Laser Liposuction Procedures

The latest method of removing unwanted fat and sculpting the body is laser liposuction. Designed to treat localized pockets of fat, the procedure is done in the doctors office with a local anesthetic. Laser liposuction was approved by the FDA in 2006. The new procedure minimizes the down time commonly associated with liposuction. A virtually pain free procedure laser liposuction can be an alternative to more invasive types of plastic surgery. If you have unwanted areas of fat on your body and have tried exercise and diet with no success, laser liposuction may be the solution.

How Does Laser Liposuction Work

Laser liposuction is a procedure during which the heat of the laser is used to dissolve fat cells and tighten tissue in a particular area your body. The liquefied fat is either squeezed or suctioned out of the treated area. Once the fat is liquefied by the laser it is easy to remove. Some small amounts of the liquefied fat are absorbed by the body and excreted naturally in about 24 hours after the procedure. This innovative new procedure is sometimes called SmartLipo.

Traditional Versus Laser Liposuction

Traditional liposuction uses a vacuum with a metal tube attached at the end. The tube is inserted into the area of treatment and the doctor manually moves the tube back and forth to suck out the fat deposits. This procedure is invasive and done under general anesthesia. There is bleeding, swelling and destruction of the tissue. The heat of the laser technology allows the laser to glide through the tissue melting the fat. There is much less internal destruction of tissue and little to no bruising.

Who is A Candidate For Laser Liposuction

If you are in good health, not over weight but have a fatty deposit on your back, abdomen, chin, inner or outer thighs you have been unable to get rid of with diet or exercise; laser liposuction may be the solution. This procedure has been shown to be effective for resistant areas of fat. Laser liposuction can relieve, tone, and tighten small areas.

How Does it Work

Laser liposuction works by inserting a small laser filled tube directly into the fat pocket. When the laser is fired the heat causes the fatty pocket to melt. The large majority of the liquefied fat is then sucked out. The remaining is absorbed and cleaned up by the lymphatic system. The entire procedure can take less than one hour depending on the area that is being treated. No sutures are required and the procedure is performed under local anesthetic.

The Procedure

Find a qualified doctor who is experienced in performing this procedure. The procedure area will be cleansed and your doctor will mark the areas to be treated. Many procedures are done in an upright position. A local anesthetic is administered to the targeted areas. The tiny tube called a canula containing the laser is inserted. The tube is moved back and forth as the laser is activated. The liquefied fat is aspirated out. The laser affects the collagen in the skin as well as the fat pockets resulting in skin tightening as well as reduction of the fat.

Down Time and Healing

Laser liposuction is a very safe procedure and because there is no general anesthesia, you will walk out of your doctors office in 2 hours. There may be swelling or bruising after your treatment and you will have a compression garment to wear for body treatments. You may have scars from the incision of the laser about the size of a small mole. Results are immediate and you will continue to see improvement over time.

Tips

Be realistic expectations for your outcome. If you gain weight you will loose the results of your laser liposuction treatment so maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. If you do gain weight the fat will appear in areas where the procedure was not performed. Laser Liposuction costs between $l,000 to $10,000 depending on the area of the body and the size of the area of the body.

References

• SmartLipo Costs and Procedure
• SmartLipo