The newest liposuction on the block: laser!

Are you considering laser liposuction? Would you like to know what the procedure involves and how it differs from other forms of liposuction?

You’ve come to the right place, because this page of your cyber spa focuses on laser-assisted liposuction. I will soon be adding pages about the other forms of liposuction, so be sure to come back!

Now, let’s get started

Liposuction originated in France around 20 years ago. These days, it is the most popular form of cosmetic surgery, with approximately 500,000 procedures performed each year in the USA (it’s not a typo, I did mean 500,000!).

Contrary to what some people think, the technique is not to be used as a form of weight loss. Only a sensible diet and exercise program can accomplish that! Rather, it is a body reshaping technique that breaks up fat cells.

Liposuction will not improve cellulite; in fact, it may make it worse. Why? Because cellulite is due to superficial fat, and liposuction attacks the deep fat layer.

Now a little information about fat, also known as “adipose tissue”.

Depending on a person’s gender and genetics, fat tends to deposit in certain body areas. For example, women are more prone to have excess fat around the hips, buttocks and waist. For males, the problem areas tend to be abdomen, chest and buttocks.

Fat is located under the skin (subcutaneous), both in the superficial and deep layers. Liposuction works on the deep fat layer, which is safer because the risk of skin injury is significantly lower.

It works well on small areas of the face, arms, back, and neck. It is also indicated in cases of gynecomastia (male breast enlargement) and loose, flabby skin. However, if your skin is very loose because of pregnancy or rapid weight loss, don't expect too much. In this case, a tummy tuck may be needed.

The actual procedure begins with the injection of a local anesthetic, followed by a small skin incision. (The incision is so small that no stitches are required). A thin laser fiber tube is inserted in the incision. Using a motion similar to a wiper blade, the practitioner moves the cannula through the fat areas. Upon contact with fat cells, the laser heat causes the cell membranes to swell to the point of rapture. The rapture releases the oily content, which is usually suctioned out with a vacuum device or syringe.

However, if the treated area is quite small, many practitioners opt to let the body absorb the liquid fat, which will be eliminated through the liver as a waste product.

Following the procedure, compression garments are recommended. These will speed up the healing process and reduce swelling. They should be worn for a few weeks.

Some patients report oozing from the incision site. This is perfectly normal, and it'll last a few days; abdominal/sanitary pads may be used to absorb the discharge.

Possible complications include minor bruising and soreness, but not so severe to leave you totally incapacitated. In fact you can safely return to work within a couple of days, but strenuous activities should be avoided for a couple of weeks, at least.

Depending on the area, laser assisted liposuction may cost between $4,000 and $9,000. I am aware of various hospitals/medical centers around the world where the procedure is offered at substantially lower prices. For example, for the abdominal area it is around $1600; for the area under the chin, you'd be looking around $800.

A word of warning now:

If you have diabetes, heart problems, coagulation disorders, history of bleeding, or an active infection, please check with your health care provider first!

One last point… many wonder if liposuction, including the laser type, can increase the risk of strokes and/or heart attacks. Some also wonder if the extra fat circulating in the bloodstream may put a person at risk for hypercholesteremia (high blood cholesterol). So far, these legitimate concerns have not been supported by research. And the risk of fat emboli is less than 1 in 10,000.

Thank you for your time. If you enjoyed this page and found the information useful, why not sign up for the ezine?

laser liposuction. Botox.