There are many reasons that you may be considering liposuction. Maybe you’ve lost some weight and just can’t seem to shake those last few stubborn pounds, or maybe you have some pockets of fat that don’t respond to dietary or workout routine changes. Whatever the reason, a new procedure called laser-assisted liposuction (aka laser lipolysis or laser liposuction) may be right for you.
Here are 5 facts about laser lipolysis that you may not know about.
When you have laser lipolysis, Dr. Jovanovic uses cutting-edge technology, the LipoPulse Laser Liposuction system. With this system, several very small incisions are made using a laser. Then Dr. Jovanovic inserts small, hollow tubes called cannulas.
The laser system literally melts the fat cells to a liquid state, and they’re removed through the cannula.
Laser liposuction is an in-office procedure. That is, you’ll receive treatment in our fully licensed and accredited office on Fifth Avenue.
Having your procedure done in our office is more convenient and more comfortable than having it performed in a surgical facility or hospital. You can expect to be there for anywhere from 1-4 hours depending on what areas are being targeted and other factors.
During any surgical procedure, you can expect to lose some blood. However, in laser liposuction, there is far less blood loss than in traditional liposuction.
Dr. Jovanovic uses a technique called tumescent liposuction, which means he injects the target area with a dilute solution of local anesthesia. The solution contains epinephrine which causes the blood vessels in the area to constrict, resulting in less bleeding.
The solution also eliminates the need for general anesthesia, meaning you’re awake during the procedure. Excessive bleeding and general anesthesia represent the two biggest risks associated with traditional liposuction, and both are eliminated by using the tumescent technique during a laser liposuction procedure.
You’ll still need about a week to recover following laser liposuction, but that’s about half the time you’d need to recover from a traditional liposuction procedure. You’ll have less bruising because of the lower blood loss, and because the incisions are much smaller they heal more quickly.
After the procedure, you’ll likely have some swelling and light bruising, both of which should resolve in about two weeks. You’ll need to wear a compression garment during the day and at night for two weeks, and at night for 2-4 more weeks.
You can return to work in 1-3 days, resume light exercise after one week, and get back to more intense activity in two weeks.
One of the most appealing things about laser liposuction is that it stimulates collagen growth. With traditional liposuction, the fat is gone, but the skin is still stretched and saggy. The heat of the laser causes your skin to produce collagen, which helps it retain elasticity and have better tone.
If you’d like to learn more and find out if you’re a candidate for laser liposuction, book your appointment with Dr. Jovanovic online or by phone. You may be closer to having your ideal body than you realize -- with less downtime and the benefit of tighter skin.
