People who have areas of fat deposits that have not responded well to diet and exercise may be curious about liposuction. While effective, traditional liposuction, or lipo, may have potential drawbacks. A newer form of liposuction, laser liposuction, is a procedure that uses laser technology to minimize negative aspects. But how do these two procedures compare to each other?
Traditional Lipo Procedures
Traditional lipo uses a powerful vacuum to remove fat deposits from under the skin using a cannula, or steel tube. Anesthesia is necessary to perform the procedure and depending on the area and extent of the treatment can be accomplished with either general or local anesthesia.
Following a lipo procedure, patients often need stitches to close the incisions made to insert the cannula under the skin. Recovery time is typically about 2 weeks, and special compression garments are worn for up to 6 weeks. Potential drawbacks to traditional procedures are loose, baggy skin, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and potential complications if general anesthesia is used.
How Laser Lipsuction Differs from Traditional Lipo
Laser lipo is different in that it uses laser technology instead of a powerful vacuum. The cannula used in the laser liposuction procedure is very thin, about the size of a spaghetti noodle, and the incision that is needed to accommodate the cannula is so small it does not require stitches. A tiny laser is attached to the tube that delivers heat and energy directly into the fat cells. The laser liquefies the fat, which is gently suctioned out of the body through the cannula.
Because laser liposuction is less invasive than some others, only local anesthesia is necessary, reducing any potential complications associated with general anesthesia. Patients generally recover and return to work within a couple days, and a compression garment may be recommended for only about 2 weeks. And because the fat is melted before being removed, there is less damage to the surrounding tissue resulting in less bruising and discomfort.
The use of the laser causes loose skin to naturally tighten and encourages collagen growth, which reduces the potential for excess baggy skin following the procedure.
One of the greatest benefits of either type of liposuction is that the effect is permanent. In addition to the fat, the laser also removes the fat cells that cause fat to re-accumulate. Adults do not produce new fat cells, so once the fat cells are destroyed fat will not be deposited in the treated area.
Safety And General Considerations
A good candidate for any type of liposuction is someone in good health, with realistic expectations, and who has areas of fat deposits that have not responded favorably to diet and exercise. Additional considerations for SmartLipo over traditional treatment are that it costs approximately 30% less with just a fraction of the recovery time.
The FDA approved the use of laser-assisted lipo in 2006. It has a less than 1% complication rate compared to 10% with traditional procedures. This is attributed mostly to the difference in local versus general anesthesia.
Regardless of what form of treatment you choose, be sure to find a qualified doctor to ensure that your experience is as pleasant as possible.
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