Genetics play a major role in the shape of the body. Sometimes even the most dedicated health enthusiasts have stubborn pockets of fat cells. These fat cells refuse to disappear even with a strict diet and exercise. Often when there are certain areas of the body that require contouring, liposuction is often a viable solution. Certainly, traditional liposuction is effective. However, many patients don’t choose this technique because the physician uses general anesthesia. Furthermore, with this procedure, you would need a lengthy recovery period.
Fortunately, there have been amazing strides in the field of cosmetic technology. This means that patients now have more options than ever when it comes to customizing their liposuction experience. Laser liposuction is an increasingly popular technique among physicians and patients. It’s both minimally invasive and produces extremely successful results. Physicians prefer this method for its ability to allow the surgeon to selectively target and shape treatment areas with ease. Patients appreciate the long-lasting results and quick recovery that comes along with smart laser liposuction.
Understanding Laser-Assisted Liposuction
Traditional liposuction uses a highly-invasive technique. The surgeon manually removes fat deposits in the body. He does this with a cannula that administers enough suction and force to detach and collect tissue. Laser-assisted liposuction maintains the suction but combines it with precision laser technology that detaches and dissolves fat cells before removal. As an added benefit, the laser technology that gently dissolves fat deposits can tighten and contour skin. This happens once the cells are successfully removed. Smart laser liposuction proves highly successful at treating many areas of the body that are prone to collecting fat deposits. This would include the abdomen, chin, thighs, knees, neck, and hips.
The Process
Laser-assisted liposuction is an outpatient treatment where the physician performs the procedure in the comfort of his own office. This has a goal to create a relaxed patient experience. He first carefully marks the treatment area. After that, he administers injections of lidocaine and epinephrine to numb the treatment area and collapse smaller vessels. This ensures that excessive bleeding doesn’t occur during the procedure. Next, a precision laser administers pre-determined wavelengths at targeted and problematic treatment areas to dissolve fat cells. At the same time, an ultrafine cannula simultaneously removes those deposits by suction. As this procedure removes the fat, the laser works to tighten the skin surrounding the treatment area. This ultimately results in a successful and smooth contouring.
Results and Recovery
As with the majority of liposuction procedures, patients generally see the final results within 3-4 months following the procedure. As long as the patient doesn’t experience excessive weight gain following the treatment, they can expect permanent results. Laser-assisted liposuction is an outpatient procedure. This means that patients can walk out of the office without any assistance, the same day of the treatment. In other words, they won’t have to endure a long recovery period. However, patients should wait 24-48 hours before returning to work. Furthermore, they should wait for at least a week before resuming strenuous physical activities. They can also expect redness, swelling and minimal irritation at the injection sites following the procedure. However, the solution of lidocaine and epinephrine can last up to an additional 12 hours following the treatment. This creates an extremely comfortable recovery period for patients.
Safety
Smart laser liposuction has been FDA-approved since 2006 and continues to prove to be a successful and very safe procedure for patients looking for contouring solutions. Patients who elect laser-assisted liposuction do not run the risks associated with general anesthesia, a lengthy recovery period or hospital stay. Because patients are able to resume everyday activities so quickly following the procedure, laser-assisted liposuction is a viable option for those who require strict attention to blood flow and circulation immediately following treatment.
Cost of St. Louis Laser Lipo
The cost associated with laser liposuction is dependent on the size of the area being treated and the number of sessions required to achieve the desired results. Patients are encouraged to always check on their coverage options with individual insurance providers prior to undergoing cosmetic treatment of any type. While many procedures are classified as exclusively cosmetic, those with underlying health issues such as lipedema will want to verify their coverage plan as liposuction may benefit their health long-term.
The Road to Change
The first step towards determining if laser lipo in St. Louis is right for you is to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Wright at the St. Louis Laser Liposuction Center. Taking a comprehensive approach to patient care, Dr. Wright and his staff utilize an initial consultation to review a patient’s medical profile and to discuss the many options available on an in-depth level. It’s important that every patient understands the procedure they elect and has time to ask questions, voice concerns and state preferences before moving forward with a personalized treatment plan. At St. Louis Laser Lipo, we understand that every cosmetic procedure comes with an emotional impact and we’re here to help patients find a path to change that is comfortable, safe and convenient. Read our laser lipo reviews and see how we can help you achieve your goals!
Smart Lipo FAQs
Answer:
That is normal. All liposuction temporarily disrupts the nerves in the area where the procedure is performed. It usually takes several months for the sensation to return to normal. Swelling of the area treated is also to be expected the swelling is the most significant in the first 2-6 weeks, but some swelling in the treated area will be present for six months.
