Laser Lipolysis

Laser lipolysis is now a commonly used and accepted modality for removal of unwanted fatty tissue. Since its United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in October of 2006, studies have continued to corroborate early clinical observations of decreased adiposity, shorter recovery times, and improved skin tightening.

Treatment Procedure

The doctor or surgeon will usually make surgical markings on the areas being treated to serve as a guide during the procedure. You will then be injected with a local anaesthetic to numb the area and allow the doctor or surgeon to make a small incision through which to infiltrate the rest of the anaesthetic. This small incision will also be the point through which the laser in inserted (inside a thin tube or cannula). Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, the doctor will insert the laser fibre and begin the treatment. You will be awake throughout the procedure but should not feel anything other than a bit of pressure or tugging on the area. Sometimes you can experience some heat from the laser which feels like being flicked with an elastic band. This will only happen in areas that the anaesthetic has not fully reached and your doctor can stop the procedure and add more anaesthetic if necessary. The treatment takes between one to two hours depending on how many areas you are having treated and the size of the area being treated. The doctor will move the laser around under the skin, using its heat to melt the fat in your problem areas. The melted fat can either be sucked out in much the same way as liposuction or left to be metabolised by your own body. The suction assisted technique, known as aspiration, allows the doctor to remove more fat but is slightly more invasive.

Laser Lipolysis Result

Depending on whether or not the doctor also uses suction you can expect to lose a fist-sized amount of fat from the treated area. It will take your body three to six months to naturally metabolise and eliminate the liquid fat so you can see the final result, although you may notice a difference after one to two months. The results are more dramatic and immediate where suction is used. The heat from the laser can also help tighten the skin so you may instantly feel more toned.

Laser lipolysis is a very safe treatment with less associated risks and side effects than surgical liposuction, however, it is a minor surgical procedure so there are some risks involved.

The most common side effect after laser lipolysis is swelling and bruising but this is temporary and should subside within a couple of days. These side effects are usually worse if you have had suction-assisted laser lipolysis.There is also a risk of infection so make sure you take the antibiotics prescribed to you buy your doctor and avoid drinking alcohol whilst taking them. To reduce the risk of any complications occurring, follow the post treatment advice given to you by your doctor.