The Types of Laser Fat Removal

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As the name implies, laser lipo (or laser-assisted liposuction) employs a laser to melt subcutaneous fat before suctioning it from the body. Compared to previous fat removal methods, laser liposuction is widely regarded as a safer, gentler, and less invasive procedure. This is owing to local anesthetic and small devices, which result in minimal to no downtime.

Laser liposuction body contouring operations are intended for and produce the best results for people who are within 20-25 pounds of their target body weight and have localized fat areas that resist diet and exercise. Laser liposuction is commonly used to contour the thighs, belly, hips, waist, bra fat, sides, chin, and upper arms. If this is your case, search “laser fat removal near me”.

How Laser Liposuction Works

During a laser liposuction operation, energy is given by a laser fiber threaded via a thin cannula beneath the patient's skin. As the laser pulses, its energy is transformed into heat energy, which is absorbed by the fat cells and causes them to melt. This heat is also absorbed by the surrounding skin tissue, stimulating collagen formation and causing skin tightening around the treated area. This procedure also protects the skin from excessive tissue stress, which results in less bruising and swelling than previous methods.

Treatment and recovery times for these treatments are comparable. Most surgeons employ local anesthetic to numb the treatment region; however, others use twilight sedation, which is unnecessary and carries its own hazards. Depending on the area treated, the treatment might last anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, with a few days of recuperation. Bruising and swelling will vary from person to person, but patients can anticipate swelling for several weeks following the surgery.

Types of Laser Liposuction Devices

SmartLipo Triplex

Cynosure's SmartLipo Triplex body contouring procedure is noted for its powerful skin-tightening properties. In fact, it is the only technology on the market with verifiable clinical proof to back up its skin-tightening claims. Smartlipo has also seen significant modifications since its inception when it was the first laser liposuction operation approved by the FDA in 2006.

The Smartlipo Triplex machine uses three laser wavelengths: 1064 nm, 1320nm, and 1440 nm. Each of these wavelengths serves a different function. The Smartlipo Triplex also includes built-in safety safeguards such as a thermaguide, which is coupled to the laser and measures the inside temperature while it pulses. This decreases the risk of burns because the laser deactivates when it reaches a particular temperature. Again, the surgery can take 30 minutes to 3 hours, with recuperation lasting 1-3 days.

CoolLipo

CoolLipo uses a cannula to emit short bursts of high-peak YAG laser light at 1320 nm. CoolLipo has two modes: one for liposuction and another for skin tightening. This operation requires local anesthesia and might take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the location. Downtime is minor, lasting only a few days.

ProLipo Plus

Sciton's ProLipo Plus uses a laser with two wavelengths (1064 nm and 1319 nm) that can be used separately or together to achieve optimal results. The 1064 nm wavelength is used to break up fat, while the 1319 nm wavelength tightens the skin. The treatment takes a few hours, and the recuperation period lasts several days.

LipoLite

Like SmartLipo, Syneron’s LipoLite uses a 1064 nm wavelength YAG laser but adds SelectPulse technology to deliver custom-controlled and timed energy pulses. This allows it to better treat fibrous areas with more resistant tissue and helps destroy fat cell membranes. The procedure lasts under an hour, the local anesthetic is used, and the recovery time is just a few days.

LipoTherme/LipoControl

Osyris’ Lipotherme uses a 980 nm wavelength diode continuous-wave laser to liquefy the fat cells before removing them with suction. Like the others, this procedure takes 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the size and number of areas being treated, and the recovery period is a few days.