The challenge of liposuction, regardless of whether it is laser assisted liposuction or otherwise, is to remove the right amount of fat in the right area of the body. There also is the challenge of minimizing the effects on surrounding tissue of the treated area. Laser assisted lipo offers the benefit of higher accuracy and more precision in targeting fat cells while minimizing damage to connective tissue and blood vessels. In laser liposuction, smaller tools are used to break down the fat cells and suction the loose fatty substance. This greatly reduces the risks generally associated with traditional liposuction as a result of the surgery as well as during the recovery period.
The Procedure
The first step to any plastic surgery procedure is consultation with a certified plastic surgeon. For someone new to the cosmetic enhancement field, it is a good idea to consult with more than one surgeon to get multiple opinions and have something to compare. Once the surgeon has had a chance to assess the eligibility of the patient and that laser assisted liposuction is the best procedure for the patient’s goals a surgery date and paper work will follow. The patient will receive an antibiotic either before or immediately after to ward of potential infection to the incision. Photographs are often taken for future reference and the area of the body to be treated is marked.
The surgery begins with local anesthesia to numb the area being treated and a small fiber carrying the laser is inserted to melt the fat cells in the area. The patient will experience a slight scraping or rasping sensation as the cannula moves across the area removing fatty tissue. Since laser liposuction patients require only local anesthesia, the patient is awake during the procedure and therefore can communicate any unusual pain or discomfort to the surgeon performing the surgery. This lower anesthesia dosage lowers the many risks associated with the administration of this drug. More often than not the patient will have an IV fluid line to maintain fluid balance.
Recovery
One of the advantages laser liposuction offers its patients is in the shorter recovery period than traditional liposuction methods. Where it may take two weeks before the patient is ready to resume normal activities after traditional liposuction, laser liposuction patients are able to return to work in a matter of days. Pain medication might be prescribed for any minor complication that could cause discomfort during recovery. Swelling is normal in mild cases while serious cases of swelling and other side effects can be avoided with proper drainage of the treated area after surgery.
Fat removed with liposuction is permanently so it is important that both the surgeon and patient proceed carefully. Removing too much fat in one area will cause adverse aesthetic effects and can be avoided by dividing major procedures into smaller sessions so results of each session can be assessed before more fat is removed. Laser assisted liposuction offers many benefits but it is up to the patient to maintain or improve to a healthier lifestyle to maintain the positive results.
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