Question 1

What is laser liposuction?

Accepted Answer

Laser liposuction is an FDA-approved, minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses laser energy to liquefy fat cells before they’re suctioned out through a thin tube called a cannula.

“Laser liposuction is typically performed ‘awake,’ with patients receiving only minor sedation, although the choice of sedation or anesthesia can vary from surgeon to surgeon,” according to Dr. Marwan R. Khalifeh, a board-certified plastic surgeon with practices in Tyson’s Corner, Virginia and Columbia, Maryland.

Some surgeons believe that it's less aggressive than traditional liposuction, with a shorter recovery time, because liquefying fat makes it easier to remove. Others argue that the heat generated by the laser fiber causes undue trauma to treated areas and that there are safer ways to loosen fat cells prior to suctioning, including power-assisted lipo (PAL) and ultrasonic liposuction, commonly called VASER lipo.

Proponents of laser lipo say the laser’s heat spurs collagen production, to mildly tighten loose skin, which may help prevent skin laxity once the underlying fat is removed. Dr. Khalifeh points out that all laser-based treatments, “whether invasive or noninvasive, encourage collagen production by the skin to prompt some tightening.”

“Energy-based liposuction [such as with lasers] gives the best fat reduction and skin tightening, along with contouring and shaping,” according to Dr. Jason Emer, a dermatologic surgeon in West Hollywood, California.

The most popular treatment areas for laser liposuction are the upper arms, thighs, flanks (love handles), neck, and under the chin. It’s also often used on the abdomen for liposculpture (aka hi-def lipo), to create the appearance of six-pack abs.

Like all liposuction, laser lipo is not a weight loss solution: it’s a body contouring procedure that’s intended to reduce stubborn pockets of excess fat. “Ideal candidates are those in their best shape possible before the procedure, with tight skin and only small areas of stubborn fat,” explains Dr. Emer.

RealSelf Tip: While laser liposuction hasn’t been proven to reduce cellulite, a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology says that “Many surgeons have noted an improvement of cellulite after laser lipolysis procedures.” You may find your cellulite looks less apparent post-procedure.

Question 2

What are the pros and cons of laser liposuction?

Accepted Answer

Pros

As with other liposuction techniques, you'll only need one procedure to achieve dramatic results, which will be immediately apparent. “The results of that single laser liposuction procedure are 60%-80% more effective than noninvasive fat reduction procedures such as CoolSculpting, which requires multiple sessions,” says Dr. Philip Schoenfeld, a facial plastic surgeon in Chevy Chase, Maryland.
Laser lipo is a cosmetic surgery that permanently removes body fat. As long as you maintain a steady weight, results will be long-lasting.
This type of liposuction can offer mild skin tightening benefits.
Laser lipo can be performed without the additional cost and risks of general anesthesia.

Cons

RealSelf Tip: Laser liposuction has been billed as a less invasive surgical technique than traditional liposuction and a quicker recovery. However, some surgeons say that the heat from the laser can create more swelling and discomfort than other techniques. A board-certified plastic surgeon who offers more than one lipo technique can help you weigh the pros and cons, and recommend the best option for your goals and budget.

Related: High-Tech to High-Def—How Popular Tools and Techniques Are Reshaping Liposuction

Question 3

Laser liposuction vs. laser lipolysis: what's the difference?

Accepted Answer

The term laser lipo is sometimes used to describe noninvasive fat reduction treatments, such as i-Lipo, Zerona, and strawberry laser lipo.

Unlike laser-assisted liposuction, laser lipolysis doesn’t liquify and remove unwanted fat deposits: it uses laser energy to shrink fat cells. It often requires multiple rounds of treatment to achieve the desired results—typically two visits a week for at least four weeks.

While some results can be immediately apparent, it takes several months for your body to fully metabolize the released fat cell contents. You won’t see your final fat reduction results from this minimally invasive procedure for between two and six months.

Results from a true laser lipo treatment (like Smart Lipo) are permanent, provided you maintain a steady weight, while laser lipolysis results are not: over time, triglycerides can build up in your fat cells and reverse your results.

Laser lipo is much more expensive than laser lipolysis, but RealSelf members give these nonsurgical treatments much lower Worth It Ratings than true laser-assisted liposuction.

See a board-certified plastic surgeon or cosmetic dermatologist for your consultation and confirm the details of the procedure you’re discussing.

Nonsurgical energy-based body sculpting treatments can be a good option for those looking to avoid surgery. Just keep your expectations realistic: results won't be as dramatic as those from liposuction fat removal treatments (laser or otherwise). You can also expect that it will take multiple sessions over several months to achieve the results you want.

Question 4

How much does laser lipo cost?

Accepted Answer

The price you pay for this cosmetic procedure will depend on your provider's credentials, their location, the extent of your procedure, and whether you have a local anesthetic or general anesthesia, and a few other key factors.

Elective plastic surgery isn’t covered by insurance, but most providers accept financing options like CareCredit.

See our complete guide to laser lipo costs

Question 5

Laser liposuction before and after pictures

Accepted Answer

The laser liposuction photos in our gallery have been shared by the surgeon who performed the procedure, with the patient's consent.

Question 6

Who’s a good candidate for laser liposuction?

Accepted Answer

Good candidates for laser liposuction are healthy adults who are physically active and within 20 pounds of their ideal weight.

This is a procedure for those looking to remove stubborn fat from specific areas of the body.

You’re not a good candidate for laser liposuction if:

You’re looking for a weight loss procedure
You have unrealistic expectations
You have excess skin or laxity from previous weight loss
You have underlying health concerns, like heart disease
You’re on a medication that can increase your risk of bleeding, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, or anticoagulants

Related: 4 Factors That Make You a Poor Candidate for Liposuction

RealSelf Tip: If you’re also interested in fat transfer to add volume to areas like your face, hips, breasts, or butt, consider VASER liposuction instead of conventional laser lipo. Fat that’s melted via traditional laser liposuction systems, like Smart Lipo, is not viable for fat transfer to other areas of the body or the face. VASER lipo, on the other hand, uses ultrasonic vibration to break up the fat cells before they’re removed, so it’s still viable for transfer.

Question 7

How does laser liposuction work?

Accepted Answer

The outpatient procedure itself takes 45 minutes to an hour per treatment area. Here’s how it works.

First, your surgeon will mark the areas where they plan to remove excess fat and refine your body’s contours.
Laser liposuction can be performed under local anesthesia with mild sedation or general anesthesia, depending on your surgeon’s preference and the extent of your procedure. If you are getting the surgery done under deep sedation or general anesthesia, an anesthesia provider will administer it.
Once any anesthesia takes effect, your surgeon will make a small incision in the skin and insert a thin laser fiber into the unwanted body fat.
They’ll turn on the laser to an appropriate wavelength to liquefy the fat, without burning the surrounding tissue.
Then they'll suction out the fat via a thin tube called a cannula.

RealSelf Tip: The amount of fat removed during laser lipo will vary by patient, but surgeons typically follow recommended guidelines to ensure safety. “Most board-certified plastic surgeons or dermatologists will follow the recommendation of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and American Academy of Dermatology on this matter—a maximum of five liters per session,” the equivalent of about 11 pounds, says Newport Beach, CA plastic surgeon Dr. Hisham Seify . Your surgeon will judge how much they can safely remove by your body type, weight, and height.

Question 8

Is laser lipo painful?

Accepted Answer

Laser liposuction performed under local anesthesia alone “does require patients to experience some needles and infiltration cannulas, which causes mild but tolerable pain,” says Dr. Khalifeh. If you have general anesthesia or deep sedation, you shouldn’t feel any discomfort during the procedure itself.

It is normal to feel deeply sore, swollen, and uncomfortable during the first few days of recovery.

“Patients should expect to experience approximately 48 hours of discomfort, during which they will take pain medication and recuperate by reducing daily activities in order to heal,” says Dr. Ryan Neinstein, a plastic surgeon in New York City.

Question 9

How long does laser liposuction recovery take?

Accepted Answer

Most patients need at least three days of downtime after a laser liposuction procedure. “Treating multiple areas at once may require a bit more downtime, since each area being treated will feel sore and tender,” says Dr. Neinstein.

You should be able to return to most of your normal activities (including work) after three to four days, but you’ll need to wait one to two weeks before you hit the gym.

Your doctor will probably also recommend that you wear a compression garment for one to two weeks, to help reduce swelling and prevent skin laxity in the treated area.

Question 10

How soon will you see laser lipo results?

Accepted Answer

You’ll see some body contouring results immediately after your procedure.

It can take up to six weeks for all of the swelling to go down and new collagen to form. That’s when you’ll see your final results.

Question 11

Is laser lipo permanent?

Accepted Answer

Laser lipo results can be permanent. Once the fat cells are suctioned out, they’re gone for good.

However, any remaining fat cells in and around the treated areas can still expand if you gain weight. It’s important to maintain a stable weight after your procedure to maintain your results.

Question 12

Is laser liposuction safe? What are the side effects?

Accepted Answer

Laser liposuction procedures are considered safe, in the hands of an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon. But like all surgery, it does come with side effects and the potential for complications during recovery.

Dr. Khalifeh points out that laser liposuction carries similar risks to other forms of lipo, but “because it can be performed under local anesthesia in the office, many states do not regulate what type of doctor can offer this procedure,” he cautions. “It is important for patients to research the credentials and board certifications of their providers in order to make this as safe as possible.” To ensure that your provider has the appropriate level of training, look for a surgeon who has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

The most common side effects of laser liposuction are bruising, numbness, and swelling. That said, the heat from the laser fiber theoretically coagulates small blood vessels, which may result in less bruising than you'd have with tumescent lipo.

Infection or bleeding post-procedure are also possible.

Another potential complication is dents or asymmetry. “All liposuction procedures, including laser liposuction, also have the risk of contour irregularities,” cautions Dr. Schoenfeld.

With Smart Lipo, BeautiFill, and other laser-assisted liposuction techniques, burns are possible. Serious burns can lead to skin necrosis (tissue death) and scarring. An experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon should be able to monitor the temperature and your skin’s reaction to the heat, to reduce your risk of burns.

Your surgeon should discuss all of these risks with you during your initial consultation.

Question 13

Laser liposuction vs. CoolSculpting: How do they compare?

Accepted Answer

CoolSculpting is one of the most popular options for nonsurgical fat reduction. Instead of using lasers, CoolSculpting freezes fat cells, which are then eliminated by the body through the lymphatic system, with no cannula involved.

While the average cost of CoolSculpting is about half what you'd pay for laser lipo, RealSelf members give it a far lower Worth It Rating.

It also takes longer to see CoolSculpting results: most people don't see significant results from CoolSculpting until they've had multiple treatments, and waited two months or longer for the dead fat cells to be naturally eliminated.

Dr. Khalifeh highlights another major difference: CoolSculpting handpieces are placed “on a specific and localized region and shrink that region exclusively. This does not allow the same type flexibility in reshaping your body that laser lipo allows.” He points out that laser lipo offers the “major advantage” of allowing the surgeon to “taper the treatment areas into surrounding regions, in order to blend the contours aesthetically.”

Question 14

Sources & studies

Accepted Answer

Heller, Lior, et al. “1470-nm Radial fiber-assisted liposuction for body contouring and facial fat grafting.” J Cosmet Dermatol. 2022 Apr.

Shapira, Eyal, et al. “High-Quality Lipoaspirate Following 1470-nm Radial Emitting Laser-Assisted Liposuction.” Ann Plast Surg. 2022 Dec 1.

Blum, Craig A, et al. “Complications from laser-assisted liposuction performed by noncore practitioners.” Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2013 Oct.

Jason C. McBean, MD and Bruce E. Katz, MD. Laser Lipolysis: An Update. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2011 Jul; 4(7): 25–34.

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