Does Laser Liposuction remove or "tighten" loose skin?

Question

I am 58 years old and have sagging skin on my thighs and arms (above the elbows). Will lipo-laser eliminate it?

Michael Constantin Gartner, DO · Answer

I have found that smartlipo can help tighten loose skin by 15% to 40%, therefore it may be suitable for mild to moderate loose skin. A lift may be better for you if you have severe sagging skin.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Laser liposuction can tighten skin overlying the area of fat removal.  Our office also uses a combination of ablative and non ablative skin tightening after surgery if needed. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for the question, the laser in liposuction targets fat so it helps melt fat or "emulsify" the idea is to change the fat from cottage cheese to a more milkshake like consistency so it comes out easier and smoother, there is minimal if any skin tightening from the laser, that being said there is some tightening from the trauma of lipo itself.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

In some instances skin can tighten after liposuction with especially with laser or ultrasound treatments, when they are done right.  There are also external devices such as Velashape and Venus that also help enhance the effect of the liposuction.  I think you need to see a body contouring specialist.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Joel B. Singer, MD · Answer

There are several studies that look at the impact of laser liposuction versus liposuction alone in evaluating skin shrinkage and skin tightening. The results show that laser liposuction does have a positive impact on skin tightening vs not doing liposuction at all and vs doing traditional liposuction.Sagging skin on your arms at the age of 58 as you describe in your situation is a challenging problem. I find that patients in this age range who have loose skin often do not do that well with liposuction. Liposuction does great for younger patients whose main problem in the arms is fat, but doesn't do very well in patients who concern is loose sagging skin.Laser Liposuction will help the skin tighten but it won't be a miracle cure. It will be a better procedure than traditional liposuction without the laser, but I would probably advise against liposuction in general in your case. I would know more definitively by examining you in person, so without seeing you, my advice is based on speculation.

Matthew H. Conrad, MD · Answer

I am not aware of any scientific studies that prove laser lipo contracts the skin.  I do hear a lot of advertising from the people who buy these expensive machines that it does and there are several very beautiful glossy advertisements that claim it does as well.  If it works for you, great; if not, I wouldn't be surprised.

Scott A. Brenman, MD, FACS · Answer

Laser-assisited liposuction (SmartLipo) is appropriate for both reducing volume and skin tightening, to a degree. Where traditional tumescent liposuction might leave skin a little looser in areas such as the inner thighs, upper arms or abdomen when stretch marks are present, SmartLipo promotes skin tightening by thermal contraction as well as collagen formation. It will not be a substitute for an armlift, thighlift or abdominoplasty if the skin is already significantly lax. Your board certified plastic surgeon can guide you to the most appropriate procedure for your specific needs.Best, Scott A. Brenman, M.D., F.A.C.S.Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Laser liposuction can help with softening the fat and allowing for perhaps slightly easier aspiration. It may help tighten the skin a bit, but I have not seen long term studies supporting that in the literature.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

If your problem is loose skin, then you need to treat loose skin.Liposuction treats body fat distribution issues only.I have yet to see any procedure other than skin removal that tightens skin in any significant manner. I say this after having performed over 2,000 laser liposuction procedures.I suggest you consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can offer all alternative procedures.The correct treatment can only be prescribed after making the correct diagnosis.Best of luck,Mats Hagstrom, M.D.

Does Laser Liposuction remove or "tighten" loose skin?

Answers (9)

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