Laser Liposuction: The Smart Choice

Liposuction is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures.  In fact, it’s in the top five.  There is a reason for this and it speaks for itself.  The results continue to get better and better.  I have found this to be true in my hands and with other certified cosmetic plastic surgeons.  Liposuction has been through many changes that have ultimately led to laser assisted suction lipectomy.  In the past, areas of unsightly fat were suctioned out using large surgical tubes.  This meant larger incisions, higher chance for irregularities, more bleeding and pain, and longer downtime.  We soon learned that smaller surgical devices led to smoother results.  Then came the ultrasound assisted liposuction.  The reason for the addition was that it improved the ease of the fat removal using smaller surgical instruments.  The use of ultrasound also allowed us to work in areas that were typically more dense and tougher to treat, such as the male chest.  Liposuction became more appropriately termed liposculpting.  Some of the problems with ultrasound are that the devices are still larger than desired and the heat generated puts the skin at risk for damage.  With good technique, these problems can be minimized.  But with the newer technology, these problems become almost nonexistent.  You will still find ultrasound being used in Plastic Surgery today, but that does not mean it is the best.  One of the reasons for its’ continued use is that the machines are expensive to replace with the newer technology.  So that brings us to latest cutting edge technology: laser assisted liposuction.  The fat is still removed by suctioning methods but it is first treated with a very precise and specific laser.  The reasons are the same as for ultrasound but the results are improved.  The laser focuses on the fat and leaves the surrounding tissue healthy.  The laser also targets the overlying skin and leads to tightening of the loose tissue.  The removal of fat is much easier and can be performed with the smallest devices.  This means tiny hidden incisions, minimal discomfort, little to no bruising, smoother results, and a much quicker recovery.  Laser assisted liposuction is safe and successfully performed under intravenous sedation for almost all areas of the body.  It’s a twilight state while your body is sculpted and contoured to a slimmer shape.  It eliminates the need for general anesthesia most of the time, lowers the cost, and leads to a faster return to normal activities.   In other words, it is still very affordable and well worth it.  If you are one of the millions considering a body sculpting consultation, make the smart choice and chose laser assisted liposuction with a licensed plastic surgeon.