Laser Liposuction

Laser Lipo Special – One region laser lipolysis $1395-1595. Exclusions – chin/neck and breast
One region is defined as the area of a small hand. There may also be a facility fee for procedures performed under sedation anaesthesia

How it works :

Laser lipolysis involves using a laser to melt fat cells under the skin. The released fat can then either be removed by lower pressure suction or be absorbed by the body over 2-3 months. Tumescent anasethesia is used (local anaesthetic infiltrated under the skin and in the fat layer), and the procedure is generally performed under light sedation or entirely under local anaesthetic. This is performed at Altona. The procedure usually takes 2-3 hours and patients can  return to work after 5 days for larger procedures and 2-3 days for smaller procedures.

How is it different from Liposuction :

Liposuction involves the use of high pressure suction to remove fat. Unfortunately in the process fibrous tissue, blood vessels and connective tissue are also sucked up and damaged. Laser lipolysis is a more gentle procedure.

1. The recovery time with laser lipolysis is around half of liposuction. Most people can return to work in 2-5 days and exercise in 2 weeks. With liposuction return to work is around 2-3 weeks and exercise 4-6 weeks.
2. The bruising and swelling are a lot less, and therefore recovery is faster, and the cosmetic result achieved in a shorter time frame.
3. The complication rate is dramatically lower.
4. The Aesthetic result is better as the laser is a much finer instrument and can be used to melt very small amounts of fat. This results in smoother results as compared with Liposuction which can often be lumpy.

For an independent analysis on this procedure please see : http://www.aalbs.com/pages/doctors_description.php

Effects :

The body can be sculpted to remove unwanted areas of fat. However this is not a fat reduction operation, it is a reshaping operation. Areas commonly addressed include :

Abdomen, Love Handles, Outer thighs, Inner thighs, Knees ,Buttocks, Neck/Double chin, Arms, Breasts Male and Female (size reduction) and area behind the breast (underarm), Upper arms and back fat.

Side Effects

Minor bruising after the procedure is common. There is usually some pain for 2-4 days after the procedure. Bleeding may occur however this is rare (1-2 per 100,000 operations).  Infection may occur (1-2 per 100,000 operations). Swelling is common after the procedure. In some individuals this  lasts 1-2 weeks and has been known uncommonly to last 2-3 months. There is a small incision for the laser – approx 3mm. Occasionally some lumpiness and uneveness in the fat can occur. Laser lipolysis is completely different from normal Liposuction which carries a high risk of bleeding, infection and fluid imbalance, and has had cases of death reported.

Cost : This will depend on the size of the areas and the extent of the fat deposition. These cost are all inclusive except for garment cost and post op medications.