What is Laser Lipo?

By WLR's Site Manager, Laurence Beeken

Laser lipo is a new cosmetic procedure to remove body fat, claimed to be as effective as traditional liposuction without a hospital stay.

The laser lipo suction technique uses lasers to break up fat before its removal from the body, reducing the need for harsh suction. There are two types of laser liposuction, internal and external.

• External liposuction uses a laser (in the form of a pen or pad) outside the patient’s body before the surgery begins.
• Internal laser liposuction uses a laser attached to the suction device or the end of a fibre-optic probe which is inserted into the area to be treated.

What Does Lipo Laser Surgery Cost?

Because liposuction is usually used to improve your appearance rather than your health, it is not normally available on the NHS. It may be available if used as part of reconstructive surgery or to treat certain conditions.

Prices of laser liposuction will depend on the amount of body fat you intend to have removed. The larger the area you wish to have treated, the more expensive the liposuction will be. 

Expect to pay around £2300 per area, although many clinics offer discounts if more than one area requires treatment. Prices will be dependent on the reputation of the clinic and surgeon carrying out the procedure and whether any hospitalization is required.

Does Lipo Laser Surgery Work?

While your appearance will be altered initially, cosmetic surgery is not an alternative to maintaining a healthy diet and exercising.

It is important to be aware that while lipo laser may be able to change the shape of your body, it cannot address lifestyle issues. In addition it will not reduce the appearance of cellulite or stretch marks. As with all surgical procedures, there are also several risks and complications involved, including infection, blood clots, and scarring.

It is far better to make long term lifestyle changes and lose weight though eating less and moving more.

What Are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Laser Lipo over Ordinary Liposuction?

Pros:

• Available privately, you don’t have to wait long.
• Reduced bruising (possibly)
• Quicker recovery (possibly)

That’s about it…

Cons:

• Private surgery means that the skills and qualifications of the person carrying out the surgery will vary
• Expensive
• Risk of Burns
• Allergic reaction to medications or material used during surgery
• Infection
• Damage to the skin and surrounding tissues
• Skin necrosis (dead skin)
• Puncture of an internal organ
• The skin may look bumpy and/or withered
• Fluid imbalance

What Types of Operations Are Available?

• Vaser Lipo employs ultrasonic technology rather than lasers and can be targeted on a specific area. It claims not to damage other tissue.
• Smart Lipo suction removes smaller amounts of fat without the need to be sedated. Lasers are used internally to limit the recovery time.
• Ultrasonic Lipo uses concentrated sound waves to break down fat.

What Are the Considerations Before Lipo Laser Surgery?

• You must usually be over 18 and in good general health.
• You should have an ongoing diet and exercise regime.
• Fat must be in certain specific body areas.
• Older people may find skin stays saggy.

NHS Choices recommends that if you decide to have liposuction or other weight loss surgery, you should ensure that your surgeon has been trained in both general and plastic surgery.

Surgeons who are trained in general surgery should have FRCS (Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons) after their name. Surgeons who are also considered to be suitably trained in plastic surgery are listed on the Specialist Register of Plastic Surgeons, which is kept by the General Medical Council (GMC).

All plastic surgeons who are members of The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) are also listed on the Specialist Register of Plastic Surgeons. You can find out whether or not a surgeon is on the Specialist register by calling the GMC on 0161 923 6602

Take a look at our weight loss surgery Q & A