Localized fat in various parts of the body is a common concern for many people, as getting rid of it permanently is challenging. As a result, people have been using cosmetic procedures to remove unwanted fat for decades. Laser liposuction has become one of the most popular and most performed procedures. It is safe and effective and can remove fat permanently while boosting collagen and elastin, which tightens the skin.
What Is Laser-Assisted Liposuction
Liposuction is a body contouring procedure that relies on controlled localized removal of fat deposits. Laser-assisted liposuction is a fat reduction solution that utilizes laser energy and technology to disrupt and liquefy fat cells for easier and faster removal. In addition, it helps eliminate fat from various body parts, such as the abdomen, arms, back, and legs, refining your body contours.
What is Sculpsure™?
Sculpsure™, or WarmSculpting as it’s sometimes known, is a temperature-based contouring treatment. It was developed with the same goal as coolsculpting, but it heats it up instead of cooling the treated area.
Sculpsure™ is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes lasers to eliminate fat cells. It works by using light wavelengths to penetrate the skin and reach the fat cells beneath. When the laser reaches a specific temperature, the fat cells’ structural integrity is damaged and releases their contents over a period of time. These fat cells are then flushed away via the lymphatic system. Unlike low-level laser treatments, which only shrink some fat cells, these fat cells have been removed for good and will not regenerate.
While not its primary function, Sculpsure™ can improve the appearance of skin tightness and texture. Its use of lasers stimulates collagen creation, which is what gives skin elasticity and smoothness.
How Does Laser Fat Removal Differ from Other Procedures
Laser-lipo and Sculpsure™ are cosmetic procedures that help to remove fat under the skin. These procedures might have similarities but also differ in various ways, such as:
- Process
Laser liposuction and Sculpsure™ have different processes. Laser fat removal is an invasive procedure where your doctor makes a tiny incision on the treatment area, allowing laser energy to enter and deliver heat to targeted fat cells. The concentrated laser light melts away the fat from under the skin. Once the process is complete, the doctor inserts a small tube into the same area to suck out the liquefied fat without harming the surrounding tissues. Laser fat removal takes an hour or less to complete. However, these might vary depending on the fat to be removed.
On the other hand, Sculpsure™ is a non-invasive fat removal procedure that removes fat cells under the skin without surgery. During a Sculpsure™ session, your doctor might use a heat laser belt, which gives off specific wavelengths and heat to target fat cells without disturbing the skin’s surface. The device will then alternate between heat and cold for 20-30 minutes. Your body naturally responds by flushing the dead fat cells through your lymphatic system. It involves several sessions to achieve optimal results.
- Cost
Sculpsure™ and Laser liposuction are unlikely to be covered by your insurance plan as they are cosmetic procedures. Their cost varies based on the location, length, involvement of the procedure, and the number of areas to be treated.
A laser-assisted liposuction procedure is more expensive than sculpsure. It can cost from $2500 to $5500 while Sculpsure™ ranges from $2000 to $4000.
- Recovery
Laser fat removal is a one-time procedure that takes less time to recover; individuals who have undergone laser liposuction recover quickly and can work after a few days. However, doctors recommend rest and avoiding activities that might strain the area to prevent complications like torn stitches. This differs from Sculpsure™, where the recovery time is much shorter.
- Results and Effectiveness
Sculpsure™ and laser-assisted liposuction provide similar results and work best for people with average weight. However, reports show that laser-assisted liposuction produces a better outcome and gives the client more satisfaction than other procedures.
The results for laser-assisted liposuction and Sculpsure™ are similar, but the time taken for the results to appear might vary. For example, laser fat removal results might appear immediately; however, long-term changes take months to become visible. On the other hand, Sculpsure™ results take longer to appear, considering most people notice a difference in their shape three weeks after the procedure, and it takes 2-3 months to get long-term results.
Which Procedure Is Right for You
It is essential to note that these are fat removal procedures and not weight loss procedures. These procedures are excellent for people close to their body goals but who are frustrated by some stubborn areas of fat. So which method is right for you?
- Ideal Laser Liposuction Candidate
Good candidates for liposuction include:
- Non-smokers
- Individuals with a positive outlook and specific goals in mind for body contouring
- Adults within 30% of their ideal weight who have firm elastic skin and good muscle tone
- Healthy individuals with no life-threatening illnesses or medical conditions that can impair healing
People with heart problems, blood clotting disorders, and pregnant women should avoid laser liposuction as it can cause serious health complications.
- Ideal Sculpsure™ Candidate
Sculpsure™ is safe for most people; however, it is not intended as a weight loss solution. Ideal candidates for Sculpsure™:
- People with overall good health
- People near their target weight but have enough fat to treat
- Looking for instant toning (You will need more than one session to see results)
- BMI of 30 or less
- Will maintain a healthy lifestyle and low-calorie diet
Laser Fat Removal Services in Shreveport: Dr. Vanderloos
People can highly benefit from laser fat removal. If you are interested in shedding a few inches and boosting confidence in Shreveport, contact Dr. Vanderloos for consultation and schedule your appointment for laser fat removal.
