Laser Assisted Liposuction

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Introduction

Laser Assisted Liposuction is a revolutionary new minimally invasive liposuction method.  Like traditional liposuction, Laser Assisted Liposuction is used to improve the appearance of the body by removing troublesome areas of fat that persist despite diet and exercise.  However, the Laser Assisted Liposuction system uses an advanced laser that may allow the skin and underlying soft tissue to shrink and compress.  The procedure is unique in that it can be done under local anesthesia, making the procedure safer than ever before.  It also has less bruising, discomfort, and downtime than traditional methods.  The procedure is so short and painless that it has been dubbed the “Lunchtime Lipo.”
 
Laser Assisted Lipo uses a very small wand (cannula) that is inserted through small punctures in the skin.  The wand is moved back and forth while the high-powered laser ruptures fat cells.  This makes the excess fat easier to remove or even be absorbed by the body.  The laser also seals off blood vessels so there is less bleeding, which makes wearing compression garments optional for certain cases. 

During your initial consultation, your doctor will evaluate your localized areas of fat deposits and the integrity (elasticity) of your skin.  Your doctor will discuss the most appropriate liposuction options for you.  Laser Assisted Liposuction may be used alone or along with traditional liposuction.  You should tell your doctor about your concerns and expectations.  Your doctor will perform a general health evaluation.  It is common for “before” photos to be taken for your medical records. You will need to stop smoking before your surgery.  Your doctor will let you know if any of your medications should be temporarily discontinued as well.
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Treatment

Laser Assisted Liposuction may be performed at an accredited Plastic Surgeon’s outpatient surgical facility, hospital, or outpatient surgery center.  A local anesthetic is used.  A typical area takes about 45 minutes to one hour to treat. 

Your surgeon will use a pre-determined pattern of treatment.  The cannula is carefully inserted through small punctures in the skin.  The cannula is moved back and forth allowing the laser to disrupt the fat cells.  The laser’s energy makes the fat removal easy. 
 
Some people may return to work or their regular activities following a session, but in most cases a couple days of rest and decreased activity is generally recommended.
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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.