The Skinny About Liposuction

Ever since the onset of tumescent liposuction, there have been a number of modifications of the procedure, attempting to produce better results or to speed up the procedure. These approaches include mechanically assisted liposuction, ultrasonic  assisted liposuction and, most recently, laser assisted liposuction.

We have had experience with mechanically assisted liposuction, and have been unimpressed. Although it makes the procedure easier on the physicians, it does not make the procedure any quicker.  Ultrasonic assisted liposuction has never become very popular, due to the relatively high incidence of reported complications. This approach uses ultrasound vibrations to break up the fat cells. Then this is followed by traditional liposuction to withdraw the fluid. one of the associated complications has been the formation of seromas, accumulations of fluid that have a tendency to recur.

Laser assisted liposuction has been the newest and most popular entry in this field. This has become an advertising catchphrase, probably because people believe there is something magic about lasers. The first and most popular of these devices has been the SmartLipo Laser. The claim was that, although the procedure was slower and took longer, it's advantage was that it produced additional skin tightening, above that usually seen in traditional liposuction. The manufacturer has never sponsored any studies to test this, and independent studies, reported at this meeting, showed no evidence of a skin tightening effect. This lack of evident benefit, accompanied by the risk of burns, should give one pause before undergoing this procedure.

There are those who believe that other laser wavelengths may be more effective, but even they admit that the vast majority of time they do traditional liposuction. They use the laser less than 10 % of the time, and then only for special circumstances.

When one considers risks versus benefits, it does not seem that laser assisted liposuction is a very good deal for the patient.

Gerald N. Bock MD

California Skin & Laser Center

Stockton & Lodi, CA

Comments

[San Diego Plastic Surgery]

That's an excellent overview of the latest in liposuction tools.

Clients (and sometimes surgeons) are susceptible to the high-tech solutions being marketed regardless of actual tested outcomes. Lasers seem especially glamorous for some reason. People tend to think of these as being "less invasive" even when they aren't. Great for cancer treatments and vision correction - not necessarily better for liposuction.

Thanks for posting this - it's very helpful.