Side Effects of Laser Liposuction
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved laser liposuction in 2007, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Fat removal focuses on specific areas, such as chin, neck and male breast tissue. The laser technique involves inserting a heated thin fiber under the skin to liquefy fat cells. A cannula then removes fat cells through the traditional suction method. The FDA cautions that liposuction should not be considered a weight control procedure. Patients should be within 30 percent of their ideal weight.
Bruising, Swelling and General Discomfort
A small amount of bruising and swelling is possible after surgery and will often go away within two to three weeks. Bruising is less severe than with other forms of liposuction, because the laser’s heat stops the bleeding of small blood vessels during surgery. Some patients wear a compression garment over the surgical site, to decrease swelling and promote healing. Mild pain medications can be prescribed by the surgeon for the discomfort, and most patients are able to return to work within two to three days. Physicians advise patients not to exercise or participate in strenuous physical activity until a month after surgery.
- A small amount of bruising and swelling is possible after surgery and will often go away within two to three weeks.
- Some patients wear a compression garment over the surgical site, to decrease swelling and promote healing.
Change of Body Shape
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Results of laser liposuction are visible a week after surgery. With traditional liposuction, two to four weeks was typical, according to the Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery 1. After surgery, a patient often notices changes in her profile or silhouette. However, it is important for patients to understand that skin contours may appear irregular. Such asymmetry can even require additional additional surgical adjustments.
- Results of laser liposuction are visible a week after surgery.
- However, it is important for patients to understand that skin contours may appear irregular.
Skin Sensation and Tightening
Skin tightens as collagen and layers of tissue build in the body. Collagen and tissue growth takes between several weeks to months to be visible, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. At this time, the patient will sense that the skin feels tighter as well as more firm and toned.
Burns
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Newer methods of laser liposuction rarely cause skin burns, though the risk is still present. Current devices used by many surgeons include gauges that measure the temperature of the skin, reducing the risk of skin and tissue overheating and burning. If a burn occurs, a patient risks further complications of infection and scarring at the burn site.
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References
- Consumer Guide to Plastic Surgery: Laser Liposuction (SmartLipo, Slim Lipo, Cool Lipo, ProLipo Plus): Is it for You?
- Dermanetwork: Can Smart Lipo Lasers Burn Me?
- Grazer FM, de Jong RH. Fatal outcomes from liposuction: census survey of cosmetic surgeons. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2000;105(1):436-446; discussion 447-448. doi:10.1097/00006534-200001000-00070
- Stephan PJ, Kenkel JM. Updates and advances in liposuction. Aesthet Surg J. 2010;30(1):83-97; quiz 98-100. doi:10.1177/1090820X10362728
- Benatti FB, Lira FS, Oyama LM, do Nascimento CM da PO, Lancha AH Jr. Strategies for reducing body fat mass: effects of liposuction and exercise on cardiovascular risk factors and adiposity. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2011;4:141-154. doi:10.2147/DMSO.S12143
- Khanna A, Filobbos G. Avoiding unfavourable outcomes in liposuction. Indian J Plast Surg. 2013;46(2):393-400. doi:10.4103/0970-0358.118618
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2018 Plastic Surgery Statistics. Published 2018.
- Dhami LD. Liposuction. Indian J Plast Surg. 2008;41(Suppl):S27-S40.
- Stephan PJ, Dauwe P, Kenkel J. Liposuction: a comprehensive review of techniques and safety. In: Peter RJ, Neligan PC, eds. Plastic Surgery, Volume 2: Aesthetic Surgery. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018.
Writer Bio
Julie Hampton has worked as a professional freelance writer since 1999 for various newspapers and websites including "The Florida Sun" and "Pensacola News Journal." She served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic and nurse for over six years and recently worked as the Community Relations Director for a health center. Hampton studied journalism and communications at the University of West Florida.