Introduced in 2007, laser-assisted liposuction is one of the commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures in the world. Laser liposuction removes stubborn fat deposits from various areas of the body utilizing laser energy and improves body contour. Advanced modalities such as the FDA-approved minimally invasive SmartLipo Triplex have made recovery from the treatment faster and easier than with conventional procedures.

Outpatient Procedure

The laser lipo procedure can be performed in a plastic surgeon’s office or outpatient facility. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia or sedation anesthesia, based on the extent of fat to be removed. The procedure can remove excess fat from various areas such as waist or (love handles), chin, arms, neck, inner and outer thighs, hips, abdomen, ankles, back and knees.

Just as in traditional lipoplasty, a fluid containing a mixture of saline, local anesthetic and epinephrine is first injected under the skin in the area where fat is to be removed. Laser energy is then delivered to the treatment site via thin cannulas which are inserted in the skin via small incisions. The laser liquefies the fat so that it can be easily removed. The laser energy also stimulates the production of collagen and improves the appearance of the skin. SmartLipo Triplex offers skin tightening effects too.

Benefits

• Minimally invasive procedures
• Uses local anesthesia
• Contours even delicate areas
• Minimal pain, bruising, scarring and downtime
• Minimal surgical trauma and discomfort

Recovery – Laser Body Sculpting vs. Traditional Liposuction

Compared to traditional methods, recovery time after laser liposuction is much shorter due to the following reasons

• The laser-enabled procedure can be performed under local anesthesia, reducing downtime and complications
• There are no stitches or sutures as the incisions are very small
• Bleeding can be a side effect for traditional liposuction but as laser seals the blood vessels right away, it dramatically reduces bleeding, swelling, bruising and pain
• Laser lipo is an outpatient procedure and no hospital stay is required
• Just one laser treatment is required and shrinking fat cells and skin would be much quicker whereas in conventional lipoplasty, additional procedures are needed to remove excess skin
• With larger incisions, conventional procedures require 2-3 weeks of time for things to return to normal. With smaller incisions, laser lipo patients heal faster and can usually resume routine activities in two days.
• When compression garments are an optional precautionary measure for lipolysis, whereas they usually need to be worn for several weeks following conventional liposuction treatment.

Recovery time will vary from patient to patient and your physician can provide you with a better understanding of your expectations. For a smooth and safe recovery, you should follow your physician’s post-surgical instructions. It is important to have realistic body contouring goals and to know that liposuction is not a weight loss treatment or a substitute for a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise.