With so many surgeons now performing liposuction using the laser technique, more and more people are seeking this laser fat removal procedure due to its many benefits over traditional liposuction surgery.

How Laser Fat Removal Works

Also known as SmartLipo, the laser fat removal technique uses a tiny laser fiber to zap and melt fat cells on contact. The liquid fat is then easily suctioned from the body through a tiny tube. The body is also able to absorb any liquid fat that remains and excrete it from the body through urination. Because the instruments used in the procedure are so thin, only tiny incisions are required to carry out the liposuction procedure.

Unlike older methods of liposuction, the Smartlipo laser method produces fewer side effects and greater results. This is due to the laser's ability to seal off surrounding blood vessels and tighten the overlying skin. This results in less bleeding, bruising and swelling in the area of treatment and gives the skin a firmer and smoother appearance immediately after surgery.

Benefits of Laser Fat Removal

One of the main benefits of liposuction by laser is its reduced risks to patients. With only local anesthesia being required, patients are able to be fully awake during the procedure. Other benefits include:

• decreased side effects

• less time required for recovery (days versus weeks)

• visible results immediately after the procedure

• permanent fat removal.

Laser Fat Removal Treatment

Just about any part of the body can be treated through laser liposuction. However, because of its skin-tightening abilities, it is often the choice of treatment for areas of the face and neck. Other common areas include:

• abdomen/love handles

• chin

• inner and outer thighs

• hips/muffin tops

• Inner and upper arms

• knees and ankles

• male and female breasts

• back region.

Recovery Time & Cost of Laser Fat Removal

Many patients choose laser fat removal due to it requiring very little recovery time. With only local anesthesia being required, many patients are able to have the procedure performed on a Thursday or Friday and return back to work the following Monday or Tuesday.

The cost of liposuction by laser depends on how many areas of the body you have treated at the same time, as well as the extent of the treatment. Naturally, having only a small pocket of fat from your neck region treated will cost less than having both the thighs treated. This is due to the time required to perform neck liposuction being a lot less than the time involved in treating the larger area of the thighs. However, laser fat removal typically ranges anywhere from 1,000 to 6,000.