The Procedure

First, your physician will mark on your body the precise areas to be treated. Then, after numbing your skin with a tiny amount of anesthetic solution, your physician may inject a numbing solution topically as well as under your skin (known as tumescent anesthesia) to ensure you feel no pain throughout the procedure. After making a small incision (1 to 3 millimeters), your physician will insert the small cannula (less than 1/8 inches in diameter) containing the laser fiber and use it to direct energy at the unwanted fat cells. As the fat is liquefied, it drains away and becomes absorbed by the body. Any liquefied fat that is left will be carefully suctioned out.

Although you’ll be comfortable during the procedure, you may feel some tugging and perhaps even some mild stinging while you’re being treated. The length of the procedure will depend on how large an area you’re having treated, but most treatment sessions last from 1 to 3 hours. If a particularly large amount of fat is being removed, you may need a second session. These are usually scheduled several months after the first one.

The technology for laser-assisted lipolysis is being constantly improved and updated. Here are some of the latest options currently available. Your physician will advise you on which option is best for you. Of course, make sure you choose a physician who is skilled and experienced with this technology.

SmartLipo

SmartLipo pioneered the laser liposuction method of fat removal. In 2006, it became the first such procedure to receive the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Its initial laser used a 1064 nm wavelength to dissolve the fat and coagulate (seal off) blood vessels. A newer generation of the technology, SmartLipo MPX combines the 1064 nm wavelength with a 1320 nm wavelength for greater effectiveness. SmartLipo is made by Cynosure Inc. of Westford, Massachusetts.

SmoothLipo

This method of laser-assisted lipolysis delivers a continuous wave (980 nm) of energy to zap and dissolve unwanted adipose (fat) tissue. The uniformity of this approach may lower the risk of thermal (heat) injuries. SmoothLipo, which is manufactured by the New Hampshire-based Elemé Medical company, received FDA approval in 2008.

LipoLite

Manufactured and marketed by Syneron Medical, LipoLite uses a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, which delivers easily controlled pulses of energy at very rapid repetitions to the targeted fat cells. LipoLite received FDA approval in 2008 for laser-assisted lipolysis and other dermatological procedures.

Lifesculpt

Lifesculpt, previously known as SlimLipo, uses dual 924 nm and 975 nm wavelengths, a combo that its manufacturer, Palomar Medical Technologies, claims is more efficient than those used by some of the other laser-assisted lipolysis technologies. It received FDA approval in spring 2008.

Cool Lipo

CoolLipo uses a 1320 nm wavelength to ablate fat and tighten skin. Its manufacturer, CoolTouch Inc, claims that its wavelength is more highly absorbed by fat cells, thus providing greater results than technologies with lower wavelengths. The FDA approved CoolLipo for laser-assisted lipolysis in 2008; it’s also approved for other dermatologic treatments.

Understanding Laser Liposuction