Laser Assisted Liposuction

Laser lipolysis (also known as laser assisted liposuction or LAL for short), is a liposuction method less than ten years old but rapidly gaining in popularity.

The Laser Assisted Liposuction technique uses surgical lasers to melt fat, which makes it easier to suction the fat out. This makes for a less pain, and a shorter recovery time, and it also means the fat is more likely to be taken in a smooth even layer rather than in lumps and bumps. Finally, a added benefit of Laser Assisted Liposuction is that the heat of the laser stimulates new collagen growth, helping tighten and tone the skin to avoid the loose or baggy areas than sometimes follow after traditional liposuction.

Liposuction is a large and popular industry. Twelve out of the last thirteen years, it has been the most popular cosmetic surgery in America. Last year--even during the recession--over 340,000 Americans underwent the procedure. The year before, when the economy was doing better, the numbers were over 455,000. This high demand for the procedure, coupled with various scientific advances in the past years; have contributed to the development of many different techniques of liposuction all aimed at the same goal: to permanently remove fat from the body.

With all of the different types of liposuction out there, it can be difficult to keep track of what's what. If you're considering undergoing liposuction, though, knowing what you're buying--and what your body will be undergoing--is of the utmost importance.

Before Laser Assisted Liposuction Surgery

As with all liposuction methods, the first step of laser liposuction is the initial consultation.

During this meeting, the laser liposuction surgeon has a chance to explain some of the specifics of the laser liposuction surgery, the patient has a chance to ask questions, and they both can make sure they are on the same page about exactly what is going to be done. The patient will discuss which area he or she wishes to be affected and their goals and expectations, and the laser liposuction surgeon can make suggestions or clarifications if the patient's requests are unreasonable, unsafe, or simply not possible. They will also discuss the price and, if necessary, possible financing options.

After the initial laser liposuction consultation, the patient can decide whether or not he/she really wants to get the laser liposuction surgery, in light of the information just received. If they decide to go forward, they will probably be required to sign a consent form stating that they have been made aware of that liposuction can have certain side effects and complications, ranging from relatively harmless bruising to friction burns on the skin or nerves. Although laser liposuction is generally recognized as a "safe" procedure, surgery is never without some risk.

The physician and patient will then work together to determine the date of the laser liposuction surgery, taking into account both of their schedules. In some cases, the laser liposuction surgery could be scheduled for as little as a few weeks, but it may have to be pushed back if the laser liposuction surgeon has a waiting list, the patient needs more time to arrange leave from their work or other commitments, or if the patient needs a longer period of time in order to make certain lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking or incorporating more exercise) to decrease the chances of complications from laser liposuction.

In some cases the laser liposuction surgery should not be scheduled sooner than two weeks out, as at least that much time is necessary for the patient's body to flush out any traces of certain medications they may have been taking previously that would interfere with the laser liposuction surgery. Also, the physician may prescribe antibiotics, multivitamins, or anti-anxiety medications that need to be taken for the full two weeks before laser liposuction surgery.

The Day Of The laser Liposuction Surgery

On the day of the laser liposuction surgery, the patient will be given a physical to make sure that his/her body is up to the procedure. If the patient has a cold or other illness-especially if accompanied by fever-the laser liposuction surgery may have to be postponed, but in most cases everything is normal. At this time, it is common for "before" pictures of the patient to be taken in order to document the patient's appearance before the laser liposuction procedure. The doctor and the patient will consult one last time about exactly what the patient wants done, and the doctor will mark the area(s) to be treated on the patient's body.

Prior to the laser liposuction surgery, the room, table, and tools to be used in the procedure will be sterilized and patient will usually be given one more antibiotic to reduce the risk of infection-always a real, if small, risk when the flesh is opened. Then the targeted area on the patient's body will be disinfected. If the he or she is experiencing severe anxiety, a sedative may also be administered as well. Following all these preparations, the patient will be taken into the operating room.

The Laser Liposuction Surgery Itself

In the operating room, most laser liposuction surgeons will rub a numbing agent on the injection site. After it takes effect, the laser liposuction surgeon injects a number of medications into the area that is going to be operated on. This injection generally includes lidocaine, which is a local anesthetic which helps to numb the pain, and sometimes epinephrine, which acts to shrink the blood vessels. The use of lidocaine eliminates the need for general anesthesia, which significantly reduces the dangers of the surgery. An I.V. may also be hooked up to the patient at this time to keep him or her hydrated and supply additional medications if needed. The patient will also be hooked up to monitors that record his or her vital signs to ensure the safety of the procedure.

Next the laser liposuction surgeon uses a precisely calibrated laser beam to melt the far cells. These surgical-grade lasers can specifically target certain sorts of tissues. This means that the laser can shine through skin and other tissues without affecting them, while still heating the fat enough to liquefy it.

After this process, the laser liposuction surgeon makes a series of tiny incisions, usually no bigger than one quarter of an inch in length. The small size of the incisions minimizes the length of the recovery period, and also the risk of scarring. Through the incisions, the doctor inserts a surgical tool called a cannula-essentially a narrow metal straw. The cannula is hooked up to a vacuum machine and moved back and forth to suction out the unwanted fat. Because the fat is melted, the cannulas used in laser liposuction are much smaller than in regular liposuction, where they must be wide enough to pull chunks of fat out. Surgeons trained in the procedure also say that working with liquefied fat gives them more control over what they're doing, thus enabling them to remove a greater percentage of the total fat, and also giving them greater control over exactly where the fat is coming from, thus allowing them to "sculpt" what remains into a more pleasing shape.

Throughout this process, the patient will remain awake, but the anesthetic should effectively prevent sensations of pain. What will be felt is some pressure and the impression of the cannula moving around; similar to a deep tissue massage. If there is pain, the laser liposuction surgeon can give another dose of lidocaine to dampen it.

After the liquefied fat cells have been suctioned out, the laser liposuction surgeon closes the incisions and the proceure is effectively over. Because a minimum of damage has been done to the body and only local anesthetic administered, in most cases the patient should be able to walk and move without too much difficulty. They can usually go home the same day, although they should have someone else drive them home.

Laser liposuction surgery typically has relatively few side effects, but some amount of bruising and swelling are fairly unavoidable. There is also usually some amount of post-surgical pain, but in most cases it is manageable through over the counter pain medication. Nausea, vomiting, and dizziness are less common but possible.

Patients should plan on taking a few days off work after their laser liposuction surgery for recovery. Generally they should make a complete recovery and be able to return to all activities within one or two weeks, although they should be sure to return to their laser liposuction surgeon for follow-up visits as directed.

Comparative Risks Of Laser Liposuction

The benefits of laser liposuction are numerous and vary, ranging from less pain and a shorter recovery time to smoother, firmer skin with fewer irregularities, to less scarring on the outside and less trauma to the body within. However, laser liposuction is not without disadvantages. For one thing, LAL does utilize more advanced technology than other liposuction methods, and in some cases can be more expensive.

As with all types of liposuction, there is the danger of minor or cosmetic complications. Minor scarring and bruising are relatively common, and burns are a potential danger. Although LAL tends to have fewer side effects than traditional liposuction, there is also still the possibility of a lumpy appearance or saggy, excess skin if too much fat is removed at one time.

One further disadvantage to laser lipectomy is that it tends to be better for smaller areas. While this makes it great for targeting areas that require a more delicate touch such as the area surrounding the face, it does make it make it worse at removing large quantities of fat.

While the potential for complications cannot be eliminated entirely from laser liposuction or any other liposuction technique, they can be drastically reduced. One thing you can do to help reduce risks from laser liposuction is to make sure that you choose an experienced and skilled surgeon.

The quality of your laser liposuction will depend in large measure on the skill of your surgeon. Research different offices in your area, and realize that it doesn't always pay to go with the very cheapest. You're much better off going with someone that you know will do a good job.

Use our surgeon locator to find a certified laser liposuction specialist near you!