Laser Liposuction Risks

Liposuction, also known as lipoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery for removal of excess fats from certain parts of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, arms and neck. This procedure is useful for getting rid of accumulated fats that are difficult to burn by exercising or dieting. Based on the methodology followed, there are different liposuction procedures such as traditional, wet, tumescent, ultrasound and laser type.

In the traditional or basic method, the physician uses a device called cannula for sucking fats from underneath the skin. The major complication of basic liposuction are excessive bleeding, swelling and inflammation. Likewise each of the liposuction types has its own pros and cons. As of date, laser liposuction is the latest procedure and promises to have certain positive effects in comparison to the traditional method. However, similar to any other surgical procedure, there are certain laser liposuction risks.

Laser Liposuction Procedure

In a laser liposuction procedure, a very small fiber tube (cannula) with sophisticated lasers are used for removing accumulated fats. Since the tube used over here is very small, there is less bruising and and little or no blood loss. The candidate is first given a local anesthesia (not general like the traditional method), after which a small incision is made in the specific body location for insertion of a laser filled tube (1 mm diameter). The excess fat is liquefied by using laser heat, which is then squeezed out through incisions or suctioned out with the help of a tube. This is the way a laser liposuction procedure is performed.

Laser Liposuction Risks

The advantage of laser liposuction is less bruising and a quick recovery period. Most people after undergoing laser liposuction are able to resume normal work within 2 days after the surgical procedure. The physician may prescribe you to wear liposuction compression garments for fast recovery and tightening loose skin. With laser liposuction, fat removal by up to 8 lbs is considered safe. Speaking about the risks of laser liposuction, the following is a list of the commonly reported side effects manifested after the procedure:

Asymmetrical Results
One of the laser liposuction dangers is asymmetrical results, which is caused due to irregular fat removal and taking out fat from areas very near to the skin. Such a complication is observed in a very few candidates of laser liposuction.

Bleeding and Infection
Although bleeding and infection is rare in the laser liposuction recovery period, they may occur in some cases. In order to minimize infection, the incision areas should be cleaned regularly and kept dry. Follow the surgeon's advice to keep the areas free of infection.

Skin Problem
Since the method is minimally invasive, there are no serious dangers of laser liposuction. However, application of laser energy can rarely cause thermal injury (skin burns) and skin damage. To avoid such complications, getting the procedure done by a reputed doctor is the ultimate choice.

Scarring
As the incisions are small in laser liposuction, there is no need for sutures and stitchings. However, the body areas where the incisions are made may develop small scars (about the size of a mole). Take suggestions from the physician for effective ways to get rid of the scars. Read more on liposuction recovery.

For more information on liposuction, refer to:

• A Laymans Guide to Liposuction
• Liposuction for Men

Though it is usual to have some laser liposuction side effects, approaching a qualified surgeon who has previous experiences will greatly help in minimizing the risks. On the safer side, gather information in terms of the laser liposuction risks and positive effects, compare them and decide whether it is the right procedure for you or not. In case of any doubts, you can always seek advice from your concerned physician before and after undergoing laser liposuction.