Does Laser Lipo Work?

Posted on Jul 26, 2022

Laser liposuction, also referred to as laser lipo, is a fat reduction technique and less traumatic, less invasive option than traditional liposuction. The procedure is also noted to lead to less swelling and bruising and require less recovery time than liposuction. Read on to find out how laser lipo works and whether it’s effective.

What Is Laser Lipo?

“Laser lipo is considered to be a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed under local or general anesthesia that liquifies and removes stubborn fat,” says Ayham Al-Ayoubi, M.D., a facial plastic and laser surgeon at the Cadogan Clinic in London. In this procedure, a laser is used to melt fat cells beneath the skin, which are then removed through suction. “Laser lipo tightens the skin as well,” adds Dr. Ayham Al-Ayoubi, due to the production of collagen and elastin it triggers.

It’s important to note, however, that much like liposuction, laser lipo is not a form of weight control. Instead, the procedure is a tool for fat volume reduction, meaning its goal is to reduce the volume of fat within a bulge. A healthy lifestyle is necessary to ensure the results of the procedure last long term.

Areas of the body where laser lipo is most often used include the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, back and face, according to Ross Perry, M.B.B.S., medical director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics in the U.K. Laser lipo results in little bruising and doesn’t harm the tissues present at the surgical site.

How Does Laser Lipo Work?

“A qualified doctor carries out the procedure by first applying local anesthetic to the area before making a small cut on the skin,” says Perry. The laser is then inserted into the incision.

“Once the laser is under the skin, it works to melt the fat away from under the skin by perforating the cells so they deflate,” he says. “The fat is then released into the interstitial fluid and flushed out by the lymphatic system.”

Next, the doctor inserts a small tube into the same area to suck away the liquefied fat before closing the incision. “Aside from melting the fat cells, laser beams also coagulate small blood vessels, which reduces the bleeding,” says Dr. Al-Ayoubi.

A laser lipo procedure typically takes no longer than one hour. “If done properly, you will recover rapidly and return to a normal lifestyle after one day,” says Dr. Al-Ayoubi. Generally, the results of laser lipo are permanent and produce a noticeable difference in body profile within a very short period of time without excessive trauma or aggressive treatment.

The procedure can also take multiple sessions over several weeks, depending on the patient and the area being treated, says Perry.

Several types of laser lipo devices exist, including SmartLipo, CoolLipo, Prolipo Plus and more. While all perform the same procedure, there is some variance laser wavelengths between each tool, which can contribute to recovery and procedure time.

Is Laser Lipo Safe?

Laser lipo is considered to be safe, according to experts. “Laser Lipo is regarded as a non-invasive and safe procedure,” says Perry. “However, you will need a few days of downtime [afterward] before returning to work and around three weeks before participating in strenuous activities.”

The lasers used in the procedure have smartsense and thermal guide safety features. “These [technologies] allow the surgeon to control the heat such that the patient gains maximum skin tightening without burns or discoloration,” says Dr. Al-Ayoubi. “It also avoids hyperpigmentation due to the controlled heat.”

People who undergo a laser liposuction may experience a small amount of swelling, bruising and slight pain. With that said, laser lipo can be performed in a doctor’s office, meaning there’s no need to stay in the hospital overnight, says Dr. Al-Ayoubi.

As with any procedure, it’s important to work with a board-certified professional who is experienced in the technique.

Does Laser Lipo Work?

Studies show laser liposuction works in reducing body fat and increasing the skin’s tightness.

“Some reports suggest patients lost an average of 1 inch from their waist and hips and 2 centimeters from each leg,” says Perry. “However, those who didn’t follow a healthy eating and exercise plan quickly regained this fat.” It really isn’t a quick fix, but it can enhance a healthy lifestyle.

Who Might Consider Laser Lipo?

“The best candidates for laser liposuction are individuals who are physically active and in good health whose weight is ideal and have good skin tone and realistic expectations,” says Dr. Al-Ayoubi.

Laser lipo is a good option for people looking to get rid of stubborn areas of fat after other methods, such as exercise and diet, have failed.

People who are pregnant or menstruating should avoid laser liposuction. “In menstruating women, fat cells represent a major focal point of hormone metabolism and function. Therefore, reduction of fat cells over a short period of time, especially in large volumes, may affect your hormonal balance temporarily,” says Perry.

People with the following conditions should also avoid laser lipo treatment:

• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• Blood clots
• Cancer
• Multiple sclerosis
• Implants
• Diabetes
• Abnormal tissue growth
• Vascular conditions
• Use of a pacemaker or defibrillator

Original Article: Does Laser Lipo Work?