Just recently, the FDA approved the latest technology called laser liposuction as a method for removing fat in specific areas of the body. It seems that people no longer need to stick to the option of traditional liposuction. There is however, still a lot that we need to know about laser liposuction.
What Laser Liposuction Is
Laser liposuction is a form of minimal invasive procedure that may result to some bruising in patients. In this procedure, a very small incision is made into which a 1mm cannula is then inserted. The laser tip of the instrument then comes into contact with the fats, heats the fats up and breaks them down. The melted fat can then be removed from the body immediately.
Fats that are not removed can be flushed out by the body through the lymphatic system. Laser intensity is low and can be adjusted as needed. A local anesthetic is all that is needed for laser liposuction.
What It Is For
Not everyone is built for laser liposuction, though. Although some may claim that laser liposuction can work wonders on all parts of your body, it can only really work on limited areas. Only smaller areas like the face, neck and arms can be subjected to this laser treatment.
Laser liposuction is similar to traditional liposuction in that it is also a form of a body sculpting procedure. It is therefore not a solution for obesity and cannot be used for weight loss. The appropriate candidates for this new technology are people who are fairly healthy and who have only small fat deposits.
The Benefits of Laser Liposuction
Since the procedure is minimally invasive, there is less swelling, bruising, scarring, tissue damage and pain. The incision is said to be so small that a patient no longer needs to be stitched up. This means that the rate of recovery is faster. Patients can get back on their feet in a day or two.
Laser liposuction also promotes the production of collagen as well as tightens the skin after melting body fats. This is a great improvement compared to traditional liposuction. In traditional liposuction, some patients end up looking worse because of a lack of ideal skin elasticity. Some doctors may use laser liposuction after sessions of traditional liposuction to help tighten the skin.
The Disadvantages
Not all areas of the body can be subjected to laser liposuction. Traditional liposuction may still be needed for wider body areas such as the hips and thighs. It is also still a very young piece of technology. Experts agree that more studies need to be conducted to determine the possible negative side effects of this procedure.
A question that especially deserves more attention is the possible side effects of more fat fluid being retained in the body. Of course, the FDA would not approve something that could be potentially dangerous. It is a fact though that the full long term side effects of the procedure cannot be determined yet until it has been in use for quite some time. Be on the safe side by asking your doctor to extensively discuss the procedure with you.
Just how safe or dangerous is laser liposuction? Is it for you? Find out more from liposuction costs to liposuction procedures.