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Laser lipo has shown promising results for fat reduction with fewer complications than other weight loss procedures. Learn about the pros and cons
Laser lipo has shown promising results for fat reduction with fewer risks and complications than other weight loss procedures.
Results may be permanent if you maintain a healthy weight, diet, and lifestyle. Additionally, the laser energy stimulates collagen production, which may help prevent sagging skin after the procedure.
What is a laser lipo?
Laser lipo or laser liposuction is a method of fat removal that uses laser energy to melt fat cells without surgery. After the cells are liquefied, they can be vacuumed or drained out through small tubes.
Because the tube used in laser lipo is smaller than the tube used in traditional liposuction, surgeons prefer this method for confined areas, such as the chin and face. Laser lipo may also result in firmer, tighter, and soft skin because it helps produce collagen and elastin.
Laser lipo is ideal for contouring areas of the body that may have stubborn fat, such as:
- Abs
- Back
- Flanks
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Upper arms
Laser lipo has minimal side effects and does not cause any injury to the surrounding tissues at the treatment sites.
Who are candidates for laser lipo?
In order to undergo a laser lipo procedure, you should be healthy and near your ideal weight. You should not undergo laser lipo if you are pregnant or menstruating or if you have:
- Pacemaker or defibrillator
- Blood clots
- Cancer
- Heart disease or other heart conditions
- Liver disease or other liver conditions
- Multiple sclerosis
- Implants
- Insulin-dependent diabetes
- Abnormal tissue growth
- Vascular conditions
Inform your physician if you recently had surgery or are taking anticoagulants or medications that induce light sensitivity. Your physician may recommend that you avoid undergoing laser lipo.
How is laser lipo performed?
Laser lipo can be performed at a physician’s office under local anesthesia. Because it does not require general anesthesia, you are wide awake during the procedure.
- The targeted area is numbed beforehand.
- Next, a small incision is made to insert a tiny laser under the skin to liquefy the fat.
- Following the liquefaction, a small tube is inserted to suck out the melted fat from beneath the skin.
Following the procedure, your doctor may ask you to rest for a few days before returning to work. However, most people recover immediately after the procedure with few complications.
What are the pros and cons of laser lipo?
Pros
- Noninvasive
- Less recovery time needed
- Less swelling and pain after the procedure
- Low chances of infection
- Does not require much pre-procedure preparation
Cons
- Fat reduction takes place over the course of weeks or months
- Requires several treatments to get the desired look
- Cannot remove large areas of fat
