Everything you always wanted to know about laser lipo

Everything you always wanted to know about laser lipo

Laser lipo is the newest and least invasive way to remove excess fat from targeted areas of the body. New York-based plastic surgeon Dr. David Shafer is here to break down everything you need to know about the procedure, side effects, and results.

Contents

How is laser liposuction different?
Is anesthesia necessary?
Are the results really permanent?
Which brands are the best?
Who is an ideal candidate?
Can laser liposuction be performed on the face?
Is there a processing limit?
What are the side effects?
Recovery time and post-treatment care

What is laser lipo?

Laser lipo is a minimally invasive fat removal treatment. The desired removal area is pre-treated with a laser fiber under the skin to melt away the fat.

Liposuction is a cosmetic fat removal technique first recorded in the 1920s by French surgeon Charles Dujarier. Today, the process involves using a suction cannula, a thin tube placed inside a surgical incision to remove fat.

As the name suggests, an almost identical procedure is applied to a laser lipo treatment, but a laser is involved. In Dr. Shafer’s own words, with “advanced technology such as laser lipo, we still use the suction device. However, we pre-treat the fat with a laser fiber under the skin to melt away the fat layer. It allows us to achieve a smoother shape. »

Meet the expert

Dr. David Shafer is a New York-based plastic surgeon specializing in natural-looking liposuction, breast augmentation, and Botox treatments. He trained at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic and is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.

He also points out that the added benefit of using a laser means that the treated skin is stimulated and creates a tighter post-operative effect.

For best results, Dr. Shafer recommends choosing a surgeon who uses MicroAire-assisted liposuction, which vibrates rapidly to break up the fat and reduces the actual force needed to remove fat. “It helps eliminate more fat in less time with less trauma to the body,” he adds.

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How is laser lipo different?

With several laser treatments on the market claiming to eliminate fat, it can be hard to choose or know the difference. However, Dr. Shafer explains that “laser” is a general term. All technologies differ in words of the type of laser and subsequent application.

Laser lipo, in particular, is different from others in that it is a minor surgical procedure that uses an intense fiber optic laser under the skin. According to Dr. Shafer, these lasers allow a doctor to use higher temperatures, so the tool doesn’t have to cut through the skin’s surface to reach the fat.

Using a combination of varying wavelengths and heat creates a process known as laser lipolysis by medical experts, which is a fancy way of saying it melts body fat. The procedure is then followed with the suction cannula, which is also used during a traditional liposuction procedure.

Compared to its non-invasive laser counterparts like SculpSure, CoolSculpting, and EmSculpt, laser lipo is generally the best choice for people who want more instant and dramatic results.

Is anesthesia necessary?

Since laser lipo is a minimally invasive procedure, the use of some form of sedation is necessary to avoid pain. Although it is important to note that in most cases, anesthesia is a separate cost to your procedure, budgeting in advance will make funding more accessible.

When it comes to selecting the type of anesthesia, a few options are available. “For smaller areas such as the lower abdomen, back, knees or chin, laser lipo can be performed under local anesthesia. If larger areas are being done or if a person is having multiple areas treated at the same time, intravenous or general anesthesia is required,” says Dr. Shafer.

Are the results permanent?

Laser lipo is classified as a permanent fat reduction treatment using the suction method that physically extracts fat. Despite this, it’s essential to maintain a healthy, well-proportioned diet (and workout routine) to ensure long-lasting results.

Laser lipo lasts forever, but the treatment does not prevent you from gaining weight in the future. Incorporating a healthy diet and exercise routine is essential to maintain results.

If this is not done, recipients risk seeing the remaining fat cells grow more prominent. “Liposuction lasts forever. However, a patient must realize that if they consume calories, the calories have to go somewhere,” says Dr. Shafer.

Which brands are the best?

Many laser lipo brands are on the market, but not all machines are created equal. Here are Dr. Shafer’s top three picks for patients trying to find trusted and FDA-approved lines:

Cynosure SmartLipo Triplex
VASERlipo by Solta Medical
BodyTite by InMode®

Who is an ideal candidate?

Like most things in life, laser lipo is not a one-size-fits-all procedure. Determining if someone is a candidate usually requires an evaluation by a qualified, experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. However, the candidates with the best results practice a healthy diet and lifestyle that includes exercise.

Men and women are equally good candidates. Although Dr. Shafer notes that most men target the chest, love handles, abdomen and chin, while most women target the abdomen, lower back, inner thighs, and knees.

Health issues that may disqualify a candidate include (but are not limited to) heart disease, lung disease, and pregnancy. And if smoking is not an absolute contraindication, smoking certainly increases the risk of infection and poor healing.

Can laser lipo be performed on the face?

When it comes to getting rid of unwanted facial fat, laser lipo is one of the most effective procedures you can choose. In Dr. Shafer’s own words, it is effective in the double chin area because “fat can be sucked out while the laser helps tighten deeper tissues.”

However, laser liposuction is not a good option if you are looking to treat your cheeks. “There are important nerves in the area of the buccal fat, and it would be dangerous to use the laser in this area or to introduce a suction device blindly,” he explains.

Is there a processing limit?

It is safe enough to do it more than once for patients who are worried about what will happen if they have had laser lipo multiple times. There is no universal limit, but performing the procedure just once is more than enough in most cases. It’s a stark contrast to its non-invasive counterparts, which can require multiple treatments over several months, whereas laser liposuction is usually performed once per area.

Shafer also notes that it’s not uncommon for patients to combine laser liposuction and 360° liposuction for areas such as the abdomen and back at the same time.

What are the side effects?

Although laser liposuction is minimally invasive, it is still a surgical procedure and should not be light. There are risks involved like any other surgery. However, laser lipo is generally quick and easy compared to other fat reduction surgeries.

Even though it is minimally invasive, laser liposuction is a serious procedure. You should expect to miss work, the gym, and other regular activities.

“The most common side effects of laser lipo are temporary swelling and bruising,” says Dr. Shafer. “Less common side effects are contour asymmetries, which have to do with how the body heals and also the experience of the surgeon.”

Although the infection is rare, he says, patients are usually given a dose of antibiotics at the time of surgery.

Laser burns are very rare, but Dr. Shafer again reminds us that a board-certified plastic surgeon should only perform a procedure like this. It is the best way to minimize risk.

Recovery time and post-treatment care

Your body will need significant recovery after laser liposuction, including taking off from work. The amount of downtime depends on the areas being treated and the patient’s general condition. “For small areas, patients can often return to work within days. In several areas, patients typically take about a week off from their normal activities,” says Dr. Shafer.

Patients may be asked to wear compression garments similar to Spanx, which helps minimize swelling and smooth the skin. Shafer also advises patients to implement lymphatic massage.

When it comes to sun exposure, going outside after surgery isn’t as bad as with non-invasive laser treatments placed on the skin’s surface. Laser lipo is administered under the skin, so the epidermis is not as sensitive. But as always, sunscreen should be applied every day to prevent cancer risks and premature aging.