Does laser lipo work after I had regular liposuction?

 Laser liposuction, in general, is a very effective body-sculpting process especially as a second procedure or to tighten skin. In addition, because the fat is first “melted” with a laser it may be easier to aspirate during liposuction. The added bonus for you is that the laser can also help break up any scar tissue that may be residual to your first liposuction. Choosing to focus on your abdomen is fine. You may also want to consider noninvasive fat-elimination techniques, such as Vanquish, CoolSculpting and ThermiTight. Please consult a board-certified dermatologist who will help you choose the best fat-loss method for your particular case.

Depending upon your exam, laser liposuction can be performed to remove residual or recurrent fat. Laser can break up scar tissue and tighten skin. Another option for redo is Vaser ultrasound liposuction.An exam and consultation with a plastic surgeon who performs these procedures is recommended to confirm you are a candidate as well as discuss your options and expectations. 

You could have any type of liposuction after the first one if results are incomplete, you gained weight or you want to improve your figure. The advantage of adding laser lipo to the usual tumescent liposuction  is enhanced skin tightening. Laser lipo by itself would probably not remove all the fat you need to remove. 

Thank you for your question. You can absolutely have Smart Lipo after doing traditional liposuction. The advantages of Smart Lipo include skin tightening and stimulating collagen growth. For more information, I recommend getting a in person consultation with a board-certified dermatologist. 

Smart Lipo will work after traditional Lipo. The laser would break up the scar tissue from the old surgery allowing your plastic surgeon to remove more fat easier with less trauma. Other options for "secondary liposuction" are VASER lipo which uses ultrasound waves to break up the fat as well as the newly FDA approved Bodytite which will contract ( tighten) skin as well, more than any other technology in liposuction. 

Laser liposuction is an ideal technique for patients who have had previous liposuction because the laser can help break up prior scar tissue and allow smoother passage of the of the liposuction cannulas to remove any built up fat deposits.  The laser can also work to cause a small amount of tightening.  It is important, however, to be aware that if significant skin laxity is present form prior pregnancy that a tummy tuck may be the ideal procedure to address that.

Yes, it is often quite helpful as a revision alternative after a previous liposuction procedure, where irregularly clustered fat cells have been left behind.
Have also included a video that shows a laser liposuction procedure:

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Yes, you can repeat liposuction a second time. This is true either with or without the laser. You will need to be evaluated in person to see if you are a good candidate for this procedure. Preoperative visualization and surgical simulation with the Crisalix system may help with your decision. Any treatment plan should be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you and your surgeon.    Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation in person with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Best,
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS 

Harvard educated plastic surgeon