Over the past few years, individuals have been able to make use of laser technology to help remove stubborn fat deposits from their bodies. Laser liposuction or Laser Lipo is an FDA approved procedure used to remove fat in areas that have not responded to traditional diet and exercise. This technique makes use of a thin cannula and a fibre laser to melt large deposits of fat, which are then excreted from the body naturally. After the procedure, you can look forward to having a smoother, slimmer and firmer body.
Basic Laser Liposuction Procedure
Laser liposuction is an outpatient procedure, with most occurring within your own physician’s clinic. Local anesthesia is used when the procedure is occurring. The doctor makes a small incision in the target area, melts the fat cells there, and uses the cannula to remove the melted cells. After this, the cannula is removed and the procedure is over. Laser liposuction is a far less invasive procedure than traditional liposuction. This is because it makes use of laser technology to break down fat deposits instead of sucking them out.
Advantages of Laser Liposuction vs Laser Liposuction
Laser liposuction only requires tiny incisions in order to perform the procedure. This means that the patient experiences very little bruising afterwards. The patient also experiences fewer side effects with laser liposuction because of the fact that a local anaesthetic is used instead of a general anaesthetic. This also results in a much faster recovery time and in most instances, the patient is able to return to a normal routine the day after the procedure. This means that nearly anyone can be a good candidate for laser liposuction.
With traditional liposuction, it wasn’t possible to use the procedure on the more sensitive parts of the body because of the risk of damaging blood vessels during the procedure. Because of the fact that laser liposuction is a less invasive treatment option than standard liposuction, it is able to be used on areas of the body where traditional liposuction was never able to be used. These places include the neck area and the underarms. This means that laser liposuction is definitely a better choice than traditional liposuction.
Popular Laser Lipo Brands
SmartLipo was the first company to introduce laser liposuction in 2006. They were also the first company offering this procedure that gained FDA approval. The most updated form of their technology is the SmartLipo MPX which combines various wavelengths of laser in the liposuction procedure in order to achieve better results. SmoothLipo received FDA approval in 2008 for their continuous wave procedure which ensures that the risk of heat related injuries are minimised during the procedure. Other companies which have received FDA approval for their laser liposuction procedures include CoolLipo, LipoLite and Lifesculpt.
Major Laser Liposuction Risks
Laser liposuction is often preferred over other types of liposuction because of its quick recovery period and limited bruising resulting from fewer incisions. People that go through this procedure are generally able to return to work within only a couple of days. However, this form of liposuction is not danger free, and some laser liposuction risks are present. These risks and complications are discussed below.
Infection and Bleeding
Infection and bleeding with this treatment is rare, but it is still one of the major laser liposuction risks and can occur in certain cases. In order to reduce the risk of this condition, it is important for patients to clean the incision area regularly and keep it dry. It is also important for patients to follow their surgeon’s directions in terms of post-surgical care in order to keep the area free of infection. However, it is important to note that patients that receive laser-assisted liposuction will typically recover much faster than with traditional liposuction because of the reduced blood loss.
Asymmetrical Results
Another one of the major risks of laser liposuction side is lopsided or asymmetrical results. These asymmetrical or uneven results can be due to the removal of irregular fat or if a higher quantity of fat is removed from one side than the other, resulting in an unbalanced figure. Asymmetrical results are not specific to laser liposuction and can occur with other liposuction methods as well. Additionally, these risks are more cosmetic in nature and do not cause any adverse health conditions or reactions to the patient. However, you may need to undergo corrective surgery to fix these defects.
Scarring
Typically scarring is minimal after this type of treatment, but in some cases laser liposuction risks can occur if a patient requires stitches or sutures. The body areas where the incisions are place can develop scars. Typically, these scars are small because of the small size of the incision that is made to the treated area. The recovery process can take anywhere from three to six months, and patients should take advice from their surgeon on how to safely and effectively get rid of scars.
Skin Problems
Common laser liposuction side effects also include skin problems. Although it is usually minimal, in some cases the use of laser energy can cause skin burns, thermal injuries, and damage to the skin. This is because excess fat is liquefied using the heat from the laser. These side effcts are often reduced if the is procedure done by a reputable doctor that has significant experience in this field.
How to Prevent Laser Lipo Side Effects
Laser liposuction risks are minimal compared to traditional liposuction procedures. This form of liposuction is considered to be quite safe and is popular because of its decreased risk of bruising and speedy recovery process. However, some risks have been identified, and it is important that patients discuss these risks with their doctor. They should also be sure to choose a reputable surgeon in order to minimize these and other potential side effects.
How much does Laser Liposuction Cost on Average
The laser liposuction cost may also vary according to the particular area of the body selected, as well as the amount of fat that needs to be removed. An average cost for a single laser liposuction session can vary between $ 2500 and $ 5000. Treatments in the breast area generally cost the most, averaging at about $ 5000 per session, whilst the cost of hip, thigh, arm and face treatments average about $ 3000 a treatment. Laser liposuction treatments of the abdomen, waist, or buttocks are slightly more expensive, and average between $ 3000 and $ 5000 per treatment.
With the recent advances in medical science, it is now much easier and safer for men and woman of all ages and levels of fitness to consider cosmetic procedures. A new form of liposuction, namely laser liposuction,now offers people an easier alternative to shedding unwanted fat in different areas of their bodies. The cost of Laser liposuction today is dependent on a number of important factors.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Laser Liposuction
Laser liposuction offers an improved method of body sculpturing that is available to all people, regardless of their form or size. The laser liposuction cost varies according to a number of significant factors, from the surgeon that is selected, to the area in which the treatment will be carried out on. These factors should be considered before booking a laser liposuction treatment, in order to ensure the best possible price.
Where is the Procedure Be Carried Out
Laser liposuction can be carried out in a number of ways. These methods often affect the laser liposuction cost involved. Procedures carried out in aesthetic beauty clinic are often less expensive than those that are carried out in the private rooms of a cosmetic surgeon. Aesthetic clinics often have a greater number of procedures completed per day, and thus the cost of medical staff, nursing sisters, and anesthesiologists will be lower for each patient. For those who choose to have the procedure carried out in a surgeon’s private rooms, the laser liposuction cost will be much higher.
Who is Performing the Operation
Choosing the surgeon who will perform the liposuction is also a factor that will affect the laser liposuction cost. Cosmetic surgeons with higher qualifications, and who have been practicing for a longer period of time in the field of cosmetic surgery will generally charge higher rates than those that are newer to the field. This is also true for anesthesiologists, who will charge higher fees if they have been practicing for a longer period of time. It is always advisable to select a surgeon that is highly qualified, and has a good reputation in the field of cosmetic surgery.
How Many Treatments Are Needed
A factor that will greatly influence the laser liposuction cost is the number of treatments a person decides to go for. Most surgeons offer lower rates per laser liposuction session if patients select and pay for more than one session at a time. It is advisable to find out how many liposuction sessions are suggested by the surgeon and to then find out if any special rates apply if more than one session is paid for in advance.
Does Laser Lipo Work Long Term
The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery indicates that laser liposuction is the single most popular cosmetic procedure. Most patients are happy with the results, noting a more smoothed and less dimpled appearance in the skin and reduced or removed bulges in areas where they had previously stored fat.
The best laser lipo results are seen in the hips and thighs, buttocks, upper and lower abdomen, and inner arms. The fat that has been removed cannot come back, however, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure that new fat is not developed and stored in similar areas of your body where it has already been removed. Regular exercise that includes weight training can significantly reduce the increase of fat accumulation after liposuction surgery. As such, your new lifestyle should include exercise, and more specifically weight-bearing exercises that keep your body toned. The additional muscle you develop will keep your skin looking tight, and will ensure fat does not return.
Laser Liposuction Before and After Preparation and Precautions
Although the procedure is minimally invasive, there are several tips that will help patients achieve successful results.
Choose a Surgeon Wisely
The most important thing a patient can do prior to laser liposuction surgery is to spend considerable time researching surgeons. Not every cosmetic surgeon has the experience necessary to perform a successful procedure. When choosing a surgeon, patients need to confirm that he/she is board certified and has significant hands-on laser liposuction training. In addition, surgeons should be trained in managing cardiac or other surgical emergencies and be willing to openly discuss and specifically address any questions or concerns a patient has.
Preparation Before Laser Liposuction
Preparation instructions for laser liposuction may vary slightly from doctor to doctor but there are some basic rules to follow prior to surgery. Patients need to inform their doctors of theirmedical conditions and medications/supplements they are taking. To reduce the risk of bleeding, patients will need to stop taking any drugs that thin the blood (Coumadin, Warfarin, aspirin, NSAIDS, vitamin E, fish oil, etc.) two weeks prior to surgery unless otherwise instructed by their doctor. Patients should also wear comfortable clothes to the procedure and have someone available to drive them home.
Post-Surgery Care after Laser Lipo
To avoid post-operative complications, patients must completely follow their doctor’s instructions after surgery. Depending on the type of anesthesia used during the operation, patients are usually sent home within a few hours after the procedure. Patients can expect to experience some post-operative pain and they may be prescribed pain medication. Post-op pain should improve within a week although some patients may experience discomfort for several months. Patients should not take aspirin or NSAIDS for pain and should avoid smoking or drinking alcohol. It is crucial that patients keep an eye out for any redness or swelling around their incision as this could indicate infection.
Laser Liposuction Recovery
Laser liposuction is an outpatient procedure, which means it can be done within your own physician’s office sometimes in a single day. It is relatively noninvasive, with just a small incision being made in the target area. Most of the time, this incision does not even need sutures to close, which means that the procedure could be done one day and the patient could return to work the next day. There is relatively little bruising and bleeding as compared to traditional liposuction techniques. Laser liposuction recovery time is estimated as between two days and two weeks.
Maintaining Laser Liposuction Results
There are several things you can do to prevent regaining weight after laser liposuction. Patients should drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins and provide a sense of fullness. They should never skip meals since this may slow metabolism. In addition, patients should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet which includes plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables and low-fat, high-protein dairy and meat options. It is also critical that patients get regular exercise, preferably every day, to help burn calories and keep the metabolism at an optimum level.
How to Fix Bad Laser Liposuction Results
If you are unsatisfied with your laser liposuction results, you can have a revision surgery. These usually take place a few months after the initial laser liposuction recovery time has passed. Earlier corrective surgeries can occur, but only after a consultation with your doctor. Revision surgeries are most common in the case of rhinoplasty procedures, though they can be employed with many types of corrective surgeries.
Laser lipo is definitely one of the most popular and affordable liposuction treatments available today. However, the use of laser rays carries an inherent risk making this procedure unsuitable for a small number of prospects. It is best to consult a qualified and experienced physician to find out if your are good candidate for laser liposuction.