What Does Laser Liposuction Offer?

Laser liposuction has now been around awhile and is losing favor among many lipo experts because of less than acceptable results including skin burns, contour irregularities and puckering.

The skin tightening was never really appreciated because of minimal results but there are docs out there that can do a decent job with laser liposuctions and the cost is much cheaper now because of the results. (David Hansen, MD, Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon)

It should be mentioned that the laser liposuction typically takes more time and may be more expensive than traditional liposuction. There is little evidence that it is superior to traditional liposuction. The marketing of these devices was aimed at patients to create a “media buzz” while good medical studies were not done.

Many non-core aesthetic/cosmetic physicians purchased laser liposuction machines. So if you decide to have laser liposuction, be careful who you chose as your doctor. (Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)

Laser Liposuction such as SmartLipo

Laser assisted liposuction is very similar to conventional liposuction, but prior to liposcution, a pass of laser is passed in the subcutaneous tissue such as the abdomen or the neck. The laser causes coagulation of fat cells and the surrounding tissue in a controled fashion, resulting in a better skin retraction. (Kambiz Jacob Cohen-Kashi, MD, Long Island Plastic Surgeon)

No good evidence that laser adds any benefit for Liposuction

Laser Lipo combines laser treament with traditional liposuction. So far there is no good evidence that the addition of the laser adds any benefit for liposuction. There is no good published evidence that it tightens skin.

I see patients hoping to correct burns and skin dents from laser liposuction performed elsewhere. I see no reason to expose my patients to these risks. If a person needs skin tightening along with liposuction, it can be safely accomplished using external tightening devices such as Titan or Thermage. (William P. Coleman III, MD, Metairie Dermatologic Surgeon)

Laser liposuction is a type of liposuction treatment that uses laser energy to melt and dissipate fat cells during the stage of fat aspiration from the body. It can also be used to tighten the tissue and skin. (Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)

Cost depends on surgery center, anesthesia, professional fees and areas treated

Laser liposuction is a convenient and effective modality for lipolysis. The treatment is superior to conventional liposuction. Treatment with laser liposuction entails laser fat dissolution and fat aspiration. Cost depends on the type of anesthesia, surgery center fees, and the number of areas treated.

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The key to success is meticulous technique and placing utmost importance on safety. (Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)

Is there an age limit in using laser lipo?

There is no age limit to have laser lipo. Standard tumescent lipo is more effective than laser lipo for larger problem areas. (Gary M. Horndeski, MD, Texas Plastic Surgeon)

Is laser liposuction better than traditional liposuction?

It is not the machine, but the surgeon who makes the difference. Laser, VASER, PAL, water jet, or any other modalities are tools that a well trained surgeon can use appropriately. It is like asking a carpenter which is better, a hammer or a wrench to nail two pieces of wood together? There’s a lot of marketing hype about laser lipo, and the manufacturer was very successful selling this dream. (George Marosan, MD, Bellevue Plastic Surgeon)

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There are no significant results between the two techniques assuming the surgeons using them have equal skills. (Ronald V. DeMars, MD, Portland Plastic Surgeon)

Laser liposuctions are the cheapest and for good reason.

Laser liposuction is disappearing because of all the problems and poor results therefore they tend to be the cheapest of all the lipo techniques now.

It is important to go to a lipo doc who does lipo under tumescent local with the smaller canulas and who can stand you up during the procedure to get the fine tuning needed to give the best result.

It is a little more expensive but so worth the better results. Avoid general anesthesia at all costs. (David Hansen, MD, Beverly Hills Dermatologic Surgeon)

I tell patients that it is not the instrument that determines the result with liposuction but the hand holding it. Everything else is hype!. (Frederic H. Corbin, MD, Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon)

Laser Liposuction has a lot of issues, like more edema, inflammation and more scar tissue, I have laser liposuction, VASER, and I still believe that the traditional liposuction is much better due to the heat is producing damage on the Adipocytes, Skin and other tissues, If you want to use it for Fat grafting I wouldnt use anything but The traditional liposuction with the adecuate instruments, low Syringe pressure to preserve the cells.

And definitely the Experience, hands and the Results of the doctor you choose speak for themselves. (Jaime Campos Leon, MD, Mexico Plastic Surgeon)

Which is better laser or vaser liposuction?

Vaser liposelection uses ultrasound energy to melt the fat prior to suctioning, while laser assisted liposuction (such as Smart Lipo or Slim Lipo) uses different types of lasers (such as ND yAG for Smart Lipo) to melt the fat.

All these options may produce better skin tightening than traditional liposuction. (Melinda Lirag Lacerna-Kimbrell, MD, FACS, Sarasota Plastic Surgeon)

VASER is a highly selective fat removal system

The following is my personal opinion: I have used vaser since 2004 when it first became available. It has allowed me to contour areas during procedures that the other 2 methods do not allow. Why? Because Vaser is selective for fat cells and leaves vessels and nerves and lymphatics for the most part undamaged IF the Vaser is used properly!

Simply speaking:

  1. Infuse an adrenaline containing solution into the fat
  2. Let it sit for a minimum of 10 minutes!
  3. Insert titanium probe that vibrates at around 40,000 times a second to create ultrasonic waves that are maximally absorbed by the fat and separate the cells from each other.
  4. Use Vaser’s Ventex cannulas which do not tear the tissues in order to suck out the emulsified fat liquid created by #3.
  5. Place patient in a compression garment. Other methods can rip and tear vessels and nerves and soft tissues, and in the case of Smart Lipo, burn them as well.

The fat from Vaser Lipo Selection is very suitable for Brazilian Butt lift – the injection of the strained fat into the buttock muscles for excellent long term augmentation!. (Mark E. Richards, MD, Bethesda Plastic Surgeon)