Advancements in methods of fat removal by liposuction continue to change and be improved. One of the most noteworthy methods that is currently marketed and touted is laser liposuction, or more accurately, laser-assisted liposuction.

As opposed to the traditional technique of a hollowed-out cannula insertion, loosening and beating up the fat tissue, and then sucking it out, this mechanical particulation is replaced by the heat of laser energy. Inside the liposuction cannula, fibers carrying laser light deliver their heat to the targeted fat breaking it down into a liquid ’soup’ which can be suctioned out. Theoretically, the skin in the areas overlying where the liposuction was done may get tighter due to the heat from the laser.

As of this date, there are three such laser-assisted liposuction systems available in the United States. They are under the marketed tradenames of SMARTLIPO (Cynosure), COOLLIPO (CoolTouch), and PROLIPO (Sctiton). All of them tout more effective and efficient fat removal, less bruising and swelling after the procedure, a faster recovery, and some skin tightening and improvement in the appearance of cellulite over the treated areas.

The real question is….are they truly better than basic liposuction…and are their increased costs over traditional liposuction worth it? (someone has to pay for the equipment purchase…and that someone is you the patient!) To date, laser-assisted liposuction is tremendously appealing, particularly to the general public. In the past, any medical treatment that included the word, laser, always enamors the public. No clinical trials have yet been reported however, that I have seen, that have ever directly compared any laser-assisted vs traditional liposuction procedure in patients. No clinical trial, large or small, has yet been done that has compared the results of any touted liposuction method in a prospective, controlled clinical study. FDA approval of these devices implies that they are safe for patient use but that does not mean they are necessarily more effective than other liposuction methods.

Much like ultrasonic-assisted liposuction when it was introduced 10 years ago, laser-assisted liposuction may be a popular trend that, in the end, will fare no better. It will undoubtably have its place in liposuction options and armamentarium but I doubt if it is magic or whether it offers a quantum leap forward in patient outcomes and recovery times. While it is another method of removing fat, I remain skeptical if all of the marketing claims of laser-assisted liposuction such as a quicker recovery and skin tightening can live up to the hype.

I am all for any form of advancement in liposuction, which is a fairly traumatic procedure on the tissues. While effective, liposuction is still one of the most ‘brutal’ procedures that we as plastic surgeons do. Is laser-assted liposuction a better method of liposuction?…..ask me again in 5 years!



Thanks to Dr Barry Eppley for contributing this article to our Plastic Surgery blog:

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Can you answer lizzabet1015’s question about Plastic Surgery?:

I have not had children yet, but I plan to have at least 2 kids a few years down the road. Based on experience is it better to wait to get Liposuction after the kids? Or does it work so that fat will not return to your stomach after you have lipo and after having kids? Anyone know for sure?

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Can you answer boy’s question about Plastic Surgery?:

I am developing a small double-chin and want it gone immediately. Liposuction has to be the fastest way to get rid of it, but I am wondering if there are risks come with this operation.

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Statistics show that even though abdominal liposuction is expensive, it is also one of the most performed interventions to loose weight in the United States. Abdominal liposuction surgery takes approximately couple of hours depending from person to person however, you will need to undergo a series of physical examination before you undergo the operation in order to ensure that you are physically fit and will not face any major complications from it so it can heal quickly.

The procedure itself is not complicated however, the healing process may take a few months during which time you will have to be on a strict diet as prescribed by the doctor and also follow the medication treatment as directed in order to help the procedure heal as soon as possible.

Many are horrified at the sight immediately after the operation as the area is bruised and lumps may form where the fat was extracted but that it temporary and it will all disappear in matter is months.

The Risks of Abdominal Liposuction

Abdominal liposuction will relieve you of a few pounds at a time so, don’t expect miracles overnight; it is highly recommended for those who has put up 10 –15 pounds and is ready to diet as well as exercise in order to maintain a shapely form and a healthy body.

Obese people may not see a great improvement unless they undergo multiple sessions during a period of time as the doctor cannot perform another produce unless the first is healed enough to support another liposuction.

Statistics also show that 1 person in 100,000 diet due to abdominal liposuction however, most of those cases were because the patient did not follow the diet and after liposuction procedures, which are even more important then the liposuction itself in order to make the whole procedure a success. If you have decided to undergo abdominal liposuction it is because you want to improve your appearance and overall health therefore, you can make it a success with determination and strong will power. Always remember it is up to you.



Thanks to Lee Milne for contributing this article to our Plastic Surgery blog:

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Liposuction is one of the most frequently performed cosmetic surgery procedures - a procedure to remove excess fat through a process of aspiration. A small incision is made into the skin, where a thin surgical instrument is inserted to remove fat cells and then suction is used to remove grease. Liposuction is typically associated with the weight loss, but it is in fact not an ideal solution to the obesity and overweight for those who in spite of his reputation. A good diet and exercise is more effective and safe method. Liposuction tends to be more suited for those who are not overweight, but simply want to remove fat from areas most stubborn areas that are not independently slimmer of the year. It must therefore be associated with the sculpture of the body is not just weight loss. Liposuction is usually administered under general anesthesia. Developments on the process include liposuction “tumescent technique, which involves the initial injection of a large volume of saline water in the grease that allows the use of thinner tools to extract fat, more often reducing the discomfort and scarring.

Another method is ultrasonic liposuction ultrasonic waves to emulsify fat before its extraction. This method allows a greater amount of fat removed, and usually with less blood loss. This method can produce more and skin damage is more expensive, so the financing of the transaction may be difficult.Liposuction also a number of dangers associated with it and, of course, a physician will be the a better position to provide advice about the possibility Complications. Some complications are known to include infection and hypothermia. It is important that the doctor has any surgical training, is accredited and has a lot of experience. There are hundreds of surgeries worldwide, the reputation of Los Angeles liposuction surgeries, as well as other big cities like New York and Chicago is often very good. Many patients have found liposuction a valuable investment, and can justify its funding. However, liposuction does not always produce the results people think it will - for example, it may be more loose skin visible due to the fat that was previously argued. However, we can remove some of the weight that is pulling the skin, which can cause a tightening of the skin.

Financially, liposuction is also very expensive for cosmetic surgery. Procedures cost several thousand dollars, in most cases, and therefore the cost is often prohibitive factor. When a prospective patient is considering whether they can justify substantial funding from liposuction, they should ask themselves whether a natural alternative as a good exercise regime and diet may be more appropriate. Healthy approaches not only the aesthetic advantage, but also to contribute to the physical and mental health and are often more satisfying than the “miracles” that liposuction has the reputation - and less burden on the finances. However, there are many businesses catering specifically for liposuction financing, as well as assistance in budgeting for a variety of other forms of cosmetic surgery. This is a trend that many people seem to be more - the surgery done immediately through a financing system which involves the payment of the surgery off over several years. Liposuction cost should not be the only factor prohibitive.

Patients should always ensure that they receive advice about liposuction just a physician - not someone who works in an office of cosmetic surgery trying to sell surgery rather than assessing if it is indeed fit to be patient. Some surgeries have earned a reputation for trying to convince the potential client to pay the substantial costs liposuction showing photos before and after liposuction and photos of satisfied customers. Others may try to convince potential customers that the cost should not be a burden due to liposuction financing options. There is a growing number of published information on new cosmetic procedures, and it is of course only to the individual to make the decision.



Thanks to Juliet Cohen for contributing this article to our Plastic Surgery blog:

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