The understanding is that laser lipo offers the same benefits as traditional liposuction but with additional advantages of being relatively safer and more precise. So when we hear the term laser lipolysis, also known as Smart Lipo, what differentiates it from the procedure we have been referring to ask laser liposuction? Turns out there are some distinction in technique. Each surgeon will perform the same treatment using slightly different tactics so it is a good idea to get as much detail about the procedure during the initial consultation session and discuss what may be the best option for your particular needs.

Traditional liposuction is known to be rather traumatic to the tissue surrounding the area being treated because mechanical force is used to literally break up fat cells. The resulting loose fat is removed from the body with a suction tube. Laser liposuction, in contrast, uses an optic fiber heated with a laser to literally melt the fat away and the resulting liquid fat is sucked up with a much smaller tube. Smart Lipo, or laser lipolysis, uses the same laser technique but instead of a suction to remove the fat, the excess that is released from destroyed fat cells are drained through a tiny incision. The trace amounts that are not removed will be picked up by the body’s lymphatic system and removed from the body the most natural way, through the bowels.

Laser Lipolysis Candidacy

The Smart Lipo procedure is available to anyone who meets the qualification criteria. It is similar to other liposuction treatments and that is any patient who is in good general health and less than thirty pounds over their ideal weight. In many cases the patient also has to be able to maintain a stable weight and the common measure is someone who has been at a consistent weight for over a year. Younger, more elastic skin will help with recovery and improve the results as we will discuss further below.

Laser Lipo Surgery

Anesthesia

Since both of these laser assisted liposuction procedures are smaller scale surgeries than traditional liposuction, most treatments only require local anesthesia. This means that the area to be treated will be numbed but the patient will be awake during the procedure. Traditional liposuction usually requires general anesthesia which sedates the patient throughout the surgery. Being awake allows the patient to communicate any unusual discomfort during the procedure which is an added factor that could help minimize surgical risks.

The smaller dosage offers patients many additional benefits. For starters, it will cost less since the patient will be billed for the amount of the drug used as well as the service of a certified anesthesiologist to administer the drug. Small dosages can be administered safely without an anesthesiologist so there is a two-fold money saver in anesthesia fees.

Risks

Any surgery, cosmetic or otherwise, carries a certain level of risks. Laser lipolysis patients are subject to the same risks as any plastic surgery patient. General liposuction risks include anesthesia related risks, surgical risks like damage to nearby tissue and the risk of infection. The smaller incision means less risk of scarring or infection. Common side effects of any liposuction are often mild and include hematoma which is blood pooling under the skin causing visible color spots and scarring. Rare complications with laser assisted liposuction procedures include burning the skin and nearby tissue if the laser is running too hot and remains in one area for too long.

Recovery

One of the greatest benefits of laser assisted liposuction is the quick and nearly pain free recovery time.  Patients are often released to return home the same day and if all goes well the recommended recovery time is about 24 hours. That means the patient is free to return to work and normal daily activities in a matter of days. This is a huge improvement from traditional liposuction which could require weeks for recovery. Less impediment on daily life means the procedure is accessible to more people.

Laser Lipolysis Costs

A number of factors affect the price of liposuction but the average national bill for laser lipolysis is between $2,000 and $4,000 per treated area. It depends on the area of the body to be treated and the size of the treatment. Obviously large areas will require more time and effort from the surgeon so higher fees are expected. The geographical location of the clinic also matters because the rates will be relative to the cosmetic surgery market in that area. With that in mind, the surgeon fee will also depend on the perceived quality of the surgeon. This is one area where a prospective patient should not compromise to save a little bit of money. A board certified plastic surgeon will greatly lower the risks of complications and is well worth the higher costs. Bargain or discount surgeons carry an added risk of being under qualified or lacking in skill and experience required to produce desirable results.

Popular Areas for Treatment

Laser lipo and laser lipolysis, or Smart Lipo, allows small pockets of fat to be removed from areas that traditional liposuction cannot reach. This is especially useful since most small deposits of fat in particular areas are almost impossible to lose with traditional exercise and dieting methods.

Laser assisted liposuction offers the same benefits of traditional liposuction to more delicate areas that require the laser precision that the new technology offers. It is becoming an increasingly popular treatment for facial areas such as the cheeks, chin, neck, and jowls. Many patients enjoy their new face without a double chin, sagging jowls, or neck rolls. Some simply want a slimmer, more youthful looking face.

An added benefit of the laser technique is that the heat from the laser causes the skin to contract. This contraction tightens the skin further enhancing youthfulness of the face and other treated areas of the body. This is why the ideal candidate has skin with its original elasticity otherwise a facelift might be recommended to complement facial liposuction procedures.