Laser Liposuction
Liposuction is the process of removing localized fat with a thin tube with the help of negative pressure. These thin tubes are called cannulas. Many techniques have been tried in the liposuction method over the years. Although some techniques are not accepted, techniques created using technology have been accepted as they have improved themselves.
4 main liposuction techniques used today:
- Suction-assisted Lipectomy (SAL): Removal of fat with suction in the traditional liposuction method.
- Power-assisted Liposuction (PAL): Use of a special movable cannula during suction in order to break down fat cells more easily.
- Ultrasound-assisted Liposuction (UAL): The breaking down of fat by using ultrasound and then absorption of the broken fat.
- Laser-assisted Liposuction (LAL): The breaking down of fat by using laser and then absorption of the broken fat. Its biggest advantage over other methods is the skin tightening option. Although it is the most recently accepted method of liposuction, Laser Liposuction has become popular since it received FDA approval in 2006. It breaks fat cells more intensely by using laser energy and has advantages over other liposuction methods.
The operation takes about 2 hours and is used for patients with body/mass index close to the ideal range, who has localized fat excess. Operation can be performed under local anesthesia and sedation, and there is no need for general anesthesia. The application should be done under hospital conditions.
The biggest advantages of Laser Liposuction:
- Skin tightening function as well as reduction in body deformities such as fluctuation and sagging that may occur in other methods
- Being able to return to daily life early
- General anesthesia is not required in this technique
- Less bruising, swelling and pain compared to other liposuction methods.
Laser Liposuction can be applied to hip, waist, thigh, leg and face areas. In other words, it can be applied in every area where cellulite and localized fat accumulations are seen. With the possibilities provided by the system, small or large applicators can be used. Liposuction can correct body contours and increase one’s self-confidence, but it can never create an entirely ideal body. Patients ideal for laser liposuction technique application are patients with normal body weight and tight and elastic skin structure, who has localized fat accumulations. Although age is not very important, skin elasticity decreases as people age and the indication of liposuction decreases. After the skin tightening application with Laser Liposuction, recovery is early and more pronounced.
The most criticized feature of the Laser Liposuction method was that it was unable to provide sufficient results due to the low amount of fat removed.
Nowadays, the 2nd Generation Laser Liposuction devices have increased power, allowing for the option to remove more amount of fat. Recently, it has been argued that Laser Liposuction can be a complementary method to traditional liposuction, for its skin tightening feature, in patients who are in need of removal of great amounts of fat. As a result, the Laser Liposuction method can offer very good results if used in the right patient and by the right hands.