What is Lipotherme?
Lipotherme is a procedure that allows for the removal of fat cells in localized areas by way of laser-generated heat. Laser-assisted liposuction is growing in popularity due to the many uses lasers have in the medical world and their potential to be highly effective tools.
Lipotherme is one option for patients seeking a wider range of medical options for the removal of body fat. Heat from the laser causes the fat to soften, resulting in smoother and flatter surfaces. The body’s immune system gradually removes the liquefied fat from the treated area.
Lipotherme is highly functional and can be used to treat various areas of the body. While the laser helps to soften the unwanted fatty areas, the heat of the laser helps to tone the skin around the removal area, which can tighten the skin to give a satisfactory finish. Lipotherme is generally used in conjunction with regular liposuction and is not meant to replace liposuction as a procedure; it is generally meant to work in harmony with other adiposity elimination (fat removal) techniques.
The use of lasers to assist in the breaking down of body fat is one way that traditional liposuction has transformed into a minimally invasive procedure. Thus, Lipotherme requires less downtime, less time spent in the medical office, less discomfort, and an overall easier way to remove undesired fat from areas of the body.
Who is a candidate for Lipotherme?
Anyone interested in the removal of unwanted body fat is a candidate except for pregnant women. Furthermore, fat cannot be easily removed from every single area of the body so Lipotherme is not for all areas of the body. Those with major medical conditions are obviously not prime candidates for any sort of surgical procedure and those taking certain types of medication may potentially face adverse side effects.
Lipotherme generally works best on patients seeking to remove fat in a specific area, and is not recommended for serious weight loss. Other treatment options would likely be better suited for those that desire to remove fatty deposits over a wider area of the body.
Which areas is Lipotherme useful for?
Areas in which Lipotherme can offer successful fat removal are:
- Face (including chin and cheek areas)
- Neck such as with double chins
- Back side of arms
- Abdomen
- Back
- Both the inner and outer areas of thighs
- Hips
- Buttocks
- Knees
- Ankles
If there is a specific area of fat that you are interested in having removed, speak with a physician to find out if treating that area is safe.
Is the fat removal permanent?
The particular fat cells removed will not recur, but the body can always regenerate fat if a proper diet and exercise routine are not implemented. To maintain a healthy weight and appearance, a regular fitness routine combined with a healthy diet are crucial. General weight gain is obviously still possible even after treatment.
Lipotherme helps to remove fat in areas that are difficult to reach through diet and exercise. This means that the fat removed may or may not recur depending on the patient’s lifestyle and maintenance of their body shape.
How is the procedure done?
The physician will start the procedure with consultation to determine patient goals and to determine if Lipotherme is the best possible treatment for the patient. Once patient goals are determined, the physician will use a local anesthetic to numb the area that is to be treated. Once the area is fully numbed, the physician will use a cannula, which is a long and slender tube, to allow the laser access to the fat cells. The patient can remain awake while the procedure is performed.
Once the cannula is used, and the laser is firing off which is what softens the fat cells, the area will become noticeably slimmer, especially in areas that are localized and have less fat (such as the face areas). The laser’s heat also helps smooth the skin out to allow for a smoother look and feel. After the area has been treated, the physician advises the patient on how to care for the area over the next few weeks while healing occurs.
(Click here to learn how to prepare for Lipotherme treatment.)
When can I return to normal activity?
Most patients can get right back to their everyday activities relatively quickly within a few days to a week. Each patient is unique and recovery times will obviously vary from person to person. Strenuous physical activity is to be avoided for 1-2 weeks, and perhaps longer depending on the area to be treated and the patient’s response to the treatment. Since Lipotherme is a minimally invasive treatment, many patients find that recovery is rather simple with mild, if any, side effects from the treatment.
When do I see the results?
Depending on the treatment area and how the treatment was performed, patients may see results right away. If performed in conjunction with liposuction, swelling may make results less visible right away. As weeks go by, the body begins to absorb the broken down fat cells and the area becomes flatter and tighter with time. Results typically show quicker in areas of the body that generally had fewer fat cells to begin with, such as areas treated on the face. Results will vary from person to person and can take up to several months to be fully evident.
How many sessions do I need?
One session is generally all a patient needs to see satisfactory results. The patient and the physician can discuss if another treatment is necessary after the initial treatment area has had time to heal. Every patient’s situation is different.
Can Lipotherme be used with liposuction?
Lipotherme is generally used in conjunction with liposuction if the areas to be treated warrant combining the procedures. A physician may recommend combining to two treatments when necessary to help ensure greater patient satisfaction. Understanding the risk related to each procedure is important, as they are not performed in exactly the same way yet are both considered invasive procedures.
What are advantages of Lipotherme over other procedures?
Lipotherme is minimally invasive, requires no general anesthesia, allows for patients to get back to everyday activities relatively quickly, and is generally used as a tool to ensure patient satisfaction in conjunction with general liposuction. Laser technology can help to remove fat in hard to reach areas that traditional liposuction may miss.
Lipotherme is a great way to rid the body of unwanted fatty areas that are stubborn and which resist exercise and diet efforts. Lipotherme is safe and effective at eradicating fat cells in localized areas with ease.
Is Lipotherme approved for use in USA?
Yes, Lipotherme is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the USA.
Is Lipotherme covered by insurance companies?
Most cosmetic procedures are not covered by insurance. Inquiring with your particular insurance company is always a good idea as is discussing financing options with your physician.
Lipotherme Cost?
Cost varies depending on the size of the area to be treated. Generally speaking the cost is anywhere from $1000-$6000 yet specific costs should be established prior to treatment to guarantee satisfaction.
Lipotherme Before and After Images
See these before and after images of patients treated with Lipotherme.
Images Provided by Dr. John Tang of Rejuve
Disclaimer: This information is intended only as an introduction to this procedure. This information should not be used to determine whether you will have the procedure performed nor does it guarantee results of your elective surgery. Further details regarding surgical standards and procedures should be discussed with your physician.
By Dermanetwork.org Staff
Updated: July 26th, 2010
