What is Laser Liposuction?
Laser Liposuction is a variation of liposuction where two important distinctions from traditional liposuction occur. The first is the use of local (tumescent) anesthesia. This method of anesthesia provides the safest course and greatly minimizes potential risk. The second distinction from traditional liposuction is the use of a laser to liquefy the fat and help tighten the skin. This cutting edge technology has helped improve results, improve comfort level, and minimize post-operative discomfort.
How long does the procedure take?
On average, the procedure takes 2-3 hours per session.
What should I expect after a Liposuction procedure?
Following the procedure, you may experience some drainage of fluid from the incisions that typically resolves within 24 hours. A compression garment will be placed immediately following the procedure and must be worn at all times for two weeks (and then at night for another two weeks.) Most patients return to work two days after the procedure.
Is there Pain or Discomfort after Laser Liposuction Surgery?
During the two days immediately after liposuction, the amount of pain experienced depends on the type of anesthesia used for liposuction. Soreness is usually the most intense 2 to 4 days after liposuction and then decreases steadily. The tenderness and soreness typically is quite bothersome for up to 4 weeks, but gradually subsides over the following next 4 to 8 weeks.
Which Body Areas can be treated by Laser Liposuction?
The most frequently treated areas for women are the abdomen, flanks (“love-handles”), hips, outer thighs, anterior thighs, inner thighs, arms, and neck. In men, who comprise about 20% of liposuction patients, the most commonly treated areas include the chin and neck area, abdomen, flanks (“love-handles”), and chest.
Am I A Good Candidate for Laser Liposuction Surgery?
A good candidate for liposuction is defined as any person who has realistic expectations, is in good health and is likely to be happy with the results of liposuction. The best candidates for liposuction are patients with good skin tone (elasticity) who have areas of excess fat in localized regions.
How many treatments are needed?
Only one treatment is required for most patients.
How long is the Laser Liposuction Surgery Post-Op and Recovery time?
When liposuction is done totally by local anesthesia, patients can usually depart from the surgical facility within 30 minutes of the completion of surgery. Most patients can return to a desk-type job with two days after tumescent liposuction. Because of the significant decrease in swelling, inflammation and pain after tumescent liposuction, patients are able to return to normal physical activities very soon after tumescent liposuction.
Is it Normal to be Anxious before having Laser Liposuction Surgery?
Yes. Almost everyone has some degree of anxiety before having a surgical procedure, including liposuction. Don’t worry; we have seen hundreds of similarly concerned patients and we will walk you thru the whole process and make sure that you are comfortable every step of the way.
How does Abdominal Laser Liposuction differ from a “Tummy Tuck”?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a major surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia, and involves liposuction and excision to remove fat, plus a large excision of skin. Patients typically are hospitalized and have a long recovery period. Because liposuction is safer and causes much less scarring compared to tummy tucks, abdominal liposuction is now far more common than are tummy tucks.
When can I expect to see results?
Results are visible within a few days with continuing improvement up to six months.
Can you compare traditional liposuction with laser liposuction?
Laser Lipo | Traditional Lipo |
Local Anesthesia | General Anesthesia |
Laser Probe 3-4mm | Large suctioning cannula |
Promotes skin tightening | May lead to sagging skin |
No Sutures | Suture Closure |
Little scarring | Large scar |
Downtime about 2 days | Downtime about 7-10 days |
Dr. Segev,
I’ve heard that a lot of clinics will recommend using Velashape after laser lipo. I was loaned a Velashape to try in my practice but my clients found the results to be minimal (I treated them with the Velashape alone – not in conjunction with any other treatments).
I’m curious – if you do use Velashape in conjunction with laser lipo in your practice, do you find that the results are significantly better than with laser lipo alone?
Thank you,
Toni
Hi Laser Nurse,
Thanks so much for following our blog.
To answer your question about Velashape:
We do not use Velashape, either alone or in conjunction with laser liposuction. I would guess that it would be a good adjunct to laser therapy to help smooth the skin and to enhance the results. I have heard of colleagues using Thermage after laser liposuction to help improve skin tone for patients who have skin laxity.
Tell me more about your practice and your expertise. Have you ever seen a laser liposuction case?
Thanks,
Dr. Gilad Segev
Alexandria, Virginia
Dr. Segev,
Thank you for your response! I had a client who received laser liposuction several years back at another med spa – she was pleased with the amount of fat removed but not with the level of skin tightening. Aside from her I haven’t come across any clients who have undergone the procedure and am curious as to how patient satisfaction compares to clinical results.
My practice is focused on laser hair removal and skin rejuvenation/wrinkle reduction, although I also have experience with tattoo removal.
Thanks,
Toni