What Are the Dangers of Laser Liposuction?
Advances in laser technology have emerged with a breakthrough in the liposuction procedure, which is used to rid excess fat and smooth the body contour. Laser liposuction, also called laser lipolysis, offers a less invasive, less traumatic, and less risky procedure than traditional liposuction. But there are still risks to consider. Does this Spark an idea?
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How Laser Lipo Differs from Traditional Liposuction
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Traditional liposuction is an invasive surgery during which fat is suctioned from the body through a thick tube. Laser liposuction procedures entail the insertion of a tiny cannula through the fat pockets, which absorbs and channels laser heat to emulsify the fat. Traditional lipo, however, can treat greater quantities of fat.
Why is it a "Breakthrough"?
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Laser liposuction is regarded as a surgical breakthrough because compared to traditional liposuction, the procedure is substantially less bloody. Also, by emulsifying the fat, the skin after surgery is smoother, and there is less chance of cellulite. Cellulite or lumpy skin is a common side effect of traditional lipo.
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Burns
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Because laser guided lipo involves thermal (heat) energy, there exists the risk of blistering the skin and burning the tissues. Should a burn occur on the outer skin tissue, there is a greater risk of infection and scarring.
Irregular Skin and Contour
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While laser liposuction is often used to smooth out contour, the risk of irregularities in the skin and contour are still present. Patients may experience dimpling, wavy skin texture, or sagging skin in the treated area, particularly for patients with higher amounts of fat.
Pigmentation
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Any laser guided procedure comes with the risk of hyper- or hypopigmentation, which is dark or light discoloration of the skin. While the occurrence of this effect may be fleeting, and fade over time, there is the possibility that the discoloration will require additional treatment.
Prevention
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A carefully selected, board-certified, well experienced and skilled plastic surgeon is crucial to minimizing risks and complications. Carefully research options, taking note of how many procedures the surgeon has performed, and request information on patient results. This information should be readily available, and if it is not, it should raise a red flag.
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