Many feel that laser liposuction is revolutionizing the way liposuction is done. You are very lucky if you have waited until now to consider having liposuction, or liposculpture body contouring. The new laser liposuction technology melts fat into a liquid which makes removal of the fat easier.
There are very significant differences between the major laser liposuction machines in use today. Because of patent restrictions, many companies have had to use wavelengths that are not the most specific for fat removal. Hopefully this information will help you choose the best technique for your procedure if you choose to undergo this new operation.
Older standard suction assisted lipectomy techniques removed fat by inserting a metal tube called a cannula beneath the skin to remove fat by aspiration with high powered suction.
The fat cells are actually ruptured and sucked out from beneath the skin. Other supporting tissues beneath the skin are also removed. This procedure is quite traumatic and can produce bruising and swelling and post operative pain which can lead to a prolonged recovery.
Results for fat removal are excellent, however lack of uniformity of skin appearance and loose skin after the procedure have been reported in as many as 20 % of patients.
The new laser liposuction technique first involves the placement of a tiny laser fiber beneath the skin to melt or liquefy the fat before removal.
This allows for a much less traumatic fat removal because much smaller aspiration cannulas can be used and there is less tissue trauma and injury to the non fatty tissues. After the laser fat melting process a small cannula about half the size of the older cannulas is used to remove the liquefied fat.
The importance of using the appropriate wavelength to melt fat is that the greater the absorption by the fat of the laser energy, the easier and more complete the fat melting process. This is graphically demonstrated in the video link at the end of this article.
Not only is the 924nm wavelength used in SlimLipo capable of liquefying 3-5 times as much fat per unit of energy as the other technologies, but the fat melting mechanism is entirely different. The 924nm is completely absorbed by fat and a much larger area of fat is dissolved. The other lasers which use water targeted wavelengths have to heat water to boiling and the water the heats ad destroys the fat. This water heating process is slower, less efficient and as can be seen in video is essentially chipping away at fat.
The heat generated by the water absorbed lasers is also a concern as the higher temperatures generated by the water heating lasers may be more prone to cause heat injury or burning.
Who Should Do Your Procedure?
Liposuction is a surgical procedure no matter what the internet marketing campaigns imply. My opinion is that I personally would only want a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon performing this procedure on me or one of my loved ones.
Be very careful and study the credentials of your doctor. There are many doctors today who advertise themselves as Cosmetic Surgeons who have never had one day of surgical training. Check the credentials of your doctor by visiting the website of the American board of plastic Surgery.
The team of dedicated professionals at Reflections Center Medspa is here to help you navigate the exciting, yet complex, world of aesthetics. With a practice dedicated only to Cosmetic Medicine and the most comprehensive programs in New Jersey, NJ for laser hair removal, laser acne treatment, Axilase for excessive underarm sweating, Laser Liposuction (smart lipo), Botox Cosmetic and Restylane, Juvederm and other dermal filler injections, as well as laser treatments for wrinkles, sun spots, acne, acne scars, rosacea, tattoo removal, skin tightening, plastic surgery and mesotherapy, their experienced physicians will satisfy all of your aesthetic needs.
