Laser-assisted Liposuction By Stephen Hardy M.D. on November 11, 2013

Missoula Laser LiposuctionIf you are close to your ideal body weight but still maintain stubborn isolated areas of fat that simply won’t seem to go away, then laser liposuction may be for you. Laser liposuction is a new, FDA-approved innovation in plastic surgery that utilizes the latest industry techniques available.

What Is Laser Liposuction?

Laser liposuction works by producing a burst of energy that enters the fat cells and liquefies them. The laser energy is delivered through a thin fiber that is inserted via tiny incisions in the skin.

When determining if laser liposuction is right for you, it is important to first schedule a consultation with your plastic surgeon, during which your surgeon will review your medical history, talk to you about your goals for the liposuction, and determine if you are an ideal candidate for laser liposuction. You may also get measurements and photos taken. Becoming informed will allow you to make the best decision for you.

Benefits of Laser Liposuction Versus Traditional Liposuction

With a traditional liposuction method, a cannula is pushed into the fat to remove it.

With a laser liposuction, the fat is melted ahead of time using laser energy. The liquefied fat is then suctioned out using the cannula. This is a much gentler technique since the fat becomes much easier to remove. Because of this technique, the typical result is less bruising and swelling along with a faster recovery time.

An added benefit is that the heat from the laser can stimulate collagen growth in the skin, which can further promote tightening and overall smoothing of the area that has been treated with liposuction.

Traditional liposuction methods are unable to provide this added benefit since no heat is used with traditional liposuction.

Common Questions About Laser Liposuction

  • What areas can I treat? Just about any body part can be treated using laser liposuction.
  • Do I need to lose weight before I have liposuction? Liposuction is not a substitute for real weight loss. You will get the best results with laser liposuction if you are close to your ideal body weight but still have isolated areas of fat remaining.
  • Can I still gain weight after liposuction? The area in which you receive liposuction is not immune to weight gain. If you put on weight after your liposuction procedure, all the fat cells will enlarge. However, you will have less fat cells in the area in which you had liposuction. You may notice weight gain in other areas of your body before you notice weight gain in the areas that received liposuction.
  • Will I have loose skin? Depending on your age, your skin may or may not have a lot of elasticity. In some cases, patients may experience some skin laxity in the area in which fat was removed.

Learn More about Laser Liposuction

Laser liposuction is a recent innovation that makes it easier for your plastic surgeon to remove fat, leaving you with better results and a shorter recovery time. If you are considering liposuction, this may be the right option for you. To learn more about laser liposuction, contact North West Plastic Surgery Associates to schedule a consultation and be on your way to a more confident you!

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Stephen P. Hardy, M.D.

Stephen P. Hardy, M.D.

Dr. Stephen P. Hardy is a renowned plastic surgeon with prestigious national affiliations:

  • American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS)
  • American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)
  • American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA)

To schedule your consultation, contact us online or call us at (406) 728-3811.

Contact Us (406) 728-3811

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