Laser liposuction is an FDA-approved cosmetic procedure that liquifies fat cells and then removes them through a thin tube called a cannula. The heat from the laser also triggers production of collagen and elastin, which tightens skin.
The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, says Dr. Ayham Al-Ayoubi, a facial plastic and laser surgeon at the Cadogan Clinic in London. A small incision will be made in the area where the fat bulge is located, and a focused laser beam will be used to liquefy and remove the excess fatty tissue.
Depending on the amount of fat being removed, it may take several sessions to achieve optimal results. Each patient’s body chemistry and lifestyle contribute to the degree of fat removal that can be achieved, says Newport Beach, CA plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify.
Good candidates for laser liposuction are healthy adults who are within 20 pounds of their ideal weight and have realistic expectations about their appearance. They should be physically active and have a well-balanced diet.
Patients should avoid taking blood-thinners, ibuprofen and aspirin at least a week before the treatment. These substances can cause bruising and swelling, which can limit the effectiveness of the procedure.
In most cases, patients can expect to see results within a few days. However, it could take up to six months for long-term changes to appear.
Some people notice a slight discomfort and redness after the laser liposuction, but this is usually mild and goes away with time. Patients may need to wear a compression garment after the procedure for a while to reduce swelling.
During the procedure, doctors may make a small incision in the treatment area and use a special applicator to numb the area before administering the laser. After the numbing agent wears off, a concentrated laser beam is used to melt and liquefy fat cells under the skin.
After the laser has melted and liquefied the fat, it is then suctioned out through a thin tube called a cannula, says Dr. Ryan Neinstein, a plastic surgeon in New York City. The procedure can be less aggressive than traditional liposuction, because liquifying fat makes it easier to remove.
There are several devices that perform laser liposuction, including SmartLipo, CoolSculpting and Prolipo Plus. These devices all use different laser wavelengths to target fat cells, so the amount of fat that can be removed varies.
The maximum amount of fat that can be removed during a single session will vary by state and patient, but many surgeons follow recommended guidelines to ensure safety. These guidelines typically allow for a maximum of five liters (the equivalent of about 11 pounds) of fat to be removed during one session, according to Dr. Hisham Seify of Newport Beach, California.
Laser liposuction is an effective method for removing fat in the abdomen, hips, thighs, arms, buttocks and chin. The procedure can also be used to contour the face and neck. It can also be combined with other fat reduction treatments, such as a Brazilian butt lift or abdominoplasty.