Slim Lipo, or Selective Laser Induced Melting (SLIM) Liposuction, is a fat reduction technique which employs a laser to melt fat deposits. The laser is inserted through small incisions made in your skin, where it is targeted at fat deposits. The fat melts and is then removed from the body through natural means. Much less invasive than traditional liposuction, Slim Lipo has a shorter recovery time and is used for body contouring.
Any excess fat left behind can be suctioned using a tool attached to a long tube. The fat which is in liquid form is removed by the body’s normal functions, and it does not cause any complications.
Potential Risks
Slim Lipo carries the risk of bleeding, bruising, infection, swelling and pain or discomfort. The procedure is less invasive, as compared to traditional liposuction, and hence has fewer risks associated with it as well. In some cases, irregular pigmentation, or uneven contouring can also occur.
A local anaesthetic can be used to relieve any pain that you might experience during the procedure, and compression dressing is applied after the procedure to reduce the risk of bruising and swelling.
Potential Complications
It is important to note that Slim Lipo is not a weight loss procedure, and is mainly used to remove localized pockets of fat, from areas such as waist, buttocks, neck, ankles, hips, knees, abdomen, thighs arms, chin and breasts. If you have a medical condition, then it is best to consult with your physician before undergoing the treatment, in order to avoid any complications.
Follow up sessions must be attended to ensure that there are no damaging after–effects of the procedure. Even though serious complications are rare, if you are displaying excessive side effects, such as increased bleeding, a fever, discoloration in the treated area, excessive pain, numbness or swelling, then you should consult your physician immediately to avoid any serious damages to your health.
In the case of a minor hematoma, draining through a needle should resolve the complication, but if it is left untreated, it can cause an infection, or necrosis of the skin. In the case of a major hematoma, you will be able to see signs 12 hours after the procedure, and these include swelling and pain. As hematomas can cause blood clots, it is important that you notify your doctor immediately if such complications arise.
Avoid any vigorous activity for a week after the treatment as this could lead to complications. You can return to work as soon as a week after the treatment, depending on your capacity to heal. You might even be able to return to work a day after the treatment, if your body is capable of healing fast.
You will be provided with several aids to help you recover from the side effects faster, including pain medication, garments that provide support to the target area, creams and lotions.
