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 is the higher costs of using it worth it compared to traditional liposuction? (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. Historically, any treatment associated with the word, laser, always causes mass patient allure. 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. Nor has any large clinical trial been done that even compares two differently-treated patient groups, no matter how impossible it really is to 'match' patients from different groups. So while all laser liposuction devices are FDA approved, this stamp of approva applies primarily to the safety of the devices, not necesarily to how effective they are compared to traditional liposuction techniques.
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!
There are many different types of liposuction, such as laser assisted liposuction and ultrasound assisted liposuction. First however it is important to understand the purpose of the procedure in general. Liposuction is a surgery designed to get rid of pouches and bulges of stubborn fat. Basically, it is sucked out of your body.
The idea of using laser technology in liposuction procedures was born and created in Europe. Its original intention was to decrease the amount of bruising and the level of pain a patient experiences after having liposuction. The laser is used to hone low energy waves onto the area of the body containing excess fat. After penetrating the skin, these rays work to make the membranes of the fat cells grow weak. They also liquefy the fat cells within them. As they weaken, the now liquid fat comes oozing out.
The liquefied fat is much easier to remove once tiny incisions are made. The surgeon inserts what is known as a cannula into the cuts, and then uses a suction device to remove the liquid fat cells. The difference is that, when using a laser, the incisions can be even smaller than normal.
More problem areas of the body can be addressed with this kind of liposuction. Areas which are difficult to get to with standard, more traditional procedures are easily handled with the implementation of lasers. For example, a lot of women like to get their knees worked on in addition to their hips and thighs. Many men benefit from this type of liposuction as well. They have love handles removed, as well as excess fat from their chests and neck. In addition, lasers can be used to reduce the amount of sweat produced from the glands under your arms.
Laser assisted liposuction has many benefits, beginning with the fact that it does not take as much time to recover after this procedure. You see, with tumescent and ultrasound methods, recovery time can take quite a while. This is because you will experience less bruising and swelling when your surgeon uses the laser approach.
One reason that this type of liposuction is so popular is because you are not dependent on pain medication. The laser itself can take care of your pain. Rather than needing general anesthesia, you will generally only require a local anesthetic and a simple, mild sedative. For everything else, the laser takes care of it.
Both Dr Barry Eppley & Lonnie Maginnis are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Dr Barry Eppley has sinced written about articles on various topics from Anger Control, Cosmetic Surgery and Botox. Dr Barry Eppley is a board-certified plastic surgeon at Clarian Health in Indianapolis. To learn more about the latest trends in plastic surgery, spa therapies, or skin care, go to his daily blog,. Dr Barry Eppley's top article generates over 165000 views. to your Favourites.
Lonnie Maginnis has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fitness. Is laser liposuction safe or dangerous? Is it for you? What is ? Discover more at. Lonnie Maginnis's top article generates over 1900 views. to your Favourites.