Are There Negatives Associated with Lipo Laser Treatment?

Question

I am considering getting a lipo laser treatment session done (the spa says it is a non-invasive cold laser that liquefies fat cells), but I am concerned about future uneven fat redistribution or the skin looking lumpy. Can this happen with this treatment? Are there other negatives associated with this treatment?

Robert J. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Liposuction by definition means that areas of unwanted fat are suctioned out of the body altogether, resulting in a more precise result with respect to body contouring and fat elimination at localized areas of the body.  It sounds as though you are describing another method of fat reduction which will likely only reduce a percentage of fat at the treatment site and possibly require multiple treatments.  Additionally, the other side effects you mentioned are also a possibility with non-invasive cold lasers.  Your goals for body contouring, your budget, and the amount of downtime you desire are going to dictate what treatment will fit the bill for you.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, with any effective procedure there will always be potential complications. In general, the complications are the same that can occur with traditional or any other liposuction including: infection, bleeding, swelling, discoloration. However, problems such as rippling and waviness of the skin seem to be less. Theoretical problems specific to Vaser ultrasound can include burns at the skin edge where the cannula is inserted but, an experienced board certified surgeon will use skin guards to protect the area, and like all of these potential problems, they should rarely occur. Vaser, like other liposuction procedures is a generally safe, commonly performed and well liked by my patients, providing excellent long-term results. Find a board-certified surgeon that has extensive experience with this procedure. Best of luck! #RealSelf100

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

All medical treatments have their complications. Laser liposuction is an excellent and relatively safe procedure used to remove excess fat from the body. Best, Dr. Karamanoukian

Vivek Bansal, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Uneven skin can occur with all types of procedures, but some are very low risk, others are very high risk. This sounds like Cool Sculpting which is well regarded as a safe option if implemented correctly, with a proper patient selection. About 25% of the fat treated in the area is lost, but that leaves 75%. Therefore, you need to pencil out the costs, and see how much you want to remove versus how much it will cost to just do Vaser liposuction. See a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon first for a consultation I hope this helps.

David Hansen, MD · Answer

I haven't seen any good results with the non invasive laser liposuctions since the before and after photos look the same so therefore the risks are probably minimal to zero.  The invasive laser liposuctions do have risks and problems with dimpling, nerve damage, puckered skin  and burned skin. That is why they are becoming the cheapest lipos and not done by many of us who specialize in liposuctions. There are some docs who can do a good job with laser lipos but that is not common. Sincerely,

	David Hansen,MD

Are There Negatives Associated with Lipo Laser Treatment?

Answers (9)

Answer: Laser Lipo Treatment

Answer: Laser Lipo Treatment

Answer: The non invasive cold laser liposuctions have yet to prove effective.

Answer: The non invasive cold laser liposuctions have yet to prove effective.

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Are There Negatives Associated with Lipo Laser Treatment?

Answers (9)

Answer: Laser Lipo Treatment

Answer: Laser Lipo Treatment

Answer: The non invasive cold laser liposuctions have yet to prove effective.

Answer: The non invasive cold laser liposuctions have yet to prove effective.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Laser Liposuction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.