Plastic surgery restores form and function through reconstructive procedures, cosmetic enhancements, and body contouring.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Laser liposuction is predominantly performed under local anesthesia using the tumescent technique. This allows the patient to remain awake while the treated areas are completely numb. Oral sedation (such as Valium) or intramuscular sedation is often administered to help the patient relax and drift into a doze during the procedure.
This approach avoids the risks and prolonged “hangover” associated with general anesthesia. The patient can communicate with the surgeon during the procedure, facilitating changes in positioning. For highly anxious patients or extensive multi-area cases, “twilight” IV sedation or general anesthesia remains an option.
The procedure begins with tumescent infiltration. The surgeon makes tiny adits (entry points) and uses a blunt cannula to infuse the solution into the fat layer. This fluid contains lidocaine for numbness, epinephrine to constrict blood vessels, and bicarbonate to buffer the sting.
The infiltration is done slowly to ensure uniform distribution. The fat tissue becomes swollen and firm (tumescent), separating the fat cells and creating a safe, expanded target for the laser. This step is critical for a painless and bloodless surgery.
Incisions for laser liposuction are tiny, typically 1-2 millimeters. They are strategically placed in natural skin creases, bikini lines, or hidden areas, such as the navel, to minimize visibility.
Because the cannulas are so thin, the incisions often do not require sutures and are left open to drain, or are closed with a single stitch or steri-strip. The surgeon plans these access points to allow for “cross-hatching,” enabling them to treat the area from multiple angles for a smoother result.
Once numb, the laser fiber is inserted through the cannula. The surgeon moves the laser back and forth in a fanning motion within the fat layer. A pilot light (usually red or helium-neon) allows the surgeon to visualize the laser tip through the skin.
Modern systems use thermal sensing technology (such as ThermuGuide) to monitor internal tissue temperature and skin surface temperature. This ensures the fat reaches the target melting temperature and the dermis reaches the target tightening temperature without exceeding safety limits.
Safety is maintained through rigorous thermal regulation. The laser system is set to specific energy limits. If the handpiece stops moving or the temperature spikes, the laser automatically shuts off to prevent burns.
The surgeon constantly palpates the skin to monitor external heat and texture changes. The goal is to deliver enough energy to liquefy the fat and stimulate collagen (usually 40-42°C at the skin surface) while strictly avoiding the higher temperatures that could cause injury.
After the laser has liquefied the fat, a small suction cannula is used to remove the emulsified oil and cell fragments. Because the fat is liquid, this aspiration requires very low suction pressure and gentle movements.
The surgeon sculpts the area, removing deep fat to reduce volume and carefully addressing superficial fat for contouring. The transition zones are feathered into the surrounding untreated regions to prevent irregularities or “shelves.”
After the laser has liquefied the fat, a small suction cannula is used to remove the emulsified oil and cell fragments. Because the fat is liquid, this aspiration requires very low suction pressure and gentle movements.
The surgeon sculpts the area, removing deep fat to reduce volume and carefully addressing superficial fat for contouring. The transition zones are feathered into the surrounding untreated regions to prevent irregularities or “shelves.”
Once the fat is removed, some surgeons perform a final pass with the laser or the cannula to separate any remaining tethered bands and ensure the skin can settle smoothly. This “equalization” step helps prevent dimpling.
The surgeon checks for symmetry by pinching the skin and fat thickness on both sides. The patient may be asked to stand up (if under local anesthesia) to evaluate the results against gravity, allowing for immediate fine-tuning that is impossible under general anesthesia.
Throughout the procedure, the laser energy coagulates small blood vessels on contact. This hemostasis is a key advantage of laser liposuction. The aspirate (removed fat) is typically yellow, indicating very little blood content compared to the red aspirate often seen in traditional liposuction.
This coagulation minimizes post-operative bruising and swelling. It also reduces the risk of hematoma (blood collection) during recovery, contributing to a safer, faster healing process.
Depending on the surgeon’s preference, incisions may be left open to drain or closed with a single fine suture. Leaving incisions open allows the tumescent fluid to drain for the first 24 hours, significantly reducing swelling and bruising.
Absorbent pads are placed over the incision sites to catch the drainage. If sutures are used, they are typically removed within 5-7 days. The area is then immediately covered with the compression garment.
Immediately after surgery, the patient is cleaned and helped into their compression garment. Because of the local anesthesia, they are usually pain-free for several hours. Patients are monitored for a short period to ensure vital signs are stable.
They are then discharged home with a responsible escort. Patients are encouraged to walk immediately to promote circulation, but to avoid strenuous activity. The first meal should be light to prevent nausea from any sedation.
The first 48 hours involve drainage and rest. If incisions are open, patients can expect significant leakage of pinkish fluid. This is normal and beneficial. Changing pads frequently is necessary.
Pain is typically mild to moderate, often described as a deep ache or soreness similar to a heavy workout. Oral pain medication may be used, but many patients manage with over-the-counter analgesics. Swelling begins to develop as the inflammatory response kicks in.
Pain management relies on a multimodal approach. The residual lidocaine in the tissues provides relief for 12-24 hours. Afterwards, patients may take prescribed narcotics for a day or two, then transition to Tylenol.
Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are generally avoided for the first few days to prevent bleeding, unless approved by the surgeon. Ice packs are typically not recommended directly on the skin, as the area may be numb, increasing the risk of frostbite; compression is the primary method for pain relief.
Send us all your questions or requests, and our expert team will assist you.
Yes, if you choose local anesthesia. You will feel pressure and movement, but no sharp pain. You can talk to the doctor and even listen to music. If you feel any discomfort, the surgeon can add more numbing fluid immediately.
There is a safety limit on how much fat can be removed in one session, typically around 3 to 5 liters. Removing too much can cause fluid imbalances. The goal is contouring, not maximizing volume removal at the expense of safety.
Patients typically do not feel the heat of the laser because of the numbing fluid. You might feel a strange sensation of the fiber moving or a slight vibration. The most common sensation reported is just gentle tugging.
The incisions are tiny (like a freckle). They usually heal very well and fade to become almost invisible over time. In many cases, they disappear into natural skin creases and are challenging to find after a year.
Drainage usually lasts for 24 to 48 hours. It is messy but good the more fluid that drains out, the less swelling and bruising you will have later. We provide absorbent pads to keep your clothes and bedding clean.
Your Comparison List (you must select at least 2 packages)
