Laser Lipolysis

Laser Lipolysis Background

After puberty, fat cells (adipocytes) remain constant in number and change their size and volume according to the lipid (fat) content the body decides to store. Sometimes this fat assumes abnormal proportions in well-defined areas, such as under the chin, upper arms, thighs, hips and waist - even when your body weight is normal for your height. Attempts to reduce these localised fat deposits by diet or exercise alone are often unsuccessful.

Over the years, a variety of surgical interventions have been used to remove localised fat deposits including suction-assisted lipoplasty, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, and power-assisted liposuction. Although these procedures can be effective in reducing relatively large fat deposits, they do result in a lot of bruising and swelling in the treated area, requiring several days to recover; and they can cause some permanent numbness of the skin due to nerve damage. In addition, smaller localised areas of fat deposits can be more difficult to treat with conventional liposuction techniques.

What is Laser Lipolysis and how does it work?

The procedure is performed by introducing a fine fibre-optic probe under the skin which delivers low-level laser energy - this selectively breaks up fat cells (a process known as lipolysis) transforming them into an oily substance that is absorbed and eliminated by the body in a natural manner over the following weeks. In general, no fat is aspirated or “sucked out” of the body, (which helps to avoid the damage to blood vessels and nerve endings often associated with liposuction), however it has been noted that in some cases it can be more beneficial to the speed and results of the treatment for suction to be used. In addition, the low level laser energy helps to stimulate collagen production in the skin resulting in skin tightening.

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Laser Lipolysis Procedure Information

What happens during the treatment and how long will it take to recover?

Careful discussions regarding your reasons for wanting treatment are very important before you begin the treatment. You must also make sure that this treatment can deliver what you want and how you would like to look afterwards. Your practitioner should be able to answer all these questions.

A medical history should also be taken to make sure that there are no reasons why you shouldn’t undertake treatment. You may be asked to read detailed information and sign a consent form which means that you have understood the potential benefits and risks associated with the procedure.

Photographs may also be taken by the practitioner for a "before and after" comparison at a later date.

Anaesthesia

A local anaesthesia will be used in the area to be treated before commencing; therefore you will remain comfortable and awake throughout the procedure.

The procedure

A very thin cannula (1mm wide hollow metal tube) is pushed through a small incision in the skin. The laser probe is introduced into the cannula and laser light is then pulsed into the fatty tissue where the fat cells are transformed into an oily sludge-like substance or "debris” which is eventually eliminated by the body. Increasingly practitioners are offering aspiration or suction of the released fat after the laser lipolysis procedure to speed up and enhance results achieved with this procedure.

Repeat Treatments

More often than not, one treatment session per area is considered to be enough, however it all depends on the amount of fat to be removed, and if it is felt that the final result (after 4 – 6 months) needs improving on or not.

On average a total of 500mls (about the size of a can of coke) can be realistically removed in one treatment session.

Recovery time

You may be required to rest in a room afterwards for an hour or so following treatment, but normal activities can usually be resumed the following day.

It is best to avoid vigorous physical activity or sports for one to two weeks after this procedure.

Results

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Laser Lipolysis Risks

Does it hurt and what could go wrong?

The actual procedure is generally well tolerated, due to the local anaesthesia. You may feel a tugging sensation during treatment but should not feel pain.

What should you do after the procedure?

It is very important that you follow the advice of your practitioner carefully after any Laser Lipolysis treatment to help to ensure the success of the procedure and reduce the risk of complications.

Post-treatment recommendations may include:

• avoid vigorous physical activity or sports for one to two weeks afterwards,
• keep the compression bandage/clothing supplied on for the advised period - usually 24 – 48 hours for treatments on the face and under the chin, and 7 -10 days in other areas.
• take the short course of antibiotics that has been prescribed for 5 days,
• keep the area clean and dry for 2 – 3 days following treatment,
• avoid alcohol consumption for 12 hours following the procedure,
• gentle massage or treatment is allowable after 10 -12 days,
• avoid vigorous massage in the treated area for 4 - 5 months,
• contact your practitioner immediately if you notice any signs of infection or if you experience heavy bleeding or a sudden increase in pain. 

Who should not undergo this procedure?

Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are not suitable candidates.

Laser Lipolysis is not a cure for obesity. If you are generally healthy and not obese, Laser Lipolysis could help you to re-contour your body with minimal risk. The procedure works best on small areas such as the chin, “love handles”, “saddle bags”, knees, inner thighs, calves etc.

As Laser Lipolysis generally removes no more than 500mls of fat (around the size of a coke can) in each treatment session, it is important that you are realistic as to what can be achieved using this procedure.

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Laser Lipolysis Before and After Images

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Laser Lipolysis Who Can Do It

What sort of practitioner can perform this treatment?

Only suitably trained and qualified doctors and surgeons should perform a Laser Lipolysis procedure.

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Laser Lipolysis Summary

Summary

Laser Lipolysis is not a treatment for obesity – it is designed for the reduction of stubborn areas of fat in conjunction with skin tightening in people who are a normal body weight.

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Laser Lipolysis Cost

Cost of treatment

You will not be able to access this treatment via the National Health Service (NHS).

Private costs for Laser Lipolysis treatment depends on the size of the area(s) being treated, and the number of areas that you have done in one treatment session, and can range from £1,500 – £4,500.

Typically one area of the body, such as the chin, the upper arms (bingo wings), the knees or the thighs will cost between £1,500 and £2,000.

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