Laser liposuction (a.k.a. Laser Lipo) is a noninvasive procedure that uses a laser to shrink, soften and
prepare the fat under the skin before its removal. This procedure can be used on specific areas
of the body such as the abdomen, thighs, neck, and arms. The procedure uses laser energy
instead of incisions to slim the body quickly and with minimal effort on the part of the patient.
It is also called laser lipolysis.

Laser lipo can be performed in a doctor’s office and the doctor will apply a local
anesthetic to the area where the laser will enter. The person will be awake during the
procedure. The doctor will numb the area with a needle and local anesthetic. They will make a
small incision and insert a tiny laser under the skin that liquefies the fat. The concentrated laser
light will melt the fat away from under the skin. Then the doctor will insert a small tube, called
a cannula, into the same area to suck the liquefied fat out from beneath the skin. Then the
doctor will close and cover the incision site. The entire process takes about 1 hour per area or it
may last a little longer depending on the area receiving the procedure.

Laser lipo has and a quick recovery period and minimal downtime after the procedure,
especially when the site is small. Most doctors recommend a few days of downtime before
returning to work and around three weeks before participating in strenuous activities. Laser lipo
has minimal possible side effects after the procedure such as swelling, bruising, and pain. For
many people, the skin might also be firmer or tighter after the procedure. This is because the
laser treatments can promote the production of collagen.

The results from laser liposuction may be almost immediate. Once any bruising or
swelling goes down, the person should notice a change in their figure within the first week.
However, long-term changes may take months to become visible. Many people feel satisfied
with the results of laser liposuction, especially compared with other fat removal methods.