Laser Liposuction

As many of us know, fat can be stubborn. Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how much you diet or how much you exercise—those jiggly parts of your body seem locked in place. Fortunately, there are many solutions available for such a predicament. One fix that patients often seek out is liposuction—however, many don’t realize that there are many different types of liposuction! One popular variety is laser liposuction, which utilizes lasers to melt fat before it is removed, resulting in a more natural post-procedure appearance.

WHAT IS LASER LIPOSUCTION?

Laser liposuction is a fat removal procedure in which fat is melted by lasers before a cannula is used to eliminate it. The procedure is done under local anesthesia with some sedation. The use of lasers isn’t the only way this surgery is more advanced than traditional liposuction, however; the procedure uses a powered cannula device to remove fat, rather than having the doctor suction the fat manually. The powered cannula will move back and forth about 1,000 times per minute, resulting in a more elegant and thorough procedure.

Additionally, the powered device allows for a smaller cannula—a three-millimeter cannula, as opposed to a four- or five-millimeter cannula. Though this doesn’t seem like a major size difference, in a delicate surgical procedure, it can go a long way. The smaller size results in less trauma to liposuctioned area—that means less pain, less bruising, and a quicker recovery time. And—best news of all—there is no price difference between laser liposuction and traditional liposuction, and it’s safer, as it doesn’t require the patient to undergo general anesthesia.

DRAWBACKS

Though laser liposuction is a great option for patients looking to make a change, it does come with some drawbacks. If a patient is seeking a full-body laser liposuction, the doctor will have to split the procedure into two or three sessions (depending on surface area), so as too avoid the patient overdosing on the numbing medication used and to avoid the procedure taking too long. Fortunately, a patient looking for a dramatic change doesn’t have to wait long between sessions—patients can undergo their second procedure as soon as two days after their first procedure.

PRICE

Depending on the area undergoing the procedure, as well as the patient’s size, laser liposuction can run from anywhere between $4,000 and $15,000. Unfortunately, it’s hard to predict how much the procedure will cost without consulting a doctor, as there are many factors that must be taken into consideration before an estimate can be made.

CONCLUSION

Laser liposuction is a great option for patients hoping to make a positive change and feel more comfortable in their own skin. A vast improvement on traditional liposuction methods, laser liposuction is a wonderful example of technological advancement. Though there is no miracle cure for a patient who is unhappy with his or her body, it seems as though this is the next best thing.

Written by Cosmetic Town Editorial Team based on an exclusive interview provided by Dr. Justin Yovino of Ideal Face and Body in Beverly Hills, CA.