Liposuction is a great way to lose fat quickly and safely. Most people take up this option when they find that they are unable to stick with diet programs long enough to make a difference and at the same time they need to improve upon the way they look. The latest in this field today is laser liposuction.
What Is Liposuction?
Before you learn about laser liposuction you need to understand the basics of this procedure. Liposuction is a method of removing fat from various parts of your body, such as the abdomen, thighs, neck, buttocks, etc. The fat is removed through aspiration with the help of a thin tube which is inserted under the skin through a two or three millimeter incision. Though it seems extremely simple, this is classified as surgery and there are times when serious complications do take place.
On the positive side, liposuction can provide you with an excellent way to lose fat with the least inconvenience. The success of the procedure however, is highly dependent upon how flexible your skin is. This is why this procedure is not recommended for those who are above a certain age, even if they were in the best of physical condition.
How Is Laser Liposuction Any Different?
Most people develop bruises post regular liposuction, which normally disappear after a few days. This is expected and not at all something that should be alarming, though it does shock most of the patients. This does not happen with laser liposuction because laser is used to blast the fat underneath the skin as opposed to saline used in the regular procedure to break the fat down.
The laser liposuction in this way is less painful, does not develop bruises which means less time needed for post-surgery recuperation and lastly, it is faster and much more thorough. There are fewer chances that there would be any scarring or real tissue damage when using laser.
A great plus point is that laser through the heat it generates, promotes the production of collagen which improves the elasticity of the skin. This is the reason why laser liposuction can be used on people who are past middle age, since the chance of the skin recovering and looking good post surgery are good.
Are There Any Limitations or Risks?
This procedure is recommended for small areas such as the face, neck, upper arms, etc. since there is a danger retaining fat fluid which could be a very serious health threat. Other than that, the laser option is indeed a great boon to all who want fast and excellent body sculpting results.
A lot of people do not really mind trading a little pain for beauty and that is why smart liposuction clinics are almost always fully booked these days. No, smart liposuction does not have permanent effects on the body but the good news is that once the fat is removed, it will be easier for you to manage your weight through diet and exercise. If you are really determined to stay fit and beautiful, undergo smart liposuction once and then work hard to maintain that lovely body.
Is Smart Liposuction Safe?
You may have heard some really scary stories about liposuction in the past. It cannot be denied that when liposuction was first introduced, there were reports of patients dying during the procedure. Fortunately, liposuction procedures have improved tremendously over the years that experts now say that the procedure is relatively harmless. Note that in the past, a liposuction procedure involves general anesthesia and a lot of incisions.
However, nowadays, doctors only uses local anesthesia on their patients and the procedure is no longer as invasive as before. In fact, people can go back to work and live normal lives a few days after a smart liposuction procedure. Yes, there are still some risks involved in the procedure but then again if you really want to have a beautiful body at the age of 40, you just have to endure the pain and discomfort and acknowledge the fact that body sculpting has its price.
Who Should Have Smart Liposuction?
Just because you have a lot of unflattering fat in different parts of your body does not mean that you are qualified for smart liposuction. Smart liposuction may be relatively harmless for healthy people but it can be quite fatal for those who are suffering from certain types of medical conditions. People who are on medication that affects the consistency of their blood and those who have history of excessive bleeding should never go through smart liposuction.
Failure of the blood to coagulate properly during a smart liposuction procedure can lead to a lot of problems. In fact, this condition may prove to be fatal for some people. Who then are good candidates for smart liposuction? To be a good candidate for smart liposuction, you should be in good physical condition. This means that your muscles should be well toned and you are not suffering from any ailments that compromised your immune system. Being young also give you better chances of getting good results.
Over the years liposuction procedures have evolved to be less invasive, less painful and less risky. All these things are good news for patients but you should still research whatever liposuction method you decide on very carefully. There are pros and cons to each method and different people are better suited to different methods depending on their health and body type and the distribution of fat on their bodies.
Whatever liposuction method you decide on, whether Soundwave liposuction or not, it is important to remember that this surgery is not meant to help you battle obesity or lose weight. Instead it is best used to help contour and sculpt your body. This is also an elective surgery and very few insurance companies will cover the costs.
How it Works
Soundwave liposuction is one of the newer liposuction procedures and involves the use of sound waves or ultrasonic energy to break up fat cells. Typically Soundwave liposuction involves filling the fat with tumescent fluid, a combination of saline and local anesthesia that has the effect of making the fat cells stiff.
This is almost similar to tumescent liposuction but instead of suctioning out the fat ultrasonic energy liquefies the fat cells and then suctioned out. This method may vary slightly and goes under different names but essentially they are all a form of Soundwave liposuction.
Ideal Candidates
Patients who have deposits of fat in certain areas are ideal for Soundwave liposuction. These fat deposits are usually impossible to get rid of even with proper nutrition and exercise. You may find that your parents or siblings have fat deposits in the same area, as these fat deposits are usually genetically determined. Soundwave liposuction is best used for body sculpting or contouring.
Dangers
In the past there were concerns of doctors burning patients and there are several complications that can arise from this procedure. However the technology has involved and there is a much higher success rate. When choosing a surgeon make sure not only that your surgeon is experienced and qualified but that they are qualified in performing this type of liposuction.
If you surgeon prefers or recommends another type of surgery for you it may not only be better for your body type but may also be the surgery that he is most comfortable doing. Talk to other patients who have had this surgery and learn about their experiences before going ahead with the surgery. Although it is considered a safe surgery you should find out all the risks you are undertaking before making up your mind.
Most people are aware of the liposuction procedure and what is involved with it, but few people are aware of the specialized liposuction procedure known as tumescent liposuction. This is a very common form of liposuction which is done under local anesthesia, and which involves the pumping of a solution of saline, lidocaine and epinephrine. During this technique the surgeon injects the solution into fatty areas on the body before the fat is removed.
Tumescent liposuction was developed by dermatologic surgeons decades ago, in the mid 1980s, however it did not truly come into popularity until recent years. The tumescent liposuction method uses smaller cannulae than that of any other type of liposuction which results in less bruising and bleeding.
The Benefits
There are a number of benefits that are offered by the tumescent liposuction procedure, especially over other liposuction treatments. Compared to other surgical methods it offers fewer skin irregularities, less bleeding, reduced bruising and a much faster recovery time.
The Risks
There are also certain risks and complications that are associated with tumescent liposuction, as with any other procedure. This includes skin irregularity, lumpiness, dimpling, loose skin, and infections. Although these risks are associated with the procedure it is important to realize that tumescent liposuction is a very safe procedure, one that typically comes with very few side effects.
Recovery Time
It usually takes about six weeks for any scars to begin to soften, but after this they will become so faint that they will be hardly be noticeable, if at all. You may feel temporary numbness in the treated area because the local anesthetic that was given to you before the procedure remains in the tissue for a day or two after the surgery.
You should also avoid any physical activity, at least for the first week after surgery, as this can cause strain on the treated area and result in causing problems. Most patients that go through this procedure are alert and able to function even immediately after the surgery, and do not experience any nausea or grogginess.
Liposuction can be a very beneficial procedure, one that can help shape your body and remove excess fat, leaving you with the body that you desire. It is also very inexpensive especially when compared to other procedures, thereby making it accessible to the average person. Just make sure that you find a surgeon who is qualified and experienced and who you feel comfortable with so that the procedure will go as smoothly as possible.
There are many types of liposuction procedures offered today which is a boon for all those who are looking for a safe and fast way to beautify themselves. You have the traditional or the tumescent liposuction which is recommended when the fatty area is large. Then you have the ultrasonic liposuction procedure which is best for those who want a fast and bruise-less recovery. Lastly, you have the laser liposuction for those who are a little past the age best recommended for this procedure.
The Ultrasonic Liposuction What You Always Wanted to Know
The ultrasonic liposuction is a procedure that uses ultrasound to break the fat layers where the tumescent type uses saline and laser liposuction uses laser beams. There are two types of ultrasonic liposuction one is internal and another external. When the fat is exposed to ultrasonic waves it is transformed into oil which is easily removed by suction through a thin tube.
The process followed by the ultrasonic liposuction is an improved version of the traditional method. As with the traditional liposuction, the ultrasonic process also requires that saline or other tumescent fluid is first injected in the fat deposit areas. As soon as the optimum tumescence is achieved, the ultrasonic waves are used to convert the fat into an oily emulsion which is then easily removed through the hollow canula inserted under the skin through a two-three millimeter opening.
The best application of the ultrasonic liposuction is that it can remove fat from difficult to handle areas such as hips, upper arms, under the chin, etc.
Risks and Possible Complications
Ultrasonic liposuction does look simple, but it is nonetheless surgery and therefore is open to all such risks that surgery entails. It could provoke sudden and unexplained hemorrhage; it could develop into an allergic reaction, it could have anesthesia side-effects, and so on. There have been cases where the patient died while having a liposuction done, though such incidents are few and far between.
Ensure that you thrash out all your fears and have all your doubts cleared before taking the decision to undergo this procedure. Find a doctor who is not only highly qualified but also experienced since this is a new technique and requires a certain amount of dexterity. Besides, it would be good to know that your to-be surgeon has done many such procedures before.
Do not be afraid to ask questions until you find all the answers you want or to back out if you find the doctor is not up to your liking. Go for it only when you feel 100 percent safe and sure about it.
Any discussion about SmartLipo laser liposuction would be incomplete if it didn’t include something about the dual wavelength and revolutionary SmartLipo MPX. Indeed, this laser body sculpting workstation has taken SmartLipo treatments to a more advanced level. It improves on the benefits that have been associated with the original SmartLipo treatments such as tautened skin tissues, speed, safety, efficiency, and decreased downtime.
SmartLipo with the SmartLipo MPX smoothly tackles stubborn, pesky fat in the upper arms, waist, chin, thighs, knees and several other areas of the body. Both men and women stand to gain from a reduction in fat and a great body contour.
Multiplex Technology for Greater Patient Safety
An important highlight of the SmartLipo MPX is its use of Multiplex technology patented by Cynosure. MultiPlex technology facilitates a blending of the benefits of two wavelengths (1320 nm and 1064 nm) in a single laser output. The wavelengths are emitted sequentially or individually. The target skin temperature is achieved by gradual heating of the skin, a technique which is safe for the patient. The combination of wavelengths makes possible a smoother release of the laser energy. The outcome of the SmartLipo MPX laser liposuction is a remodeling of the collagen, causing skin tightening and fat liquefaction.
Benefit from Minimally Invasive SmartLipo MPX
SmartLipo MPX induced lipolysis is FDA approved and minimally invasive. When compared to traditional liposuction, it causes a reduced degree of bleeding, bruising, and swelling. It minimizes the time needed for treatment as it helps doctors target more surface area than was previously possible.
With the arrival of the SmartLipo MPX, long gone are the days when a visit to the operating theatre or day-hospital was necessary for a liposuction treatment. SmartLipo can be done in the convenience of a practitioner’s office.
New York City Laser Liposuction – Park Avenue SmartLipo, staffed by Manhattan plastic surgeons with years of experience, offers fast and safe SmartLipo procedures under local anesthesia at our accredited outpatient surgical facility in Manhattan, New York City.
Dr. Christopher T. Chia is the Surgical Director of Park Avenue SmartLipo, the only certified SmartLipo training facility in New York City. As former Program Director of the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Fellowship at the Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital, Dr. Christopher T. Chia was involved in teaching aesthetic surgery to future leaders in plastic surgery.
Laser Liposuction Corrects Post Liposuction Bumps, Lumps and Skin Irregularities
Non laser liposuction is the most commonly performed plastic surgery procedure in the world. Yet as many as 20% of people who have had this surgery have skin irregularities, lumps, bumps and wavy line on the skin after non laser liposuction. Many more people complain of loose skin after non laser liposuction. The new laser liposuction accomplishes fat removal but also leaves the skin smooth without the lumps, bumps, wavy lines, and skin irregularities called contour deformities. This new laser liposuction technology is a revolutionary advance in plastic surgery and particularly is the area of liposculpting and body contouring. The new laser liposuction allows the plastic surgeon to melt and remove fat, tighten skin and really accurately achieve body shaping and body contouring and leave smooth tight skin in almost any body area for the first time.
What causes lumps, bumps and skin irregularities?
The traditional operation removes fat by creating high pressure suction within a metal tube called cannulas, which is inserted beneath the skin to suction or vacuum the fat out from beneath the skin. This is a rather traumatic process as the fat is essentially avulsed or ripped out from its location beneath the skin. It is also a “blind procedure”, that is the surgeon cannot accurately see exactly where the fat has been removed because the procedure is being done beneath the skin and not under direct vision. It is therefore, easy for areas of fat to be missed or left behind after the suction process. These areas of fat left behind appears as lumps or bumps, contour deformities after the patient has healed form the procedure, usually between 6 weeks and 3 months.
Skin depressions and wavy lines, the other contour deformity occur because the suction tube or cannula is placed too close to the underside of the skin and suctions or pulls fat out that should be left behind to make the skin stay smooth looking. Surgeons always try to leave ½ inch of fat beneath the skin to make the skin surface uniformly smooth. However when the suction tube, cannula, gets too close to the underside of the skin, this important superficial fat layer is removed and a divot, depression or wavy line on the skin can occur. In summary, contour deformities are caused by:
· Irregular, inconsistent fat removal beneath the skin
· Fat removal too close to the underside of the skin
· Loss of superficial skin smoothing fat layer
How does laser liposuction avoid contour deformities?
Laser liposuction is done very differently. A tiny laser fiber is placed beneath the skin and used to melt the fat into a thin liquid before any suctioning is done. As the procedure advances and the fat is liquefied, it is very easy to pass the fiber into all of the deep fat areas, so it is less likely that the surgeon will miss or leave behind any areas of fat that could become contour deformities.
The heat generated during fat dissolving also tightens the skin so that loose skin will not be left after the fat has been removed.
Because the fat has been dissolved into a thin liquid, removal is much easier and less traumatic than with the older technique. Tiny 2mm and 3 mm cannulas, suction tubes, can be used to gently aspirate or suction the liquefied fat out. Fat is not pulled or ripped out in chunks as is done with older suction techniques.
This makes it much less likely that that the suction tube or cannula will be forced too close to the undersurface of the skin and create a skin depression, divot, wavy line or deformity after fat removal is completed. In my experience during the past year I have not had one contour deformity following this new procedure. In summary this new technique avoids loose skin and contour deformities by:
· Liquefying fat before suction
· Use of tiny instruments
· Gentle technique
· Tightening of skin
How does this new technique correct old contour deformities from previous surgery?
The tiny fiber that is placed beneath the skin has a red blinking light which is visible through the skin. Because of this for the first time the surgeon can actually see exactly where he is operating in the fat beneath the skin. Using this technique I use the fiber to only treat and liquefy fat in the areas of lumps and bumps and contour irregularities. This allows me to remove the lumps and bumps and level the skin to the same level as the other areas surrounding the deformity.
In addition, I use the fiber to treat, smooth and tighten all of the surrounding skin to create a uniform appearance to the entire skin surface. My result so far treating post operative skin deformities have been truly stunning. My patients have been “thrilled” with the improvement. See before and after pictures of laser lipo to correct lumps and skin deformities caused by previous old time liposuction in my patient below:
If you are considering fat removal, body contouring, body sculpture or liposculpture you really need to learn more about the new modern technology. There are many different machines and technologies and some work better than others. You need to be an informed consumer so that you will end up being a happy and satisfied patient.
See before and after pictures of laser liposuction results. Read our free newsletter to learn about new non-surgical and surgical methods for face and body rejuvenation.
Tips to Pick the Right Doctor for Liposuction Surgery
Liposuction surgery may not be as life-threatening like other health and medical surgeries but it does have its risks and it can develop complications. Most of the time, your choice of a doctor to perform the procedure is the key to a safe and effective procedure. Here are some things that you should know about liposuction doctors.
Who and Where
Liposuction surgery may be performed in the hospital. Doctors however are also allowed to conduct it in a clinic, in a surgery center or in the outpatient section of the hospital. Most liposuction procedures are conducted by dermatologists or surgeons but the truth is, any doctor can conduct liposuction surgery. There are no special requirements or trainings required by law for this kind of surgery. This means that the effectiveness and your experience of the procedure will depend on your doctor’s ability.
The Doctor’s Role
Your doctor’s role should not be limited to being the one who suctions your fats. More than anything and anyone, your doctor should also be the first person to assess you and your liposuction surgery. Your doctor should assess your medical history and your present state of health. He should also take a closer look at the extent of the condition of your fat deposits and the condition of your skin. Most of all, your doctor should be able to determine the best liposuction surgery technique for your unique condition. In other words, your doctor has the responsibility for determining your fitness as a candidate, the fitness and safety of a procedure and the appropriateness of emergency precautions and procedures.
The Dangers of Having the Wrong Doctor
As mentioned, a liposuction surgery may not pose the same life-threatening dangers as other, more serious medical surgeries but it does have its risks and dangers. You could however, be the rare one in a million casualty in the hands of an incompetent doctor. Accidents such as excessive bleeding, organ punctures, tissue injury and chemical toxicity could happen.
How to Pick the Right Doctor
Here below are some tips and advise in selecting the right doctor to conduct your liposuction surgery procedure:
- Cleanliness of the clinic or environment where the doctor performs your liposuction surgery should be one criteria in choosing the right surgeon. A reputable doctor will not be afraid to give you a tour of the facilities as well as give explanations about the equipment for the procedure. His clinic should also be near emergency medical facilities in case of an accident. If you are not sure about your doctor, look for a doctor in a reputable hospital or medical facility.
-Make your own basic research about liposuction. Although you may never be as good as your doctor in understanding the procedure, your knowledge may be able to help you formulate the right questions for your doctor to answer.
- Do not just pick the first doctor you come across. Scout or interview several doctors before choosing the best one. It would be better if you could actually get several recommendations from qualified individuals you can trust. Your general practitioner for example may have a good idea where to find the best doctors in the field of liposuction surgery.
- Ask around about the doctor’s history and qualifications. Although any doctor may perform liposuction surgery, common sense should tell you that it is best to go for a licensed surgeon. He should at least be a graduate of an accredited medical school and is certified by organizations for surgeons. It is also better if he has had some special training in liposuction.