Advancements in methods of fat removal by liposuction continue to change and be improved. One of the most noteworthy methods that is currently marketed and touted is laser liposuction, or more accurately, laser-assisted liposuction.

As opposed to the traditional technique of a hollowed-out cannula insertion, loosening and beating up the fat tissue, and then ******* it out, this mechanical particulation is replaced by the heat of laser energy. Inside the liposuction cannula, fibers carrying laser light deliver their heat to the targeted fat breaking it down into a liquid ‘soup’ which can be suctioned out. Theoretically, the skin in the areas overlying where the liposuction was done may get tighter due to the heat from the laser.

As of this date, there are three such laser-assisted liposuction systems available in the United States. They are under the marketed tradenames of SMARTLIPO (Cynosure), COOLLIPO (CoolTouch), and PROLIPO (Sctiton). All of them tout more effective and efficient fat removal, less bruising and swelling after the procedure, a faster recovery, and some skin tightening and improvement in the appearance of cellulite over the treated areas.

The real question is….are they truly better than basic liposuction…and are their increased costs over traditional liposuction worth it? (someone has to pay for the equipment purchase…and that someone is you the patient!) To date, laser-assisted liposuction is tremendously appealing, particularly to the general public. In the past, any medical treatment that included the word, laser, always enamors the public. No clinical trials have yet been reported however, that I have seen, that have ever directly compared any laser-assisted vs traditional liposuction procedure in patients. No clinical trial, large or small, has yet been done that has compared the results of any touted liposuction method in a prospective, controlled clinical study. FDA approval of these devices implies that they are safe for patient use but that does not mean they are necessarily more effective than other liposuction methods.

Much like ultrasonic-assisted liposuction when it was introduced 10 years ago, laser-assisted liposuction may be a popular trend that, in the end, will fare no better. It will undoubtably have its place in liposuction options and armamentarium but I doubt if it is magic or whether it offers a quantum leap forward in patient outcomes and recovery times. While it is another method of removing fat, I remain skeptical if all of the marketing claims of laser-assisted liposuction such as a quicker recovery and skin tightening can live up to the hype.

I am all for any form of advancement in liposuction, which is a fairly traumatic procedure on the tissues. While effective, liposuction is still one of the most ‘brutal’ procedures that we as plastic surgeons do. Is laser-assted liposuction a better method of liposuction?…..ask me again in 5 years!



By: Dr Barry Eppley

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Liposuction is a surgical procedure performed by plastic surgeons and is used to remove fatty deposits from areas of the body which have not responded to attempts at weight loss and exercise.

While liposuction is never an alternative to losing weight or exercising, it can be a wonderful complement for areas for which weight loss and exercise have not corrected them to an acceptable level.

Liposuction can be performed on most anywhere on the human body where there are fat deposits. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most popular liposuction options available to you today:

Facial Liposuction

If you have a lot of fat around your eyes, in your cheeks or in your chin area, liposuction can be done to remove it. Oftentimes, liposuction is part of an eye lift or face lift. In addition it can be used to remove a double chin which has been caused by aging, especially in men.

Chest Liposuction

Liposuction procedures of the chest are commonly performed on men. Often men have excess fat on their chest area, especially as they age, which exercise and diet alone cannot remove.

Once a man is down to his ideal weight and is exercising regularly with a nice muscle build-up, liposuction can remove the excess fat and greatly improve the look of his chest area.

Abdominal Liposuction

Abdominal liposuction can be used to remove those stubborn fat deposits which cannot be worked off though abdominal exercises. Once a man or a woman has done all they can for the area through exercise and diet, a bit of liposuction can make a world of difference in how the abdominal area looks.

Back and Side Liposuction

One thing that comes with age is fat deposits on the back and sides of your body. While many areas of the body can be exercised well, the back and “love handle” areas are two which are had to control through exercise alone. Removal of love handles and back fat are two of the most popular liposuction procedures performed today.

Arm Liposuction

As we age, especially women, our upper arms can begin to become loose and floppy. Liposuction can help to reduce the fat in this area quiet well and extra procedures can assist in removing the excess skin of the area to being arms back to their youthful appearance of the past.

Buttocks Liposuction

Once the buttocks have been worked regularly through exercise, and your ideal weight has been reached through a proper diet, liposuction of the buttock region can be used to remove cellulite and other stubborn fat deposits.

Leg and Knee Liposuction

One of the most common places to have liposuction today is on the inner thighs and knees. Fat deposits on the inner thighs can be particularly stubborn and to really get a good contour on the body, liposuction can be used to remove that fat. In addition, as we age we often collect fat on our knee area. Liposuction can remove knee fat and help your legs to look much slimmer and better shaped.

As you can clearly see, liposuction can be performed on many areas of the human body. To decide if liposuction is right for you, schedule a consultation appointment with a Board Certified plastic surgeon in your area.



By: Abigail Aaronson

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