Liposuction has long been a go-to solution for those battling stubborn fat, making it the top cosmetic procedure globally. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), demand for liposuction soared in 2022 with a 21 percent increase in procedures. While traditional liposuction typically involves power-assisted devices with motorized cannulas to break down fat, laser liposuction uses heat to achieve similar results, positioning itself as a less invasive alternative. But does it deliver on its promises? We spoke to three board-certified plastic surgeons to find out what you need to know before you lipo.
Featured Experts
- Mariam Awada, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Southfield, MI
- Leo R. McCafferty, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Pittsburgh, PA
- Carmen M. Kavali, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon based in Atlanta
How Does Laser Liposuction Work?
Laser liposuction, sometimes called laser-assisted liposuction, uses a laser to generate heat. “It works by generating heat in the subcutaneous tissue, where the fat lives,” says Atlanta plastic surgeon Carmen M. Kavali, MD. “The laser is what generates the heat.” The fat cells are then liquified and removed through small incisions using a suction cannula.
Dr. Kavali explains, “The key to safety with energy-based liposuction is ensuring that the skin doesn’t sustain any thermal injury, like a burn. Some laser-assisted devices have internal temperature monitors with automatic shut-off features to prevent overheating.”
Is Laser Liposuction Effective?
“Liposuction is liposuction is liposuction,” explains Dr. Kavali. “No matter what other name it might be given, the end result is that fat is removed from the body using small cannulas via tiny incisions. Bruising and swelling is normal after any type of liposuction but may be slightly less with energy-based methods like laser-assisted or ultrasound-assisted liposuction.”
Laser liposuction results largely depends on the skill of the surgeon says Southfield, MI plastic surgeon Mariam Awada, MD. “Laser lipo has been promoted aggressively, but results in my opinion, are often like CoolSculpting, which uses freezing instead of heat. However, laser lipo carries greater costs, recovery time and risks of complications or irregularities. I have yet to meet a happy laser lipo patient.”
Pittsburgh plastic surgeon Leo R. McCafferty, MD tends to agree and says he prefers liposuction techniques that don’t generate heat. “Laser liposuction can result in more bruising, swelling and internal scarring. In my hands, these complications are less frequent with non-heat techniques.”
How Long Does Laser Liposuction Last?
It’s essential to understand that liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure. Dr. Kavali emphasizes, “Liposuction is not designed for weight loss but rather for contouring and reshaping the body by removing focal fat deposits. The amount of fat removed varies, but it’s typically not significant in terms of overall weight loss.”
The results of laser liposuction can be long-lasting if a patient maintains a stable weight. However, gaining weight can lead to fat accumulating in treated and untreated areas. Dr. Kavali adds, “If a patient maintains their weight after liposuction, the results are permanent. Fat does not ‘go somewhere else,’ but there are proportionately fewer fat cells in the treated areas. Continued weight gain means those fewer fat cells eventually get larger, which may lead to changes in the treated areas.”
What Are the Risks Associated with Laser Liposuction?
Side effects can range from minor bruising and swelling to more severe complications like skin burns, contour irregularities and internal scarring. Dr. Awada warns, “Some patients suffer from skin irregularities and burns, which can be challenging to correct. It’s crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon to minimize these risks.”
Dr. McCafferty also advises proceeding with caution: “Revisions in patients who have had heat-generated liposuction can be more difficult due to internal scarring. My current technique, which does not generate heat, results in fewer contour irregularities and a lower revision rate.”
Is Laser Lipo as Effective as Regular Lipo?
While laser liposuction might seem like an attractive alternative to traditional liposuction, the experts we spoke with prefer other methods. Dr. Awada mentions, “Patients with significant fat deposits are better suited for micro-air-assisted liposuction combined with VASER skin tightening. This approach provides more reliable results.”
Dr. Kavali reinforces that liposuction results, regardless of the technique, depend on the skill of the surgeon and the patient’s expectations. She notes, “No matter what technique is used, liposuction involves removing fat through small incisions. Recovery and results can vary based on the approach, but safety and efficacy depend on the surgeon’s experience.”
Laser liposuction might seem appealing due to its minimally invasive nature, but it comes with risks and potential complications. As always, the most important factor in deciding on any procedure is finding a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in the technique.
