Are you considering lipo laser for targeted fat reduction without the invasiveness of traditional liposuction? Lipo laser is a minimally invasive technology designed to reduce stubborn fat pockets and contour the body with fewer risks and downtime. In this guide, we explore how it works, who the ideal candidates for laser are, and what you can realistically expect from the procedure.
Key takeaways
- Lipo laser is a non-invasive fat reduction technique that uses laser energy to break down and remove fat cells, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional liposuction with less downtime.
- The ideal candidates for lipo laser are individuals within 30 percent of their target weight who have localized fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise, with immediate results that improve over several months.
- The cost of lipo laser treatments varies based on factors like the doctor’s expertise, the number of sessions needed, and the size of the area being treated, but side effects are rare and generally mild.
Understanding lipo laser
Laser lipo work, also known as laser lipolysis, involves:
- Applying low-level laser energy to the skin’s surface.
- Penetrating the underlying fat cells.
- Triggering the release of fatty acids and glycerol.
- Causing the cells to shrink and destroy fat cells.
- Naturally expelling the excess fat from the body.
This is a stark contrast to traditional liposuction, which requires physical manipulation removing fat, and suction of fat using a cannula, whereas body sculpting offers a less invasive approach.
As a result, the laser lipo procedure is a minimally invasive procedure, and laser lipolysis results in less downtime.
Minimally invasive laser lipolysis vs. non-invasive lipo laser
Notably, there’s a difference between minimally invasive laser liposuction, also known as laser-assisted liposuction, and non-invasive laser lipo, which is a form of nonsurgical fat reduction. The former requires tiny skin incisions to access the fat, while the latter, non-invasive laser lipo, operates entirely externally, with a laser applicator placed on top of the skin, eliminating the need for any small incisions. Noninvasive laser lipolysis is another term for this procedure.
Ideal candidates for lipo laser
Individuals who are within 30 percent of their ideal body weight, enjoy overall good health, and struggle with stubborn problem areas that resist diet and exercise, make the best candidates for lipo laser. Pregnant women, however, are advised against this procedure until after childbirth and natural recovery.
The lipo laser treatment: What to expect
The lipo laser treatment typically takes 30-60 minutes per session, depending on the area being treated. During the safe procedure, you will lie down while a technician will move a handheld device over your skin in circular motions. You may feel a mild warming sensation during the healing process but it should not be painful.
Often, the results are noticeable immediately and become even more evident once any post-procedure bruising and swelling have subsided. Over the course of a few months, you’ll notice a significant reduction in the size of the treated areas, giving you a slimmer, more contoured figure.
Treating different areas with lipo laser – fat cells
The versatility of lipo laser, which can treat any part of the body that accumulates fat, stands as one of its primary advantages. Common targets include the abdomen, love handles, thighs, and upper arms. But it doesn’t stop there; even targeted areas such as the hips, buttocks, back, and neck can be effectively targeted for fat reduction.
Number of sessions and results
The laser lipo results gradually become visible over time. Here is a timeline of what you can expect:
- About a week after the treatment: Early changes can be seen.
- Three to four months after the treatment: Visible improvements become more noticeable.
- Up to six months post-treatment: Full benefits are observable.
The number of multiple sessions needed and laser lipo cost can vary, with some individuals needing only one treatment, while on average, one to two treatments per body part may be required for visible results.
Potential risks and side effects of lipo laser
It’s comforting to know that side effects from laser lipo are rare and typically mild, with serious complications being very uncommon. A study reported that out of 537 individual treatments, only one person developed a mild infection and a few others sustained minor burns.
During Zerona Z6 laser treatments, there is generally no pain, with most people feeling nothing or only experiencing minor tingling. After undergoing noninvasive laser lipo with the Emerald Laser system, patients generally experience no recovery time and can resume their normal routines immediately after a session.
Aftercare and maintaining results
To preserve the results of your lipo laser treatment, it’s essential to:
- Maintain a balanced diet.
- Regular exercise routine.
- Wear a compression garment post-treatment to support your new figure during healing.
- Engage in light activities such as short walks to promote blood circulation and enhance healing.
Keeping well-hydrated is equally important, as it aids in recovery and contributes to long-term healthy weight loss results. And if you wish to further tighten your loose skin up, consider skin tightening treatments or resistance training which can replace lost fat with muscle.
Popular lipo laser devices – laser energy
A number of lipo laser devices such as i-Lipo, Zerona, and SculpSure have become popular in recent times. Each has its own unique features and effectiveness. For instance, i-Lipo is equipped with more than 30 laser diodes, while Zerona uses only 5 diodes. However, there is no clear consensus on which device is more effective.
Summary
Lipo laser is a revolutionary fat reduction procedure that offers a noninvasive laser alternative to traditional liposuction. It targets stubborn fat cells through low-level laser energy, resulting in a slimmer, more contoured figure. It’s a versatile treatment that can target fatty tissue in different parts of the body, from the abdomen to the thighs, upper arms, and even the neck.
While the cost of lipo laser treatments can vary based on several factors, the results are worth the investment. However, it’s essential to remember that maintaining these results requires a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper aftercare. With the right approach, you can enjoy your new, slimmer figure for years to come!
Frequently asked questions
Does lipo laser really work?
Yes, lipo laser has been shown to be an effective body contouring procedure for reducing fat in different areas of the body, with long-lasting results unless weight is gained.
How much weight can I lose with laser lipo?
Laser lipo can remove up to 5 liters of fat (fat removal), which would weigh about 11 pounds, but removing more than 5 liters in one session is considered unsafe.
What are the side effects of laser lipo?
Laser lipo can have side effects such as bruising, hematoma, redness, scarring, and swelling. Be aware of these potential effects when considering the procedure.