Getting To Know Laser Liposuction

Just recently, the FDA approved the latest technology called laser liposuction as a method for removing fat in specific areas of the body. It seems that people no longer need to stick to the option of traditional liposuction. There is however, still a lot that we need to know about laser liposuction.

What is Laser Liposuction?

Laser liposuction is a minimally invasive procedure that causes little bruising or tissue trauma in patients. In this procedure, a very small incision is made into which a 1mm cannula is then inserted. The laser tip of the instrument then comes into contact with the fats, heats the fats up and breaks them down. The melted fat can then be removed from the body immediately.

Fats that are not removed can be flushed out by the body through the lymphatic system. Laser intensity is low and can be adjusted as needed. A local anesthetic is all that is needed for laser liposuction.

Its Use

Like other liposuction procedures, laser liposuction can only work on specific areas of the body. Although some may claim that laser liposuction can work wonders on all parts of your body, it can only really work on limited areas. Only smaller areas like the face, neck and arms can be subjected to this laser treatment.

Laser liposuction is similar to traditional liposuction in that it is also a form of a body sculpting procedure. It is therefore not a solution for obesity and cannot be used for weight loss. The appropriate candidates for this new technology are people who are fairly healthy and who have only small fat deposits.

Advantages

Since the procedure is minimally invasive, there is less swelling, bruising, scarring, tissue damage and pain. The incision is said to be so small that a patient no longer needs to be stitched up. This means that the rate of recovery is faster. Patients can get back on their feet in a day or two.

Another advantage of laser liposuction is that it promotes collagen production and tightens the skin aside from merely melting body fats. This is a great improvement compared to traditional liposuction. In traditional liposuction, some patients end up looking worse because of a lack of ideal skin elasticity. Some doctors may use laser liposuction after sessions of traditional liposuction to help tighten the skin.

Disadvantages

Not all areas of the body can be subjected to laser liposuction. Traditional liposuction may still be needed for wider body areas such as the hips and thighs. It is also still a very young piece of technology. Experts agree that more studies need to be conducted to determine the possible negative side effects of this procedure.

A more serious concern that especially deserves more attention in laser liposuction is also the probable negative effects of having more fat fluid being retained in the body. Of course, the FDA would not approve something that could be potentially dangerous. It is a fact though that the full long term side effects of the procedure cannot be determined yet until it has been in use for quite some time. Be on the safe side by asking your doctor to extensively discuss the procedure with you.

July 24 2009 | Liposuction | No Comments »

Look Your Best With A Neck Liposuction

Only specific localized fats in different areas are qualified for liposuction. Aside from common liposuction areas like your hips, thighs and abdomen, you can also ask your doctor to perform a neck liposuction. What does this procedure involve?

What It's For

Our face is the first thing that people notice about us. Your neck however also becomes a point for observation because of its closeness to the face. When we reach ages above thirty, we often notice changes in this part of our bodies. Sometimes even exercise and diet will not be able to reduce the fatty thickening of the neck. You may therefore choose to simply cover up with special clothes and accessories to hide your neck of your can choose to undergo neck liposuction. A good neck liposuction procedure will be able to fix your double chin problem.

Consultation

During the consultation the surgeon would want to know what you would like to achieve through neck liposuction. A surgeon would then typically explain what will happen during the procedure and whether your expectations are realistic. You should also make sure to ask about possible risks involved in the procedure.

Just as in any liposuction procedure, your doctor should first assess your fitness as a candidate for neck liposuction. Age, skin elasticity, emotional stability and physical health are crucial factors in determining your eligibility for neck liposuction. Older people with sagging skin, people with poor skin elasticity and those with serious diseases or medical conditions may not be good candidates for this procedure.

Liposuction Procedure

In the neck liposuction procedure, incision marks will be made by your surgeon either behind the ear lobes or under the chin. A cannula will then be inserted and will suck out the excess fat through a tube and vacuum pump. To reduce fluid loss and reduction an intravenous line will supply you with sufficient fluids. During the procedure your surgeon may give you local anesthesia paired with a sedative or general anesthesia depending on your condition and preference. The neck liposuction procedure may last for an hour.

What to Expect After

As with all other types of liposuction, there will be some bruising, numbness, bleeding, swelling and pain after neck liposuction. You may be taken in only as an outpatient though and will be allowed to go home after a few hours. You may actually have a sore neck for several weeks and you may be required to wear a neck compressor for a few weeks as you recuperate.

Once your neck liposuction is healed, you may notice excess skin and skin sagging. This is especially true among people with poor skin elasticity. The procedure can do nothing to improve poor skin quality and muscle tone. To prevent unsightly sagging from developing, you should discuss with your surgeon the possibility of combining neck liposuction with a neck lift to remove possible excess skin after the procedure. A combination procedure may be more expensive but it can improve the appearance of firmness of your neck.

It is always best to ask your doctor about the probable chances of getting a slimmer, more improved neck before liposuction. If you suspect that your skin is no longer elastic then it may be a better idea to stay away from the procedure altogether.

July 16 2009 | Liposuction | No Comments »