Laser lipolysis is a non-invasive procedure that can help you lose unwanted fat without going under the knife. Unlike other treatments, it’s done in the doctor’s office, and patients can return to work or normal activity right after the treatment is over.
The process involves attaching paddle-like applicators to your belly, thighs, upper arms, buttocks, and flanks. The applicators emit heat that penetrates the skin and starts heating up the fat cells beneath. The heat damages the membranes of the fat cells and causes them to die off. The dead cells are then absorbed by the body.
While there is a certain degree of pain and bruising, most people experience minimal discomfort after the procedure. The area may swell slightly, but this is usually temporary and goes away on its own within a few days. Some doctors recommend wearing a compression garment, which helps reduce swelling and enhances the results of the treatment.
How Does Laser Liposuction Really Work?
To start the treatment, the doctor will numb the targeted area using local anesthesia. He or she will then insert a small tube, called a cannula, into the fatty tissue to liquefy it and remove it.
After a few minutes, the patient will be asked to lie back on the treatment table. This will allow the numbing solution to spread across the area and become effective.
Once the numbing solution has been fully effective, your clinician will insert a laser under the skin to melt the fat and then remove it through suction. The laser liposuction procedure is very quick, and many patients recover quickly.
You can expect to see noticeable fat loss after the first session of laser lipo. After that, you’ll need to have several sessions spaced about four weeks apart for optimal results.
Laser lipo doesn’t damage the surrounding tissues, so there is no risk of infection or scarring in the treatment area. However, some people will develop a dimpled or lumpy appearance in the treated area that may require surgical correction.
In the long run, you’ll need to be careful about what you eat to keep your results lasting as long as possible. A healthy diet that is low in calories will help your body to burn more fat.
If you are concerned about the safety of laser liposuction, you can always talk to your physician before making any decisions. He or she will be able to answer any questions you might have and recommend a suitable treatment for your specific needs.
The best candidates for laser lipo are women and men who have localized fat pockets that don’t respond to exercise or dieting. They should also have relatively good general health and be within a reasonable weight range for their age.
While results will vary from person to person, most people report significant reduction in fat following the first treatment. Afterward, the patient can have ongoing maintenance treatment sessions as needed to continue seeing results.
Depending on your goals, laser lipo can be used to treat any area of the body that is prone to fat buildup, including the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, and arms. It is especially effective on smaller areas of the body, and can be used in combination with other body-contouring procedures such as CoolSculpting to achieve the most dramatic changes.