Laser Liposuction: A Modern Solution for Fat Reduction

In today’s world, we are faced with an abundance of health challenges, and we are well aware of how excess body fat can become the root cause of numerous diseases, including heart problems, diabetes, and certain cancers. Beyond the physical aspects, it also influences our mood and disrupts sleep patterns. When conventional approaches like exercise and diet fall short, it’s essential to explore alternative solutions, and this is where Laser Liposuction¹Goldman, A., & Gotkin, R. H. (2009). Laser-assisted liposuction. Clinics in Plastic Surgery, 36(2), 241-253.can come to the rescue.

What is Laser Liposuction?

Laser liposuction, or laser lipolysis, is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser technology to remove excess fat from targeted body areas. It is a noninvasive or minimally invasive procedure that aims to contour and shape the body by melting unwanted fat deposits. Liposuction offers a remarkable solution for effectively targeting and eliminating stubborn fat deposits in areas of the body that are prone to easy accumulation, such as the buttocks, chest, and abdomen.²McBean, J. C., & Katz, B. E. (2011). Laser lipolysis: an update. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 4(7), 25–34.

Types of Laser Liposuction

Laser lipolysis can be performed using two approaches:³Lee, J. Y., Oh, S. W., Ryu, H. Y., & Seo, Y. S. (2021). Development of a Minimally Invasive and Non-invasive Lipolysis Laser System for Effective Fat Reduction. Journal of lasers in medical sciences, 12, e55. https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2021.55

Non-Invasive Laser lipolysis:

In this type of laser lipolysis, your doctor attaches paddle-like applicators to the target area. These paddles emit heat penetrating the skin, heating and damaging the fat cells underneath. As the membranes of the fat cells are damaged, the cells begin to die off, and your body gradually absorbs them.

Final results from the treatment typically appear after about six weeks, revealing noticeable sculpting in the treated area. Some individuals may require multiple treatments to achieve optimal results.

Minimally Invasive Laser Liposuction

During the procedure, a small laser fiber is inserted through a tiny incision in the skin. The laser energy is then delivered to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and liquefy. The liquefied fat is then suctioned out through a cannula (a thin tube) or allowed to be naturally metabolized by the body. Simultaneously, an incredible process takes place. Not only does it effectively target and remove excess fat, but it also triggers the coagulation of tiny blood vessels.
Additionally, it stimulates the production of new collagen in the dermal and subdermal layers of the skin. This dual action ensures a speedy and comfortable recovery, enabling you to resume your daily activities swiftly. It also incorporates a laser-induced skin tightening procedure. This means your skin will not be left loose or sagging after removing excess fat, promoting a more toned and rejuvenated appearance.⁴Žgaljardić, Z., & Žgaljardić, I. (2023). Laser Assisted Body Contouring. In Manual of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine: Volume 1-Body Contouring Procedures (pp. 267-285). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore⁵Sasaki G, Tevez A. Laser-assisted liposuction for facial and body contouring and tissue tightening: a 2 year experience with 75 consecutive patients. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2009;28:226–235.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Laser Liposuction?

Ideal candidates for laser-assisted liposuction typically meet the following criteria:

1. Body Condition: Adults within 30% of their ideal weight who have firm and elastic skin and possess good muscle tone. These factors contribute to optimal outcomes and enhance the effectiveness of the procedure.
2. General Health: Candidates should be in good overall health, without any life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions that may impede the healing process. Individuals need to disclose their medical history to their healthcare provider to ensure their suitability for the procedure.
3. Non-smokers: Non-smoking candidates are generally preferred for laser-assisted liposuction due to the adverse effects of smoking on the healing process and the increased risk of complications. Smoking can negatively impact circulation and impede the body’s healing ability.
4. Positive Outlook and Specific Goals: Candidates should have a positive mindset and clear goals regarding body contouring. Having realistic expectations and understanding the potential outcomes of the procedure is crucial for a satisfying experience.

If you are experiencing dissatisfaction with stubborn fat deposits that do not respond to diet or exercise, liposuction, including laser-assisted techniques, maybe a suitable option. Consulting with a qualified healthcare professional will allow for a personalized assessment to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Pre-Op Preparations

Following are some preparations that you need to do before Minimally-Invasive laser liposuction:

• Make sure not to eat at least 2 hours before your procedure.
• You can drink water before the treatment.
• Do not apply any lotion or cream near the area of the body that will be treated. If you have applied any, please wash it and clean the area.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Technique

Minimally Invasive Laser liposuction is usually performed under local anesthesia. However, based on the preferences of both the surgeon and the patient, additional options, such as intravenous sedation, may also be utilized.
The procedure commences after the targeted skin area has been numbed. Your doctor makes a small incision and inserts a laser into the fat tissue right underneath your skin. The laser ruptures the fat cells, and they liquefy. As liquefication of fat occurs, your doctor then uses a narrow tube (cannula) to suction the fat out of your body. The patient is marked standing, and the procedure is usually completed within an hour.⁶Ali, Yasser. (2018). Laser-assisted Lipolysis Burn Safety: Proposed Detailed Parameters with Assessment of Their Efficacy and Safety. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 6. 1. 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001934.
Techniques can vary in different places but generally include the same steps. For example, Turkey is known for its high quality and affordable prices for laser liposuction. The rate of complications that occur is also very low there.

Liposuction Recovery Time

It does depend on person to person, but generally, there’s a need of about a week to recover after laser liposuction, but that’s even better because it takes more time to recover after doing a traditional liposuction procedure. There is less bruising because of the lower blood loss.
The incisions are small, so healing time is reduced considerably. There can be chances of swellings and light bruising that can be resolved in about two weeks, for which compression garments can be worn during the day and night for at least two weeks to four weeks. You can do slight exercises and return to work in 1 to 3 days.⁷Swanson, E., & Swanson, E. (2018). Liposuction. Evidence-Based Body Contouring Surgery and VTE Prevention, 33-77.

Treatment Cost

What worries people the most here is how much it costs to do one session. Costs depend on areas of the body where liposuction occurs and the amount of fat removed. It’s costly since it’s a cosmetic procedure and not a medical one. It also depends on the country you’re residing in. Generally, good places for liposuction procedures are Turkey, Mexico, USA, and Poland. These come with far fewer complications and success rates. So, the cost can vary anywhere from $2,500 to $4,500 per area.

Sessions of Laser Liposuction

The number of sessions depends on several factors, such as the amount of fat that needs to be removed. Other factors include the patient’s stature, anatomical figure, and where the fat is located. Another important factor is the patient’s unique needs and goals. So, depending on person-to-person, some might need only one session, while others may require more than one session.
Some individuals require additional sculptings and skin tightening procedures, which require additional treatments. It is important to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who can assess your situation and provide personalized recommendations.
Post-op care and recovery.

Advantages of Laser Liposuction

• It removes fat safely and is free of blood.
• It helps boost health as excess fat deposits can pose many health problems like hypertension and heart problems.
• It helps remove fat cells permanently so they can not grow back in that place.
• It also helps boost self-esteem, especially in women who are continuously conscious of how they look.
• It promotes body contouring that one can not achieve even through exercise and diet.

Liposuction Side Effects

With noninvasive laser lipolysis, you may temporarily experience redness, swelling, and tenderness. On the other hand, the following are some risks and side effects of minimally invasive laser liposuction:

• Pain or numbness in the area of treatment can occur in the case of minimally invasive laser lipolysis. Numbness occurs due to damage to small nerves that move through the fat to reach the skin. Sensations usually return after several weeks, so there’s no need to worry.
• Discomfort and loose or discolored skin can occur.
• Burning under the skin after a session might be experienced. If it lasts more than a few days, this could be a sign of liquid buildup and needs to be treated by a doctor.
• Hematoma (Collection of blood under the skin)

Traditional Liposuction vs. Laser Liposuction

Laser liposuction and traditional liposuction are both effective fat removal techniques, but they differ significantly in their approach and recovery. Laser liposuction uses laser technology to heat and liquefy fat cells through small incisions, promoting quicker recovery and less bruising while stimulating collagen production for skin tightening. In contrast, traditional liposuction involves larger incisions and a cannula to manually break up and suction out fat, often requiring general anesthesia and resulting in a longer recovery period with more noticeable bruising and swelling. Traditional liposuction does not provide the skin-tightening benefits associated with laser liposuction, which can lead to sagging skin post-procedure, especially in larger treatment areas.

Liposuction vs. Tummy Tuck

Laser liposuction effectively removes excess and unwanted fat, while a tummy tuck goes beyond fat removal to address sagging skin, tone muscles, and improve the abdominal area. Although both procedures aim for a flatter and smoother stomach, they differ in approach, results, and recovery time.

Laser ‘lipo’ is ideal for individuals close to their ideal weight who have stubborn fat areas. In contrast, a tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, is a more invasive surgical procedure that removes excess skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens the underlying muscles, resulting in a flatter and firmer abdomen. A tummy tuck is often recommended for individuals with significant skin laxity and muscle separation, such as post-pregnancy or after substantial weight loss. The recovery time for a tummy tuck is longer. It involves more significant scarring than laser liposuction, but it provides dramatic results for those needing extensive contouring and skin removal.

Recovery time for laser liposuction is typically around five to seven days, while a tummy tuck requires two to three weeks. In terms of cost, laser liposuction is generally less expensive than a tummy tuck. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of liposuction is $3,548, while a tummy tuck costs an average of $6,154.⁸American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) cost. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/cost Additional expenses may vary depending on factors such as medications and anesthesia.

Conclusion

As technology evolves over time, medical professionals constantly employ new techniques to enhance the safety and efficiency of surgeries like laser liposuction, thereby minimizing complications. The world we’re living in is opening gates to cosmetic surgeries because of all the social pressure. Everyone wants to be in shape. Sometimes it can be hard to do it the long way by exercising and dieting. Laser liposuction can be helpful in such cases, giving you the perfect body shape in the minimum possible time.

Refrences

• 1
  Goldman, A., & Gotkin, R. H. (2009). Laser-assisted liposuction. Clinics in Plastic Surgery, 36(2), 241-253.
• 2
  McBean, J. C., & Katz, B. E. (2011). Laser lipolysis: an update. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 4(7), 25–34.
• 3
  Lee, J. Y., Oh, S. W., Ryu, H. Y., & Seo, Y. S. (2021). Development of a Minimally Invasive and Non-invasive Lipolysis Laser System for Effective Fat Reduction. Journal of lasers in medical sciences, 12, e55. https://doi.org/10.34172/jlms.2021.55
• 4
  Žgaljardić, Z., & Žgaljardić, I. (2023). Laser Assisted Body Contouring. In Manual of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine: Volume 1-Body Contouring Procedures (pp. 267-285). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore
• 5
  Sasaki G, Tevez A. Laser-assisted liposuction for facial and body contouring and tissue tightening: a 2 year experience with 75 consecutive patients. Semin Cutan Med Surg. 2009;28:226–235.
• 6
  Ali, Yasser. (2018). Laser-assisted Lipolysis Burn Safety: Proposed Detailed Parameters with Assessment of Their Efficacy and Safety. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global Open. 6. 1. 10.1097/GOX.0000000000001934.
• 7
  Swanson, E., & Swanson, E. (2018). Liposuction. Evidence-Based Body Contouring Surgery and VTE Prevention, 33-77.
• 8
  American Society of Plastic Surgeons. (n.d.). Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) cost. Retrieved from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/cost