Laser Liposuction
As more women and men want to look and feel better about themselves body contouring and liposuction continue to grow in popularity. Liposuction has become one of the most popular cosmetic treatments today. But many are afraid of traditional liposuction surgery, general anesthesia, and the downtime associated with this procedure. Laser Liposuction is FDA-approved, state of the art technology and only Laser Lipolysis (fat cell disruption) system to offer a minimally invasive procedure that removes fat. It offers less downtime and side-effects than traditional liposuction and offers minimal to no scar healing.
What is Laser Liposuction?
Laser Body Sculpting is designed for patients who have problem spot areas of fat that no amount of exercise or dieting can reduce. It is for body sculpting; not for large volumes of fat. It is a unique laser procedure that is performed under local anesthesia in our office. No intravenous sedation or general anesthesia is required. A laser fiber is introduced under the skin through a needle for incision free surgery. The laser energy will disrupt the fat cells, allowing the then liquefied fat to be drained away. This effect is called Laser Lipolysis. Because of the laser energy small blood vessels will be sealed off resulting in less bruising and swelling than as seen with traditional liposuction. The big advantage of the Laser Liposuction is the skin dermis (deeper skin layer) tightening that occurs due to collagen shrinkage and remodeling by the laser energy.
What body regions can be treated with the Laser Liposuction?
LaserLipo is ideal for treating small areas of fat or loose skin. It is a replacement for liposuction. LaserLipo can be used for areas such as your thighs (particularly "Saddle Bags"), hips, abdomen, and flanks ("Love Handles"), around the bra strap, back of the upper arms, the loose skin under the chin ("Waddle"), and the neck and jaw line.
Who is a good candidate for LaserLipo?
Patients with areas of fat that do not respond to exercise and dieting are candidates. Ideal candidates are in good health, with a normal body weight, and realistic expectations.
How many treatments will I need?
Usually only one treatment is required as once the fat cells have been destroyed they will not grow back. Everyone gets the number of fat cells they are going to have by age 12 or 13. The cells can grow and shrink with either weight gain or loss but a person will not grow more cells as they age. This being the case once LaserLipo removes the cells, weight gain or loss will not show in the particular area treated by LaserLipo. This procedure will take about 45 minutes to one hour for each treated area.
What is my recovery like post treatment?
A compression garment will be worn from several days up to several weeks. You will rest for the remainder of the treatment day then resume activity as tolerated. Neither strenuous exercise nor hot tubs should be used for two weeks.
Does LaserLipo treat cellulite?
The LaserLipo procedure will improve body's shape and MAY reduce cellulite to a certain degree.
What is the long-term outcome for most people?
Most patients can see results immediately following the LaserLipo procedure and they can expect their skin to return to normal within three months.
However, as with traditional liposuction, you will need to practice patience since the full LaserLipo results may not be visible for up to a year. The more fat that was removed, the longer it will take to achieve maximum results, as your body needs to adapt to a more significant shape change.
Do I have to stay in the hospital?
No. LaserLipo is performed as an out-patient procedure under local anesthesia. You won't be required to stay in the hospital since recovery from LaserLipo works best within the comfort of your own home.
What if I've already had regular liposuction?
LaserLipo may be extremely effective for improving upon body areas that have been previously treated with traditional liposuction. With the LaserLipo procedure your doctor can further sculpt or contour those areas on the body that have "droopy" skin, especially if you are a relatively thin, healthy person who wants additional toning and tightening.
What are the main advantages of LaserLipo?
- It offers the smoothest, best body-contouring results.
- It entails only a short recovery time.
- Minimal discomfort is involved.
- It is safer than traditional liposuction.
- It tightens the skin around the treatment area.
- It is more affordable than traditional liposuction.
- The results are permanent.
Can LaserLipo work on areas that regular liposuction can't?
Yes. Since the aiming beam at the top of the LaserLipo laser allows the doctor to know exactly where he or she is at all times, the procedure is very precise. As such, LaserLipo is very effective in body areas that are not suitable for traditional liposuction, such as the face, neck, back, and knees.
Does the LaserLipo procedure hurt?
Since the LaserLipo procedure is performed under local anesthesia, there is very little pain or discomfort involved. You may feel a minor stinging sensation and an impression of tugging at your skin during LaserLipo treatment, but these discomforts are minimal.
Are the results of LaserLipo long lasting?
LaserLipo permanently removes fat cells. As adults we do not create new fat cells. However if you do not change your lifestyle in regards to exercise and a healthy diet the remaining fat cells will increase in size. If you gain weight most fat will be deposited in areas where the LaserLipo procedure was not performed.