Everyone wants to look and feel their best, but sometimes, stubborn fat stands in the way of that aim. 

When diet and exercise do not work on areas that do not budge, many people turn to liposuction to achieve their body goals. That said, not all liposuction types are created equal. 

Several buzzwords surround cosmetic fat removal and body contouring, including laser liposuction. Although some centers offer a nonsurgical variation, the most common type involves a minimally invasive approach.  

What exactly is laser liposuction, what are its risks and benefits, and how does it stack up against the newest techniques? Keep reading to learn everything you need about this fat-removal treatment. 

What is Laser Liposuction, and Who Offers It?

Laser liposuction, sometimes referred to as laser-assisted liposuction, is a form of surgical fat removal that uses laser energy to heat and liquefy target fat cells beneath the skin. This technique broadly refers to the practice of applying laser energy directly to fat cells before their removal. Certain brand names like SmartLipo are often used synonymously with the term, but in general, laser liposuction is offered at many plastic surgery clinics worldwide. 

Patients turn to this procedure because it is often marketed as less invasive while still providing dramatic results with minimal downtime. Much of the treatment's success will come down to the surgeon's skill and your specific physical characteristics. 

How Does Laser Liposuction Work? 

Simply put, laser liposuction combines traditional fat removal with the application of an energy modality, which enhances skin tightening while simplifying fat extraction. 

Using variable laser technology helps break down fat and heats the skin, which enhances collagen production to provide a tightening effect. Once the laser energy has been applied to fat cells, the surgeon uses a standard liposuction technique to remove the target material. 

Here are the steps that a standard laser liposuction procedure follows: 

1. Consultation: Many providers offer free consultations, but this can vary based on the type of center and its geographic location. During this meeting, you will discuss their body goals with a nurse and gain a better understanding of laser liposuction. Some practices allow you to ask surgeons questions depending on their availability. 

2. Appointment: If the procedure is done under general anesthesia, you will typically require someone to drive them to and from treatment. You still need a ride home after local anesthesia, even if done under local anesthesia. 

3. Anesthesia: If the procedure is done with local anesthesia, the surgeon will numb the skin, create an incision, then apply a local tumescent solution to the procedure site or sites. This solution numbs the area and reduces internal trauma by causing fat cells to swell, rendering them easier to remove.

4. Laser: The surgeon will then apply laser energy to the subcutaneous fat via a small tube called a cannula housing a laser-emitting device on the tip. This step causes fat to melt, making it easier to remove. However, it can also cause internal burns and reduce the viability of a fat transfer in some instances. 

5. Liposuction: Once the fat has been treated with the laser, the surgeon will use small suctioning tools called cannulas to remove the fat through the same incisions.

6. Post-Op: After the fat has been removed, you will be dressed with bandages and may be asked to remain in a waiting room for a few minutes. Some types of laser liposuction require stitches on the entry sites. Other more advanced techniques can avoid the need for stitches with their exact methods. After treatment, you will require a ride home from a trusted adult.  

7. Recovery: You should receive and follow the recovery details provided by your surgeon to ensure swelling and bruising subside and results develop as intended. Although downtime may only last a few days, complete recovery after laser liposuction can be an extensive ordeal (more on this below). 

Who Are Good Candidates for Laser Liposuction?

Laser liposuction is an excellent option for many people who want to improve their body contour. It is important to note that it is not a weight loss solution. Laser lipo is best suited for people close to their ideal weight but struggling with stubborn areas of fat that won't respond to diet and exercise.

An ideal candidate for laser liposuction is:

• In good overall health.

• Does not smoke regularly 

• Is not looking for weight loss but rather targeted fat loss 

• Has realistic goals in mind for their procedure

• Not dramatically overweight or obese.

• Has concerns about stubborn fat and not only loose skin. 

• Not pregnant or breastfeeding.

What Are The Types of Laser Lipolysis?

Although this article focuses on minimally invasive laser liposuction, there are generally two types of laser lipolysis. 

Minimally invasive laser liposuction requires an incision on the skin, through which a device will emit laser energy. Fat cells are then physically removed with this approach.

Noninvasive laser lipolysis does not involve an entry point on the skin. Instead, a flat pad called an applicator will be placed on the target area and emit laser energy through the skin, indirectly damaging fat cells. Nonsurgical fat removal, including this type of laser lipolysis, provides the benefits of less discomfort and quicker downtime but offers meager results compared to minimally invasive techniques. 

What Areas Can I Treat With Laser Liposuction?

Laser liposuction can be performed on practically any part of the body, from the chin to the ankle. The smaller devices used with this technique allow surgeons to access smaller pockets of fat and harder-to-reach folds that conventional methods struggle to contour. 

Some of the most common areas patients target with laser liposuction are the

• Stomach 

• Hips and Flanks 

• Thighs 

• Calves

• Underarms

• Bra Rolls 

• Back 

• Chin

• Male Breast 

• Banana Rolls / Gluteal Fold Fat 

How Does Laser Liposuction Differ from Traditional Liposuction?

Traditional liposuction involves a more aggressive approach to fat removal. A larger incision is made, and a cannula is inserted to manually break up and suction out the fat cells. This technique can be effective but also more invasive, requiring a longer recovery time and leaving more noticeable scars.

Laser liposuction was one of the first innovations introduced to the surgical fat removal field. Although newer, more innovative methods now exist, laser liposuction was game-changing in that it enabled fully awake fat removal and offered additional skin-tightening benefits.

Laser Liposuction Pros and Cons

Laser liposuction is often marketed as a less invasive alternative; in reality, much comes down to the skill and technique of the specific surgeon. Many minimally invasive versions of fat removal exist that allow you to remain awake throughout treatment, so this benefit is not exclusive to laser liposuction. 

Another benefit of this procedure is that smaller areas can be sculpted. 

That said, here are a few advantages of laser liposuction: 

• Minimal downtime: Laser liposuction is minimally invasive, so you will likely remain awake and can return to regular activities within a few days.

• Less discomfort: Because laser liposuction is less invasive, you may experience less pain during and after the procedure.

• More precise results: The laser energy used in laser liposuction can be precisely targeted to specific areas, resulting in more accurate and even results.

• Tighter, firmer skin: The laser energy used in laser liposuction can stimulate collagen production, leading to tighter skin in the treated area. 

Disadvantages of laser liposuction include:

• Internal burns or side effects: There is a risk of minor burns internally if the laser is misapplied or by an inexperienced surgeon. 

• Less viability for fat transfer: Using a laser may make it easier to remove fat, but it lowers the usability of fat for a transfer afterward due to the damage fat cells experience.

• Results can vary with weight fluctuation: As with traditional liposuction and nonsurgical fat removal, the results of laser liposuction can be reversed with weight gain or loss. 

Evaluating the Risks and Side Effects of Laser Liposuction 

Laser liposuction is generally a safe treatment. However, as with any surgical intervention, it comes with risks and potential side effects. This post discusses minimally invasive laser lipolysis and not the nonsurgical variation. 

That said, the most common side effects include:

• Bruising

• Hematoma 

• Lumpy or hard skin on the treated area 

• Scarring 

• Swelling 

Beyond the typical side effects, more severe risks are rare yet possible with laser liposuction. The heat level required to achieve optimal fat removal and skin tightening is close to the level that can cause internal burns. Such outcomes are much less likely to occur in the hands of a well-trained, experienced laser liposuction surgeon. 

What is the Recovery Time Like?

Laser liposuction recovery times may vary from patient to patient but usually lasts about six months. Note that this window refers to the time needed for a complete recovery. Results appear much earlier, but every person is different, so there is no set timetable.

Downtime immediately after the treatment can last from three days to a few weeks, depending on your pain tolerance and the amount of fat removed. Most can return to work within a week of treatment as long as they can wear the required garments. Swelling and bruising will subside after one to two weeks and completely disappear after a couple of months. 

During the healing process, the skin may experience some tightening effects as new collagen is produced. Following your surgeon's instructions and wearing the compression garment as recommended are the best ways to ensure the full benefits of your laser lipolysis procedure.

Once healed, your changes should be permanent as long as a healthy diet and exercise routine are maintained. Because fat cells do not grow back, you should achieve long-lasting results following any properly performed version of fat removal.

With noninvasive laser liposuction, recovery is practically non-existent. Of course, the tradeoff is that results will be far less dramatic and require several sessions to achieve.

What Will Laser Liposuction Cost Me?

Laser liposuction prices will vary depending on the treated area, the procedure location, the amount of fat removed, and whether an additional procedure like skin tightening is included. 

Furthermore, factors like the surgeon fee, anesthesia, facility fees, follow-up visits, and garments may further increase costs. 

Overall, the average cost for a laser liposuction procedure is just under $7,000, according to Realself.com. This number can reach as high as $15,000 to $20,000 for patients sculpting multiple large areas like the full stomach and back. Additional add-ons like a fat transfer can start at $5,000 more to the bottom line.