Laser liposuction is a minimally invasive treatment that can help patients who want to get rid of areas of localized fat, but don't want to undergo an aggressive, traditional liposuction treatment. Laser lipo can safely treat many areas with flabby skin and localized fatty deposits, including the arms, abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, back, chest and enlarged male breasts (gynecomastia). Laser liposuction uses laser energy to melt away fat, without the need for general anesthesia. When compared to traditional liposuction methods, laser liposuction results in less bleeding, bruising and downtime. What's more, the energy from the laser helps to promote skin tightening in treated areas for excellent body sculpting results.
During the laser liposuction procedure, two very small incisions (1.5mm) are made to access the area to be treated. Once the area is numbed with tumescent solution, the laser is introduced through a small tube known as a cannula. As the surgeon moves the laser across the area, the laser energy will disrupt and rupture the fat cells. At the same time, the heat from the laser will seal off surrounding small blood vessels, helping to minimize bleeding and bruising. The laser energy also helps to promote new collagen production in the treated areas, which will produce a skin-tightening effect in the coming months. Once the fat is treated with the laser, it will be suctioned from the body.
With laser liposuction, there are no stitches and virtually no scarring. Unlike traditional liposuction, which may leave areas of loose and flabby skin, laser lipo promotes smoother and tighter skin tone. There's usually no need for general anesthesia with laser liposuction, helping to minimize patient risk.
The laser liposuction procedure is done in the office with the patient under local anesthesia and takes about 45 minutes for each area treated. Patient downtime is minimal, and most patients can drive themselves home after the procedure and return to their normal activities the next day. Patients considering this procedure should be in good overall health, close to their normal body weight and have realistic expectations for the results.
Dr. Joseph Selem and the staff at The Selem Center for Ophthalmology & Plastic Surgery would be happy to help you set up a private consultation to discuss laser liposuction. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 305-444-0221.
