Liposuction Assisted with Laser or Ultrasound: Benefits & Risks, Recovery

Overview

Liposuction is a plastic surgery to help patients remove excess fat. It uses many different techniques in the procedure steps, most common of which are the liposuction assisted with laser or ultrasound. These procedures are done with the guidance of ultrasonic waves or low-energy waves to target fat cells. They are also known as laser- or ultrasound-assisted liposuction.

Liposuction assisted with laser or ultrasound can help liquefy the fat before it is removed from the body and reduce fullness in your body areas that need treatment, such as abdomen, ankles, arms, cheeks, chin, hips, knees, thighs, etc.

Candidates

A good candidate for laser- or ultrasound-assisted liposuction include:

• Have stable weight
• Communicate with the surgeon and understand the medical procedure
• Physically healthy and have no other medical illnesses that impair the healing
• Nonsmokers
• Have positive and realistic expectations toward the surgery
• Committed to living a healthy life with proper nutrion and fitness

Cost

The cost for laser- or ultrasound-assisted liposuction may vary based on the expertise and qualifications of the surgeon, the type of procedure used, time and effort the procedure or treatment requires, as well as geographic office location. In general, the cost for either of these procedures are higher than traditional liposuction (about $2500-$5000).

Benefits & Risks

Some advantages of liposuction assisted with laser or ultrasound include:

• Sedation rather than general anesthesia
• Removing fat more precisely
• Less trauma to the site
• Smoother skin in the end
• Preserving surrounding nerves

While laser- or ultrasound-assisted liposuction is a more precise form of liposuction, there are a few downsides to these cosmetic procedures. Possible risks include:

• Scarring
• Infection
• Skin loss
• Abdominal holes
• Nerve damage
• Development of seromas, a result of a combination of old blood plasma and dead cells exiting the body from the liposuction
• Low blood pressure

Preparation

When you decide to accept a laser- or ultrasound-assisted liposuction, you should choose a surgeon and make an appointment to do some consultations. Your surgeon will give you some instructions prior to the procedure. At this appointment, make sure you tell them about all supplements and medications you take. They’ll likely ask you to stop taking blood-thinning drugs, including ibuprofen (Advil), several days before your surgery.

How do they work

Laser-assisted liposuction focuses low-energy waves delivered by a thin laser fiber that’s inserted through small incisions. It takes advantage of the power and technology associated with medical laser beams to liquefy the fat which is then sucked out of the area.

Ultrasound-assisted liposuction uses a special cannula that vibrates very rapidly and gives off ultrasound energy. As the cannula passes through the fat cells, that energy liquefies the fat cells, which are then suctioned out.

By using either of these techniques, the surgeon can remove the fat more easily and efficiently.

Recovery

Recovery from a liposuction assisted with laser or ultrasound is relatively brief compared to the results timeline. Since this is usually an outpatient procedure, you’ll be able to go home right away if you don’t have any side effects. You may need to take a few days off school or work to rest.

Swelling is common after the surgery, and your surgeon may order a compression garment for you for a variable time based on personal condition. Your doctor may recommend moderate exercise, such as walking, within a few days of the procedure.

You can expect to be back to your normal activities in three to five days. Typically, strenuous exercise should be put off for three or four weeks.

Keyword: liposuction assisted with laser or ultrasound.