Laser Lipolysis VS Liposuction

What’s the Liposuction?

Liposuction by definition is a cosmetic surgery performed to remove unwanted deposits of fat from under the skin by suction. Liposuction is the most commonly performed cosmetic procedure in the United States and there are many methods and techniques that surgeons perform.

During liposuction, surgeons sculpt and contour the body by removing excess fat deposits that are resistant to reduction by diet or exercise. Depending on the surgeon’s chosen method, the fat is disrupted by way of scraping, heating, or freezing, etc., before it is removed from under the skin with a suction device.

Traditional Liposuction is Highly Invasive and Fat Cells are Scraped

During a traditional invasive liposuction procedure, multiple large incisions (approximately 1/2”) are made around the treatment area. These incisions are made to accommodate large instruments called cannulas that the surgeon will use to disrupt the fat cells under the skin.

Once the cannula is inserted under the skin, the surgeon uses a continuous jabbing motion to scrape and disrupt the fat cells. The cannula is also connected to an aspiration device which suctions the scraped fat out of the body. Because an instrument is used to scrape the fat from the skin, it is common for patients to be left with a rippling or dimpling appearance post-procedure.

Lipolysis is Minimally Invasive and Fat Cells are Melted

During a Lipolysis procedure, very tiny incisions (approximately 1/8”) are placed in the skin, allowing a micro-cannula encasing the laser fiber to be inserted underneath the skin. The laser’s heat energy simultaneously melts the fat cells and tightens the skin. The liquefied fatty fluid is suctioned out of the body.

The tightening provided by the heat of the laser results in smoother skin that gradually appears after the swelling has subsided, typically 1 month post-procedure. Final results are expected 6 months following surgery.

Differences in Post-Procedure Pain & Downtime

Traditional Liposuction Downtime & Pain

The downtime for traditional liposuction is significant. Depending on the extent of the fat removed, the patient may need to remain hospitalized or on bed rest for several days post-procedure.

Patients will experience significant bruising and swelling after undergoing traditional liposuction.

Pain and discomfort can last several weeks and patients are required to wear a compression garment for 6-8 weeks.

Lipolysis Downtime & Pain

Following a typical Lipolysis procedure, patients maintain mobility and are able to walk themselves out of the office. Patients are able to resume normal activities and return to work 1-2 days post-procedure.

Patients will need to wear a compression garment for 4 weeks post-procedure, but can resume low impact exercise in 3-5 days.

Patients should expect to feel sore for several days post-Smartlipo procedure, however, the pain should not hinder normal daily activities.

Patients should expect minimal bruising and some swelling after undergoing a Lipolysis procedure, which will dissipate gradually over two weeks.