. Patients describe the sensation as similar to a deep tissue massage. Some bruising and pain might occur for patients with sensitive skin. Others experience a pinching on the surface of the skin. If your discomfort is very high, you can ask the technician to adjust the tension of the rollers on the hand piece.

It typically takes four to six appointments before dramatic results appear. After each laser treatment procedure, you should be able to resume your normal activities with no downtime. Laser treatment for cellulite does not carry the dangerous risks associated with traditional liposuction. Bruising and soreness might linger for two or three days post-treatment. This normal side effect can be managed with oral pain medication. Burns or intense pain should be reported to your doctor for an evaluation.