There are many advantages to laser liposuction that ameliorates the common problems associated with traditional liposuction. The procedure itself in general is similar to liposuction with minor adjustments that plays to the difference in technique and improvements that laser lipo offers. Liposuction has long been a procedure that causes a lot of stress to the nearby tissue of the area being treated. A common issue is the loss of blood caused by damaged vessels and in many cases requires a blood transfusion to compensate for the amount of bleeding. The different tools and techniques in laser lipo alleviate a lot of the issues that arise surgically and during recovery.
Consulting a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
The first step toward any plastic surgery procedure is consultation with a certified plastic surgeon. During the initial consultation session, the prospective patient will learn a great deal of details about the particular procedure, in this case liposuction, and allows the doctor a chance to evaluate the prospective patient. They might suggest alternative procedures that could better produce the desired results. It is also a chance for the patient to learn about the qualifications of the surgeon. Any board certified plastic surgeon will be proud of their accomplishments and have no problem showing off their certifications as well as proof of their experience.
Preparing for Liposuction Surgery
Before entering the surgery room the patient will be instructed on ways to better prepare for the surgery. This includes certain drugs to avoid such as caffeine and anything containing epinephrine-like solutions such as cold medication which could cause adverse effects with the anesthesia. The patient should also be mentally prepared for the permanent changes that liposuction will have on the body as well as any risks involved.
One the day of the surgery, the patient will receive a local anesthesia to numb the area of the body that will be treated. Usually, the drug will be administered by a certified anesthesiologist to minimize or prevent potential side effects that the solution in the drug might cause. It also helps to ensure the proper dosage is administered to the patient.
Laser Liposuction Surgery
To begin the surgery, the liposuction surgeon will make a small incision and insert a cannula which will break up the fat. The tool used in laser liposuction is approximately a quarter of the size of a traditional cannula so the incision necessary is smaller. The laser generates heat to target fat cells causing the fat to literally melt away. A small suction tube is then used to remove the liquefied fat from the body. Small trace amounts of fat that cannot be reached by the suction tube will be picked up by the body’s lymphatic system and is discharged through natural means, that is, in the urine.
Once the surgery is done, the patient is usually released the same day with care instruction for the resting and recovery period.
Recovery
The biggest advantage of laser liposuction is the relatively quick recovery time. Most patients will be instructed to stay home and rest the day after the surgery. They are free to return to work and normal daily life the following day. However, strenuous physical activity should be avoided for at least a couple weeks for the body to completely heal. In terms of exercise, typical patients are able to perform brisk walking exercises in a couple weeks but should avoid heavy lifting and work outs for at least a month.