Liposuction: Laser Assisted Lipo Reconsidered

Since the original release of laser assisted liposuction machines, I have been a skeptic. I have regarded the claims as unverified and the procedure as one that added risk without providing a proven benefit. In fact, there have been burns associated with this procedure. The original device, the SmartLipo was initially underpowered and it used wavelength appears not to have been optimal. There were claims of skin tightening, but no documentation of this was produced. In fact the manufacturer discouraged studies that would have evaluated whether this occurred

Recently I attended a Sciton laser users meeting, with the intention of picking up some additional pointers pertaining to the Sciton lasers we currently have. During the meeting before and after photos were presented of patients who had been treated with this machine. Although I have been performing liposuction for over 20 years, I saw results that I had never been able to attain with traditional microcannula liposuction.  Although there are still no published results verifying the skin tightening reported with laser assisted liposuction, the cases presented were impressive enough to lead me to place an order for the Sciton ProLipo Plus. The ProLipo unit has a wavelength that is currently believed to be the most effective wavelength for fat, and the Sciton unit includes a unique safety device that continuously measures the tissue temperature at the tip of the cannula. This should significantly reduce the risk of burns. We are looking forward to being able to offer our liposuction patients even better results.

Gerald N. Bock

California Skin & Laser Center

Stockton & Lodi CA

Comments

[Texas breast reduction]

Laser liposuction is much easy, less time consuming and quite less painful than tumnescent or power assisted liposuction. Moreover it seems to have no side-effects and complications on-time as well as in future.

This comment contains considerable misinformation.
Laser liposuction is slower than traditional liposuction, and is not suitable for large areas. Skin burns are a known potential complication of laser liposuction. There is no evidence that laser liposuction is less painful, although good pain control can be obtained with al methods. Laser assisted lipo patients appear to have less discomfort post-operatively.
Br. Bock