Renaissance Plastic Surgery

There are currently three laser assisted lipolysis machines on the market.  Smart-Lipo, Cool-Lipo, and Pro-Lipo.  All of these lasers (with their associated wavelengths and the fibers that deliver the laser energy) have been around for many years.  The companies promoting and selling these lasers have redesigned the systems and received FDA approval for the destruction of fat with the laser.  This has given them the opportunity to market their lasers to physicians as a "new" way to do body contouring.

So how do these work? 

As with liposuction, a small (3-4 mm) incision is made in the area of concern and fluid is injected to numb the area and decrease bleeding.  Once the fluid has taken effect, the laser fiber specific to the system is placed in the incision and passed through the fluid filled fat area many times, heating and destroying the fat cells.  The liquefied fat will then be liposuctioned out.  In small areas, the liquid fat may not be removed; instead, it would be left to be absorbed by the body.

Laser lipolysis has potential advantages: less bruising and swelling and a theoretical advantage of skin tightening.  The decrease in bruising and swelling may be due to the heating of the small blood vessels during the treatment, which seals them.  The other, theoretical advantage of skin tightening may be from the stimulation of the heat, causing an increase in collagen production and a contraction of the skin in the treated area.

Traditional liposuction has always resulted in contour improvements and skin tightening.  Also, liposuction has the advantage of completely removing the fat so that it cannot be re-distributed elsewhere.  For this reason liposuction and laser lipolysis are now frequently combined.

There are no scientific studies that show adding the laser energy will improve the long term outcome.  As with any procedure, you should be aware that there are some down sides and possible complications, including an increased risk of injury to the surrounding structures, such as nerves or other organs from the laser heat or the penetrtion with the laser fiber.  There is also an increased cost associated with the laser.

The most important factor in seeing a good result from any liposuction or laser lipolysis procedure is choosing a surgeon who is trained and experienced in body contouring, regardless of the tools used.  Anyone can hold sculpting tools; make sure the person holding them for you is a fully trained plastic surgeon, who will use them to create beautiful results, safely.

If you are interested in plastic surgery visit www.rpsplasticsurgery.com for more information. Some of our most popular procedures include breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, liposuction, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty and facelift surgery.