Does external laser lipo work? (photo)

Question

I am a single mother, who works 2 jobs to get by. I don't want to be skinny but I don't want to look like I'm pregnant either. External laser lipo seems to be more affordable but will it even put a dent in this stomach?

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

You need to be evaluated in person- you appear to have internal fat (which is not treatable by external fat reduction like SculpSure or surgery).SculpSure will reduce 20-25% of fat under the skin (pinchable) with each treatment. As such, multiple treatments can cost as much or more than liposuction which will remove fat in one time.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are not a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations.

Max Grishkevich, MD · Answer

I am glad that you are doing your research before choosing the right treatment.  Please, don't spend you money on any external procedure.  Even though some of them may be beneficial for a specific category of patients, if will make too little or no difference in your case.  Even more invasive procedures like Laser Lipo or tumescent lipo may not work for you.  Based on the pictures, the shape of your abdomen makes me suspect diastasis recti (abdominal muscle separation) with significant amount of intraabdominal fat making it protrude forward in upper and mid abdomen.  This condition can be only corrected with abdominoplasty ("Tummy Tuck") with muscle placation.  And most of the time you would have to loose 10-20 lb before it can be done.  Sorry, no easy solution for you.

Richard E. Moore, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and submitting your photos. By the appearance of your photos the extra weight you are carrying is in the form of visceral fat. This is the fat beneath the abdominal muscles that surrounds your organs. This is the fat that causes diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even death. The only way to reduce visceral fat is through weight loss. Non-invasive procedures and liposuction cannot remove this fat. I know as a single mom, carrying two jobs this is tough but at the same time you need to take steps to protect your health.
I hope this was helpful - Dr. Moore

Kristine Brecht, MD (license suspended) · Answer

All forms of Liposuction are internal surgical. Minimally invasive. Your best results are with Liposuction, exercise and healthy smaller portions of food.
The non surgical options have variable mild improvement, and may cost you more than surgical more predictable options.
Dr Kristine Brecht 
Seattle, Wa

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

The best candidates for both Smartlipo and Sculpsure (the non-invasive melting of fat using a laser) is someone who is within 20% of their ideal body weight. The fat also has to be in under the skin. I suspect (would need to examine you to be sure) that most of your fat on your abdomen is intra-abdominal and therefore not reachable by any method, other than dieting and exercising.you should strongly consider a high protein, low carb diet until you get closer to your weight and then see a board certified plastic surgeonbest of luckdavid berman md

Does external laser lipo work? (photo)

Answers (5)

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