Laser Liposuction: Procedure, Risks, Benefits, Costs, Reviews

Laser Liposuction

Since we are celebrating the discovery of the first laser today, let's talk about one of the most amazing uses of medical lasers- laser liposuction. Also known as laser lipo or smart lipo, the laser liposuction is not your ordinary cosmetic surgery procedure for losing weight. Imagine the benefits of a traditional liposuction procedure for obese patients combined with the safety and cutting edge technology of lasers. Sorry for the pun, but that's hot! Let's go over the laser liposuction procedure, risks, benefits, costs, and reviews.

Laser Liposuction Procedure

In this minimally invasive procedure, a doctor inserts a tiny probe containing a low-energy laser fiber directly into the targeted fat deposit. The energy from the laser destroys the fat cells, which are then drained away, but has virtually no effect on the surrounding tissue. The entire laser liposuction process usually takes less than an hour for each targeted area and can be performed under local anesthesia. The use of the laser ensures a clean, nearly painless procedure, with minimal scarring.

Laser Liposuction Risks

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with laser liposuction. Complications with laser lipo are extremely rare, though there is a small risk of infection. Also, some patients experience minor swelling and bruising; however, this usually disappears within a few days. Choosing an experienced, reputable doctor will greatly decrease the possibility of any side effects, however, and will provide better results.

Laser Liposuction Benefits

Laser liposuction can transform the way a person looks, reversing the effects of aging and eliminating areas of fat that fail to respond to dieting and exercise. Though Smartlipo™ is mainly used to treat small, localized deposits, up to eight pounds of fat can be removed through the procedure; it can also be performed in conjunction with traditional liposuction if necessary. Though no surgery is completely free from risk, laser liposuction has proven to be one of the safest cosmetic procedures. Recovery typically requires only one or two days, with very little post-operative discomfort.

Laser Liposuction Costs

The cost of laser liposuction depends on the size of the area being treated, and a firm quote cannot be given until your plastic surgeon evaluates the areas during the initial consultation. However, as a general guideline, the prices are as follows (for combined power-assisted liposuction and laser lipolysis):

1st treatment area : $3450
2nd treatment area : $2950
3rd treatment area : $2450
4th treatment area : $1950

For small areas (jowls, chin, etc.), then you may only need the smart lipo/ laser lipo (not the power assisted liposuction). For this, the price is $1000 less than the above prices per treatment.

At times, clients who have a treatment may want additional treatments done on the same area in the future (a "touch up"). This is generally done approximately six months following the initial treatment. The price for this is 50% of the original treatment cost.

Laser Liposuction Reviews

Positive Review: I just had laser lipo done on May 1st, 2008. It was a good experience overall. I had it done to my whole abdomen. I had weight loss surgery a year ago and lost 87 pounds and went from a size 20 to a size 6. However, no matter how much I work out certain areas just don't get tight. So, I decided to get the smart lipo to get rid of remaining fat and tighten the loose skin on my belly. It's only been four days and I already see results.The area above my belly button where I had a flap of loose skin is almost completely flat. I am still a bit bruised and swollen so it's hard to tell how it is going to look but that is healing very quickly. The Dr. and his staff were very pleasant and made the whole experience as comfortable as possible. I would recommend this surgery

Mixed Review: I had smart liposuction surgery on April 1. I had my upper and lower ab area and my love handles done. So far I am not very happy with the results on my upper and lower abs. Can anyone tell me why I have hard lumpy areas around the lower ab area? I went in for my one week post op appt and they told me that everything looked great and I was still swollen. I have another appt next week. I understand about the swelling but I don't understand about the hard areas. Can anyone give me any help with this? Also how long will it take before the lower part of my stomach gets flatter? The upper part is pretty flat but the lower part is not at all. How long does it actually take to start seeing more results?

Negative Review: I had clipped out the article entitled 'smart lipo' out of a people magazine about 9 month earlier and saw the procedure listed in the Mercury News under Bid/Buy. I ended up bidding on the procedure and won it. This was said to be a safe procedure that was minimally evasive and will provide a powerful result. Well it did but not one that I want to go out and show the world. Heck I can hardly show myself. So much for that new boyfriend i was due to find out on the horizon. Now, I am glued to the internet searching for ways to undo the mess I have gotten myself into. For one, this procedure was said to help with cellulite. Bonus, right? Careful what you wish for. The claims are untrue. The procedure hurt. I left swollen and bruised and oozed through 2 compression garments and saturated 2 sheets of blood, and saline fluids.

P.S. Happy First Laser Day everyone!