What is Laser Lipolysis?

The laser lipolysis technique allows practitioners to eliminate fat pockets by directing laser light at the target area. A physician performs this operation by creating minimal incisions to place a delicate laser instrument beneath the skin surface. The laser system generates heat that dissolves fat cells into fragments which the body subsequently eliminates. The laser treatment triggers collagen production that leads to improved skin firmness and tightening results after the procedure. This method is gentler than traditional liposuction surgery, it uses smaller cuts and usually causes less trauma to surrounding tissue longevita.co.ukbcam.ac.uk. In simple terms, think of laser lipolysis as a laser “melting” fat in trouble spots, with the body then disposing of that fat over time.

How Does Laser Lipolysis Work?

During laser lipolysis, you will have local anaesthetic or mild sedation so you stay comfortable. The surgeon inserts a tiny optical fibre (a thin laser tube) into the targeted fat area ongevita.co.uk. The laser light is turned on, which heats the fat cells. This heat causes the fat cells to rupture and melt. The melted fat can then be gently suctioned out with the cannula tube or will drain away naturally via the body’s lymphatic system. The laser’s heat triggers the body to develop new collagen beneath the skin surface. The skin in the treated area becomes firmer and tighter because of the newly formed collagen which develops throughout the next several months. 

Who Is It For?

The procedure of laser lipolysis serves no purpose as a general weight loss method. People near their target weight with persistent fat pockets stand as the ideal candidates for this treatment.

Good candidates usually:

• Are in good overall health
• People who have limited fat accumulation in specific areas which do not respond to diet or exercise such as double chin or inner thigh or belly.
•  People who maintain a weight level that is within the normal range (normally a BMI below 30).
• Have fairly firm skin elasticity so the skin can tighten after the fat is removed

In other words, this treatment is for body contouring, not major slimming. The British College of Aesthetic Medicine emphasises that laser lipolysis is not for losing large amounts of weight bcam.ac.uk. The purpose of this treatment is to enhance body contours by eliminating remaining fat deposits. A medical professional will evaluate your eligibility for the procedure along with your health status before providing recommendations for the treatment.

Where Can It Be Used?

Laser lipolysis can be done on many common trouble spots. Doctors perform treatments on the cheeks and chin regions along with the neck and upper arms and abdominal area and hips and thighs and knees and ankles. According to one source laser lipolysis targets the cheeks and chin and neck and arms and abdomen and hips and thighs and knees and ankles. The treatment proves beneficial for shaping particular areas which regular exercise or dieting cannot completely remove.

Common treatment spots include:

• Face (cheeks & chin) – to reduce a double chin or chubby cheeks.
  
• Neck and jawline – for a smoother neck contour.
  
• Upper arms – to remove “bat wings” of fat.
  
• Abdomen (tummy) – to slim the waistline.
  
• Hips (flanks) – to trim the love-handle area.
  
• Thighs and knees – to slim inner or outer thighs.
  
• Lower legs and ankles – in rare cases, for small fat deposits.
  

Each patient’s needs are different, so the doctor will focus the laser on the precise spots that matter to you.

Who Performs Laser Lipolysis?

Laser lipolysis must be done by a qualified medical professional. In Britain, this is typically a plastic or cosmetic surgeon or a doctor specialised in laser treatments. It is not a procedure to have at a spa or by someone without surgery training. The British College of Aesthetic Medicine stresses seeing a properly qualified specialist for any laser fat removal.The UK cosmetic surgery guide recommends contacting experienced plastic surgeons when you plan to have laser fat removal. You need to select a doctor who holds board certification in plastic surgery or dermatology and who has received specific training for laser procedures. According to one source the selection of a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience guarantees that laser liposuction (lipolysis) remains safe. Before undergoing laser lipolysis you must check the surgeon’s credentials and request details about their experience to reduce potential risks.

Benefits and Risks

Benefits

Laser lipolysis presents shorter recovery time and reduced blood loss in comparison to traditional liposuction procedures. Studies demonstrate that laser liposuction results in reduced bleeding compared to traditional liposuction because the laser technique seals blood vessels throughout the procedure. Most patients experience a mild heat feeling during their treatment which proves to be highly tolerable. The procedure utilizes small incisions which result in minimal scarring while promoting faster healing. Through the heating process the skin becomes tighter thus enabling patients to achieve fat reduction and skin tightening during one treatment session. After the procedure people normally resume their regular activities within several days.

Risks/Side Effects

Every medical intervention carries certain disadvantages. Patients experience typical post-treatment redness and swelling along with bruising in the affected area which will gradually disappear throughout the following days. Short-term side effects from this procedure commonly include discomfort along with numbness and soreness. The heat generated during laser lipolysis creates a minimal possibility of skin burns and thermal injuries. The practitioner must maintain careful technique and sterile conditions to prevent any infections from occurring. A skilled surgeon must perform this treatment to achieve proper results. Realistic outcomes from this treatment will reduce fat and shape the area but it will not replace weight reduction through dieting or surgical procedures. Multiple sessions are sometimes needed for the best outcome. Patients should adhere to their post-operative instructions which include wearing compression garments because most treatment-related problems (such as redness and swelling) disappear within weeks.

Dr Tanja Phillips

Dr Tanja Phillips is a UK cosmetic surgeon who specialises in laser lipolysis. She uses the best laser tools with modern equipment to eliminate extra fat and also tightening loose skin. Dr Phillips has performed numerous successful procedures which her patients benefit from through her professional skills and modern medical equipment. Every patient at her clinic receives focused attention for both safety and distinct treatment outcomes. We offer top-quality laser lipolysis treatments through advanced equipment that delivers superior patient care and results.