The Laser-assisted Liposuction Procedure
Of all plastic surgery treatments, liposuction is one of the most effective ways to improve the contours and overall form of your body. Whether you want to even out small pockets of fat in your thighs or significantly reduce the fat in your abdomen, there are a variety of techniques to accommodate your needs. One such innovation is laser-assisted liposuction, which offers additional benefits to patients during the procedure and afterward. To better serve our patients in the Houston area, we present the following information on the laser-assister liposuction technique.
The Purpose of Laser-assisted Liposuction
Conventional liposuction can produce amazing results for most candidates. However, surgery can lead to a tiring recovery with various side-effects, which are a primary concern for our patients. While no procedure can eliminate this entirely, laser-assisted liposuction is one way to lessen the surgery’s invasiveness, thus easing and reducing its recovery process.
How Does Laser-assisted Liposuction Work?
With the laser-assisted technique, a major component of liposuction - the separation of fat tissue is performed by a laser, making the removal of fat easier and less physically traumatic. Whereas conventional liposuction requires a tube (called a cannula) to be pushed and pulled in order to manually break apart fat tissue, laser-assisted liposuction only requires minimal movement of the cannula to remove liquefied fat and help contour the body.
The procedure is conducted in the following manner:
- A tumescent solution will be injected, which will anesthetize the area and induce temporary swelling. This swelling allows for more precision when removing and shaping tissue, while ensuring the patient experiences little or no discomfort.
- Small incisions are made at the target location, through which a thin laser will be inserted. Using this laser, the surgeon will break apart excess fat, melting it.
- A cannula will be used to remove the liquefied fat and contour the body.
- Incisions will be sutured, and the wound will be bandaged and wrapped via elastic compression garment, which should be worn for a prescribed amount of time. In some instances, incisions are so small from laser-assisted liposuction that sutures are not even necessary.
Benefits of Laser-assisted Liposuction
Due to its minimally-invasive nature, laser-assisted liposuction provides a range of benefits:
- Smaller incisions: Because the cannula does not do as much of the work, incisions are smaller.
- Shorter recovery: With smaller incisions and a more delicate procedure, laser-assisted liposuction tends to shorten recovery times.
- Less bleeding, bruising, swelling, and pain: From a combination of the tumescent solution and the laser’s ability to seal blood vessels, typical side effects of liposuction are often decreased.
- Healthier skin after surgery: Some lasers promote the growth of collagen within surface tissue, resulting in healthier and more attractive skin.
Risks
Complications are rare in liposuction patients, but risks do exist. Uneven or bumpy skin is possible over the treated area, as are burns of the skin due to use of the laser. Fortunately, both of these risks are heavily diminished with a skilled surgeon who is experienced in the laser-assisted technique.
Additional risks include infection, temporary nerve damage, or fat embolisms, all of which are rare. Remember: the best way to avoid complications is to consult your doctor with any questions and concerns prior to surgery. An open discussion of your medical history and risk factors is an excellent way to ensure your health.
Learn More
We welcome all your questions regarding our liposuction techniques or alternative body contouring procedures. To meet with Dr. Azita Madjidi and begin discussing your plastic surgery options, contact our office and set up a consultation at your convenience.
