Laser liposuction is a minimally invasive fat reduction and contouring
procedure that can also tighten your skin and boost new collagen growth. Laser
liposuction uses a thin laser probe inserted under your skin to melt fat so it
can then be suctioned away. Laser liposuction is performed under local
anesthesia, so there’s less risk compared to traditional liposuction, and the
recovery is milder.
How laser liposuction is performed
Laser liposuction can target specific areas of the body, or
smaller, hard to treat areas such as the neck or face. The procedure is
performed under local anesthesia in your doctor’s office, and usually takes
about one to two hours.
Your doctor will mark out your treatment area with a pen,
and then inject local anesthesia. A small incision will be made in your skin
(sometimes a few are made depending on the size of the treatment area).
Tumescent anesthesia, which is usually a mixture of saline and lidocaine, is
then injected into the treatment area to firm up the tissue and provide more numbing.
The narrow laser probe is then inserted through the incision
and used to heat and melt your fat. The fat is then suctioned away with a
separate tube called a cannula. Small treatment areas such as the face may not
require suction—the liquid fat is flushed out naturally by your body. The heat
from the laser can also help boost new collagen growth, tighten your skin, and
reduce bleeding. The incisions may stitched closed, or may be small enough to
not require stitches.
Recovery and results
Most people can return to work after two days of recovery,
but you’ll need to avoid strenuous activity for about two weeks so your body
can heal. You’ll have some soreness for a few days and noticeable swelling for
about one month. You’ll be able to see the full results after the swelling goes
down.Read More