If you have pockets of unwanted fat that you just can’t seem to get rid of, you may have thought about liposuction. Traditional liposuction, however, is a somewhat invasive procedure that can require substantial recovery time. There is another option out there: laser liposuction.
What is liposuction, and what are the unique benefits of laser liposuction? Allure Laser & Med Spa can tell you more.
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction is a procedure that removes pockets of fat in specific areas. Traditional liposuction requires large incisions and the insertion of a small tube called a cannula to extract the fat. Laser liposuction, however, is a bit different.
This type of liposuction is a minimally invasive form of body sculpting that uses heat from a laser to break down fat cells. Just like a traditional liposuction procedure, laser liposuction permanently removes the fat cells. It can be an effective option for many treatment areas, including:
- Love handles
- Stomach
- Thighs
- Upper arms
- Chin
Neck liposuction is also available when you choose this body sculpting method. The best candidates for laser liposuction are people who are in good overall health, who have realistic expectations, and who are close to their ideal weight. This is because liposuction is not a weight-loss procedure.
You may not be a good candidate if you have cancer, heart disease, diabetes, or other serious health conditions. If you are pregnant or nursing, you will also not be the right candidate.
Laser Liposuction Benefits
When you get stomach, arm, or neck laser liposuction, you don’t have to worry about a long recovery time. This benefit can be crucial for people who lead busy lives and cannot take time off. Another of the most important laser liposuction benefits is that it allows us to remove the fat from the problem area and administer it to areas of the body where you may have lost some volume.
Laser liposuction is also a quicker procedure. You don’t have to stay at a hospital overnight or worry about anesthesia. Some people may not be healthy enough for a traditional liposuction procedure. In that case, laser liposuction is a possible alternative.
Another benefit is that the laser can stimulate the production of collagen at the treatment site to make the skin feel tighter and firmer. Traditional liposuction does not provide this collagen stimulation.
Laser Liposuction: Preparing for the Procedure and What to Expect
We welcome everyone who has pockets of fat that they want to get rid of to turn to our med spa for a consultation. During this consultation, we will assess the areas you want to treat and get an idea of your medical history. If you take medications of any sort, let us know. We will ask questions about your goals and give you a chance to voice any concerns you may have.
If we think you would be a good candidate for a neck, stomach, or arm liposuction procedure, we will schedule your appointment. To help you prepare for the day of the laser liposuction, we recommend that you stop taking blood-thinning medications and that you also avoid alcohol for a few days. These substances can lead to issues with healing. If you smoke, we also recommend that you quit. Nicotine use can make healing more complicated.
On the day of the appointment for your arm, neck, or stomach liposuction, we will begin by applying local anesthesia to the treatment area. After it takes effect, we will make a tiny incision through which we will insert a small laser. The laser will begin to liquefy the fat.
We will then gently remove the fat and suture the incision. Usually, the incisions are very small, so not many sutures are required. Unlike what you would expect from traditional liposuction, laser liposuction does not damage nearby tissue. This makes the recovery process much faster. The procedure can take about an hour per treatment area. We recommend having someone take you home so that you can rest.
Recovering from Laser Liposuction
Most people do not need more than a day of rest after a laser lipo procedure. You want to take it easy during that time, drinking plenty of water and ensuring that you do not participate in any strenuous activities.
While you recover from stomach liposuction, arm liposuction, or neck liposuction, we will provide instructions on how to manage the bandage that might cover the incision site. For some people, we may also recommend wearing a compression garment.
It is best that you do not take blood-thinning medications or supplements while you recover and that you continue to avoid alcohol. Don’t use hot tubs or saunas. You can usually bathe after 24 hours.
You may see results almost immediately after the procedure, though you will usually have to wait a bit to get the full results. For some, it can take up to six months.
Getting a Sleeker Look with Laser Liposuction
You don’t have to undergo an invasive procedure to get rid of fat that you have not been able to reduce with diet and exercise. Now, you can choose laser liposuction, which offers excellent results without the more invasive methods of standard lipo. At Allure Laser & Med Spa in Tinley Park, IL, we offer the kind of cosmetic options you need to get the look you have always wanted. With experts ready to help you find the right treatments, we can take you closer to your aesthetic goals.
Don’t waste another day fighting unwanted fat. Contact us today to learn more about our liposuction options.