Can SmartLipo laser cause damage to hair follicles if you have a beard?

Question

Can SmartLipo laser lipo damage hair follicles if you have a beard? How can men with beards get chin contouring?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

SmartLipo (Smart Liposuction) laser lipo can theoretically cause damage to hair follicles if the laser energy is delivered too superficially or too close to the skin surface where the follicles reside. The SmartLipo procedure uses a laser fiber to liquefy fat beneath the skin, and if the energy is not properly controlled or is applied too close to the dermis, there is a risk of thermal injury to structures in the skin, including hair follicles. However, when performed correctly by an experienced surgeon, the laser is typically targeted at the subcutaneous fat layer, minimizing the risk to hair follicles in the beard area.

Men with beards can still undergo chin contouring with SmartLipo, but special care should be taken to avoid superficial laser application in areas with desired hair growth. Surgeons can adjust the depth and energy settings to protect the hair follicles. Alternative chin contouring options that do not use laser energy, such as traditional liposuction or non-invasive modalities (e.g., cryolipolysis), may also be considered if preservation of beard hair is a priority.

If beard density and hair preservation are important, it is essential to communicate this to the treating surgeon so that technique adjustments can be made to minimize risk to the hair follicles. There are no specific guidelines or studies directly addressing beard hair loss after SmartLipo, but the risk is considered low with proper technique. If hair loss does occur, it is usually localized and may be temporary, depending on the extent of thermal injury.

No relevant clinical guidelines or direct studies were found in the provided search results, so this answer is based on the known mechanism of action of SmartLipo and standard surgical principles.

Leonard Grossman, MD · Answer

Laser liposuction in simply not performed by plastic surgeons around the world as the complications with this procedure are extremely high and the American Society of Plastic Surgeon’s discourages Doctors from using this technique. The absolute best approach to correcting a double chin, deformity, or removing extra fat from under the chin is with the use of either liposuction Using a tiny cannula or in combination with ultrasound assisted liposuction. I hope this helps and good luck from Leonard Grossman, MD, organic Plastic Surgery NYC

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

After liposuction, there is still usually a layer of fat protecting the hair follicles under the dermis.
For this reason, laser treatments typically do not create skin tightening, and also typically don’t cause hair loss.
I suppose it’s possible if the provider causes sufficient injury to the tissues.
It’s not something I’ve heard of before.
Personally, I don’t think laser assisted Liposuction adds any value to Liposuction alone.
The most important variable for this procedure is provider selection, not equipment select selection.
Average providers deliver average results.
Exceptional results come from exceptional providers.
Make sure your surgeon has mastered this procedure.
In reality selecting the right plastic surgeon tends to be far more difficult than most people realize.
Most plastic surgeons are average and finding exceptional providers usually requires either luck or a substantial amount of Work, including several in person consultations and knowing how to vet providers.
Good luck,
Mats Hagstrom MD

Can SmartLipo laser cause damage to hair follicles if you have a beard?

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Can SmartLipo laser cause damage to hair follicles if you have a beard?

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