If you are like most people, then you have probably dreamed of having removed the accumulated fat that you can’t get rid of with diet and exercise. Or at least you have wished you could take that fat and use it to get fullness or curves in another part of your body.
Now, all of these have been possible to achieve for some years with liposuction and fat transfer. But as many new techniques arrive on the market, you may wonder about the differences among them, and which one is best suited for you to make that dream come true.
That is why, in this article, we’ll explain two of the most common types of lipos; the traditional one and the laser-assisted lipolysis. We will define both procedures and break down their differences. By the end of this article you will understand why laser lipolysis is the procedure recommended by BetterMe.
What are the differences between traditional liposuction and laser lipo?
Liposuction is an aesthetic procedure that removes fat and contours the body. Since the late ’70s, when it was initially developed, doctors from around the world have come out with several techniques to perform liposuction, and what we now call ‘traditional lipo’ was once a revolutionary technique.[9]
Lipo was originally a ‘dry’ procedure, which is why the usage of tumescent fluid changed the game for surgeons. This drug provides anesthesia and analgesia, making the tissue bloated and fat suction easier[9]. The result is painless and relatively bloodless liposuction.[10]
But a lot has happened since the ’80s, and the introduction of fluid was just the start. Doctors having experimented with new equipment, technology, and techniques, leading to innovative ways of proceeding, nevertheless, tumescent liposuction is still a popular one.
On the other hand, the use of lasers in cosmetic health has gained a lot of traction as it brings up many benefits, one of the most obvious being the dramatic reduction of incisions on the surgeries. In matters of liposuction, this technology vaporizes, melts tissues, and coagulates the blood vessels, while it stimulates the production of collagen, enhances skin elasticity, and helps the skin in the area contract easier.[4]
Traditional liposuction vs. laser lipolysis
With both procedures capable of removing stubborn fat virtually head to toe, you may be wondering whether traditional lipo or laser-assisted liposuction is the most appropriate option for you. But although they fulfill the same purpose, laser lipolysis has been proven to be much more efficient. It carries fewer risks and provides new and greater benefits.
Anesthesia:
Traditional liposuction often requires general anesthesia while laser-assisted lipo can be performed using local anesthesia and sedation only (obviously, according to the recommendations of the anesthesiologist after the pre-consultation), drastically minimizing perioperative risks and recovery time.
Incisions:
The incisions used in laser lipo are typically smaller than traditional liposuction incisions. This happens because fat cells are dislodged using laser energy, which makes them much easier to remove.[7]
Blood loss:
Laser lipolysis uses ultrasound technology to guide the aspiration of diluted fat, which results in a weaker and less traumatic suction. This technique reduces blood loss by 50% compared with traditional liposuction. [5]
Recovery time:
With less postoperative swelling, no general anesthesia required, and a very efficient procedure, patients who undergo laser liposuction enjoy a comfortable recovery of about 15 days and return to work immediately. Those who choose traditional liposuction, on the contrary, spend between three weeks to one month recovering and return to work after around one week.[3]
Assessment of results:
Both show improvements after 6 months, but as soon edemas disappear, results can be seen 15 days to 1 month after a traditional lipo, and 3 months after laser lipolysis.[3]
In a few words, we can conclude that Laser-assisted liposuction is a more efficient procedure. Especially if we take into account the risk-benefit balance and its effects on a long-term basis. That is why at BetterMe we constantly look for expert surgeons and cutting-edge technology who perform laser lipolysis.
If you are planning on saying goodbye to your unwanted fat with a competent, low-invasive procedure, contact us and we’ll help your dreams come true.
[2] BetterME. (2021, 24 diciembre). Laser liposuction – BetterME. BetterME. Recuperado 27 de diciembre de 2021, de https://bettermegroup.com/laser-liposuction/
[3]Top Doctors. (2017, 8 noviembre). Laser lipo vs liposuction: what are the advantages? Recuperado 30 de diciembre de 2021, de https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-articles/laser-lipo-vs-liposuction-what-are-the-advantages#
[4] Mordon, S., & Plot, E. (2009b). Laser lipolysis versus traditional liposuction for fat removal. Expert Review of Medical Devices, 6(6), 677–688. https://doi.org/10.1586/erd.09.50
[5] Abdelaal, M. M., & Aboelatta, Y. A. (2014). Comparison of Blood Loss in Laser Lipolysis vs Traditional Liposuction. Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 34(6), 907–912. https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820×14536904
[6] Palm, M. D., & Goldman, M. P. (2009). Laser Lipolysis: Current Practices. Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 28(4), 212–219. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sder.2009.10.002
[7] SMS Journal. (2019). Laser Lipolysis: Current Practices –. SCMSJournal.Com. Recuperado 30 de diciembre de 2021, de https://www.scmsjournal.com/article/buy_now/?id=223
[8] Mordon, S., & Plot, E. (2009c). Laser lipolysis versus traditional liposuction for fat removal. Expert Review of Medical Devices, 6(6), 677–688. https://doi.org/10.1586/erd.09.50
[9] Venkataram, J. (2008). Tumescent liposuction: A review. Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, 1(2), 49. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-2077.44159
[10] Sarkar, A., & Chatterjee, S. (2011). A simple method of injecting tumescent fluid for liposuction. Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery, 44(3), 498. https://doi.org/10.4103/0970-0358.90837