What is ProLipo?
ProLipo is an FDA approved, minimally invasive laser-assisted procedure for ablating and melting unwanted fat. The technique involves the use of fiber-delivered laser energy to the target fatty tissue. The procedure is ideally used in combination with other lipotreatment modalities, but it can be used as a stand alone procedure. ProLipo requires the use of tumescent local anesthesia, and does not require general anesthesia or intravenous sedation. There is minimal downtime and recovery takes only a couple of days. In addition to ablating and melting fat, Pro Lipo also tightens skin through its collagen remodeling and neoformation effects.
Who is a candidate for this procedure?
Healthy individuals with localized fatty areas resistant to diet and exercise are potentially excellent candidates.
Who is not a candidate?
Unhealthy individuals with underlying systemic medical illnesses are not suited to undergo Pro Lipo.
Which body treatment areas are best suited?
Used alone or in combination with tumescent liposuction, itis perfectly suited for treatment of the following body treatment areas:
- chin, cheek, jowls
- underchin, neck
- back of neck
- upper arms
- upper back
- upper and lower abdomen
- flanks and sides
- hips and waist
- inner and outer thighs
- buttocks
- banana folds
- knees
- male chest
How much fat can be removed during a treatment session?
Depending on the amount of targeted fatty tissue, several liters of fat can potentially be removed during a treatment session, especially if suction is utilized during the procedure.
Is fat removal permanent?
As with all lipotreatment modalities, destruction of fat during a treatment session is partial, not complete. Removal of all fat in the fat space would juxtapose skin directly over muscle. Obviously, if an individual gains weight, the fat will more likely accumulate in areas not treated. The best way to maintain results following a Pro Lipo treatment session is to maintain a healthy diet and exercise regimen.
How is Pro Lipo performed?
It is most safely performed by a qualified surgeon using the tumescent anesthesiologic technique. This technique involves injecting dilute local anesthetic solution containing epinephrine into the targeted fat space. Once the fat space is completely numb, a cannula containing a laser fiber is passed through small openings in the skin. When the laser system is fired, the laser energy is absorbed by the targeted fatty areas resulting in destruction of the fat cells. The laser also produces skin tightening through its remodeling and neoformation of dermal collagen. A treatment session usually takes 1-4 hours to perform, and routinely involves some method of fat suctioning.
What is the recovery process?
Patients usually experience only mild pain and bruising following their treatment session. Tylenol and oral narcotic analgesics for a couple of days provide adequate postoperative pain relief. Compression garments are worn for a week or so to decrease swelling, bruising, and discomfort. All patients are able to resume their normal activities within 1-2 days following a ProLipo treatment session, including return to work.
When are results apparent after the procedure?
Results are immediate if significant fat suctioning treatment modalities were also used during the treatment session. Shrinkage, tightening, and compacting of the fat space occurs over several weeks. Remodeling and neoformation of collagen to produce skin tightening occurs slowly over weeks to months.
How many treatment sessions are possible?
The number of focal areas of adiposity comprising distinct body treatment areas for Pro Lipo ranges from 1-2, to as many as 6 or more. Much depends on whether Pro Lipo treatment areas can be consolidated into one treatment session, or several treatment sessions are required. Staged treatments usually require a 3-6 month recovery period before a second Pro Lipo treatment session is performed on a given body treatment area.
Is it covered by insurance companies?
ProLipo treatment sessions are cosmetic in nature, and not covered by any insurance companies.
Treatment Session Costs
Price quotes are given by reputable surgeons for the procedures they perform. Prices for Pro Lipo are usually based on the number of body treatment areas, the amount of localized fat, and whether other lipotreatment modalities will also be performed during a Pro Lipo treatment session. Patients should obtain a price quote in writing before undergoing a Pro Lipo treatment session.
This article was submitted by Roger Hogue, MD of Hogue Cosmetic Surgery serving Minneapolis, St. Paul and surrounding Minnesota communities.
Dr. Hogue is a nationwide leader in laser treatments, and is a national and international trainer for Tumescent Liposuction, Laser Lipolysis, Endovenous Laser Ablation, Sclerotherapy, and Venous Duplex Ultrasound Examination Dr. Hogue has performed more than 5,000+ procedures and. is Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, American Society of Liposuction Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, and American College of Phlebology.
To find out more information, please visit his profile page and contact him directly
