November 16, 2023 3:29 pm

Discussing the Laser Liposuction Facts vs. Myths

There are a lot of myths surrounding the innovative procedure known as laser liposuction. This procedure is rife with a lot of misconceptions concerning its effectiveness, risks, advantages, and more. We will be going over some of the most common laser liposuction facts and myths, as well as a brief basic overview of the procedure and who might be a good candidate for it.

Laser Lipo

Laser lipolysis, also referred to as “laser lipo,” involves the application of a low-intensity laser. Lasers can generate singular-directional light and heat to a minimal area. In a laser lipo procedure, the technician will target your fat cells with the laser. The laser penetrates the skin, targets the fat cells, and then bores a hole into the cellular membrane of the adipocytes (fat cells). The laser not only bores a hole in the fat cell, but it also melts and emulsifies the lipids within the cell, allowing them to seep out of the hole made.

The body’s lymphatic system then naturally disposes of the lipids. Emerald Laser by Erchonia works differently from other laser lipolysis methods. Emerald’s system uses ten 532 nanometer lasers to target fat cells. This allows the fat cells to drain of lipids but remain intact and alive otherwise. Other laser systems will totally destroy the fat cell, often leading to fatty deposits accumulating in new, undesirable spots.

Additionally, Emerald Laser is relatively painless when compared to other laser systems. Most patients don’t feel anything at all. Laser lipolysis is not nearly as invasive as a surgical procedure, yet it targets body fat exclusively. This new, cutting-edge treatment has been thoroughly tested and developed. Laser lipolysis by Emerald Laser is the first FDA-approved laser lipolysis process.

Laser Liposuction Facts vs. Myths

Now that we have gone over precisely what the procedure is and what it entails, we’ll get into some common facts and myths about laser liposuction.

  • Myth: Laser lipo is a permanent fat-loss solution, and once you get it, you’re done.
  • Fact: Any procedure meant to reduce the amount of body fat you have is going to have its long-term success determined by your adherence to an appropriate diet and level of exercise.
  • Myth: Laser lipolysis has a recovery time you have to be relatively inactive for.
  • Fact: Laser lipolysis has virtually no recovery time at all.
  • Myth: Laser lipolysis is expensive.
  • Fact: Emerald Laser
  • Myth: Laser lipolysis is a risky procedure.
  • Fact: laser lipolysis is an extremely safe procedure performed under low-risk conditions by qualified professionals. Emerald Laser has the first FDA-approved laser lipolysis procedure for obese individuals.

The Permanence of Laser Lipolysis

One of the most common myths surrounding laser lipolysis is that the procedure is not, in fact, permanent and that individuals inevitably regain the fat that they lost through the procedure. This could not be further from the truth. Laser lipolysis permanently removes a significant amount of body fat through its cutting-edge process. However, many individuals retain bad dietary and exercise habits after their procedure, and so they regain the lost fat. This is not because the laser lipolysis procedure is not permanent, however. This results from the fat-gaining behavior the individual indulges in after their successful laser lipolysis procedure.

Maintaining good dietary and exercise habits to sustain the results of your laser lipolysis procedure cannot be understated. When you lose body fat, as you will with laser lipolysis, your metabolism adjusts, and your basal metabolic rate as well as total daily energy expenditure may change. Your basal metabolic rate, or BMR, is the amount of energy you expend just keeping all your organs functioning with no added activity. Your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) is the total amount of energy through BMR and the activity you expend each day. If you eat in a way that results in a caloric surplus (a calorie is a unit of energy) relative to your TDEE, then you will gain body fat. Thus, it is necessary to behave with regard to one’s dietary energy and activity levels in such a way as to maintain the body fat level post-laser lipolysis.

Laser Lipolysis Has a Long Recovery Time

This is another myth perpetuated by a misunderstanding of what laser lipolysis is. The most common reason for the myth that laser lipolysis has a long recovery time stems from the existence of another procedure called laser-assisted liposuction or just laser liposuction. The expression “laser lipo” is used to refer to this procedure as well, which is a surgical intervention to physically remove body fat with suction, guided by a laser. This procedure does have a significant recovery time, because it is a surgical procedure performed under anesthesia. Laser lipolysis, on the other hand, is not a surgical intervention, and it has literally zero downtime. You can usually waltz right out the door after your laser lipolysis procedure.

Laser Lipolysis Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about laser lipolysis.

Can laser lipolysis tighten loose skin?

While laser lipolysis can promote mild skin tightening due to collagen stimulation, it is not a substitute for surgical skin tightening procedures. Patients with significant skin laxity may require additional treatments such as a tummy tuck or a body lift to achieve the desired level of skin tightening.

How many sessions of laser lipolysis do I need?

The number of sessions required varies depending on the individual’s body and the treatment goals. In some cases, a single session may be sufficient to achieve the desired results, while others may require multiple sessions spaced several weeks apart for optimal outcomes.

Is laser lipolysis safe?

Laser lipolysis is considered a safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon. Like any medical procedure, it does carry some inherent risks, but serious complications are rare. Adhering to pre and post-operative instructions can significantly reduce the likelihood of adverse events and ensure a smooth recovery.

Is there any scarring after laser lipolysis?

Laser lipolysis is a minimally invasive procedure, and the incisions made for the cannula are small, resulting in minimal scarring. The incisions are strategically placed in inconspicuous areas to ensure that any scarring is well-hidden and fades over time.

Can laser lipolysis treat cellulite?

While laser lipolysis can improve the appearance of cellulite to some extent by smoothing the skin, it is not a specific treatment for cellulite. Cellulite is caused by the structural arrangement of fat beneath the skin and connective tissues, which is not directly addressed by laser lipolysis. However, some patients may experience some reduction in cellulite appearance as a secondary benefit of the procedure.

Is laser lipolysis safe for men?

Yes, laser lipolysis is equally effective and safe for both men and women. Men can benefit from laser lipolysis to target localized areas of fat and achieve a more sculpted appearance, such as reducing excess fat in the abdomen or love handles.

Is there an age limit for laser lipolysis?

There is no specific age limit for laser lipolysis. However, candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the results. A consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon will help determine if laser lipolysis is a suitable option based on individual health and medical history.

Are there any age restrictions for laser lipolysis?

There are no strict age restrictions for laser lipolysis. However, candidates should be in good overall health and have realistic expectations about the procedure’s results. A consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon will help determine if the procedure is suitable based on individual health and medical history.

Can I undergo laser lipolysis if I have a medical condition?

Patients with certain medical conditions may not be ideal candidates for laser lipolysis. It is essential to disclose all medical conditions and medications to the cosmetic surgeon during the consultation to ensure the procedure’s safety and appropriateness.

How long do I need to wait to see the final results?

The full results of laser lipolysis may take several weeks to months to become apparent, as the body gradually eliminates the treated fat cells and the skin adjusts to its new contours. The final outcome is influenced by the individual’s body’s healing process and adherence to post-procedural guidelines.

Emerald Laser

The leaders in laser lipolysis.