Laser Lipo - Is It Right For You?

Choosing the right technique that is best for you

In our increasingly beauty obsessed society, more and more of us seek out cosmetic procedure to improve our flaws.  Of these cosmetic procedures, one of the most popular is Laser Liposuction (also known as Laser Lipo, Smart Lipo, Lunchtime Lipo, or Vaser Laser).  

Laser liposuction involves the use of a laser to "melt away" fatty deposits and then tightens the surrounding skin.  This technique was first discovered in Europe and has recently become FDA approved for use in the U.S.  Laser liposuction has been used over the past 10 years in South America, Europe, and Asia.  The procedure is usually done in an office setting and does not require the use of general anesthetic.  A very small cannula, or tube, approximately 1.0 to 2.0 mm in diameter containing a laser fiber is inserted into the skin.  The cannula is moved back and forth delivering the laser's energy to the fat cells causing them to rupture and easily drain away.  The fluid released from the fat cells is removed by the body's natural waste system.  The laser also causes small blood vessels to coagulate immediately on contact, thus resulting in less bleeding and bruising.  

Some liposuctionists report that one of the advantages of laser liposuction is the fact that the probability of scarring, muscle damage, or pain tends to be smaller than more traditional liposuction methods.  As a result, the patient is usually able to return to work within 48 hours.  One of the disadvantages of laser liposuction is that it may only be useful on a limited variety of body areas.  These body parts include the neck, face, and arms.  Some patients do not report a dramatic enough difference in their shapes or skin tightening following their procedure.  Laser liposuction is used in other areas such as the abdomen, thighs, back areas, or love handles.  This may be due to today's lasers not being quite aggressive enough in creating a significant change in the thickness of the fat deposits for most body types.  There is also some doubt among liposuction specialists as to exactly how effective laser lipo is when it comes to skin tightening.  That being said, laser liposuction can be an effective procedure for a small portion of liposuction candidates. 

Pricing of this procedure varies a great deal depending on how much fat you want remove, which body parts are being treated, or which office you seek treatment in.  Patients who are interested in this procedure should seek treatment in a facility that specializes in liposculpture.  It is much more that their results will be better compared to other less experienced offices and the pricing is often times much more affordable.  When selecting a liposuction procedure for pricing, contact a liposuction specialist to find out what this procedure can do for their particular area. 

For more information on Liposuction in San Diego, California please contact Pacific Lipo at (858) 427-8899.  Consultations are complimentary, pressure-free with no obligation.  They are available to help you confidently make a decision and prepare for your lipo procedure.

Bridal Body by Rod

Here comes the bride...
  big, fat, and wide?

Not if Pacific Lipo

 has anything to do with it!

As the big day approaches, 

brides dedicate the little free time they have to getting the perfect look. From practicing the perfect up-do, down to the french tips on the toes - brides want to make sure that every detail about them is flawless. 

One of the most frustrating parts of the wedding transformation can be getting that "perfect body". Even on a strict diet and exercise routine, it can seem near impossible to tone your problem areas or go down a size.  Pacific Lipo has a solution... 

Liposculpture

Liposculpture (Lipo) is a minimally invasive technique to permanently remove fat cells from problem areas. This advanced lipo technique is able to provide immediate results with little to no downtime, which is ideal for any bride who has a list of things to do and plan each day.

"After the first day I took my wrappings off to take a shower I was shocked because I have never seen my stomach look that small.  The results were immediate, even through the swelling I looked amazing! 

When I had gone to try on dresses for my wedding, I felt amazing and all my friends saw how I looked and now THEY want to get lipo. My coworker is actually going there next week to have hers done, too."

-Lindsey S. from Portland, OR

The liposculpture procedures contour the bodies, providing smoother curves and better definition - just the right look for a wedding gown or a honeymoon bikini.

Liposculpture is performed on various parts of the body -including the abdomen, love handles, flanks, back, arms, thighs, chin.  View Pacific Lipo's photo gallery to view before & after photos of patients.

"I am a bride to be and this is the best money I could spend to get 

ready for my wedding. I can't wait to take my new body dress shopping!

Thanks again to Rod Davis and the staff 

at Pacific Liposculpture for being so amazing."

-Katie H. from San Diego, CA

Today's Tumescent Liposculpture Vs. Traditional Liposuction

Author: Rodney Davis, Physician Assistant

Not very long ago, getting the shape that you always wanted required invasive surgery that almost certainly resulted in significant postoperative pain, obvious bruising, an increased risk of complications – not to mention an extended recovery time. Yesterday’s liposuction was risky, difficult, and surprisingly is still practiced  by most plastic surgeons who offer liposuction as just one of the several different procedures that they try to squeeze into an already exhaustive list of other cosmetic services. Liposuction is considered a major surgery, sometimes resulting in serious complications in the operating room, causes major bruising, and unsightly scars. This was and remains an aggressive procedure that produces deep bruises and sometimes requires stitches. This in turn can lead to increased scar formation.

Today’s tumescent liposuction, also known as Liposculpture, is a much safer procedure with minimal downtime.  Liposculpture is an advanced form of liposuction that leads to gentler body sculpting and more precise results. Unlike traditional liposuction with general anesthesia, liposculpture patients remain awake while their fat is removed with very tiny instruments. And, because Liposculpture doesn’t use the same heavy sedatives as traditional liposuction, most patients are able to walk out of the treatment offices immediately following the procedure. A good portion of liposculpture patients are able to return to most activities in 1 to 2 days. The tumescent liposuction procedure also stimulates the collagen-producing agents in skin, leaving skin firmer and smoother.

Liposculpture is less invasive. Most areas of the body require only 1 to 2 tiny incisions. The cannula, or straw-like tool that is used to suck out fat, is only 2-3 millimeters wide –that’s about the size of a cooked piece of spaghetti. The incisions resulting from the procedure are barely noticeable after only a few weeks. Because the cannulas are so much smaller than the ones used in traditional liposuction, you won’t experience the unsightly scars that sometimes accompany traditional liposuction.

Liposculpture is more gentle. When using larger instruments in
traditional liposuction, providers generally make larger, more aggressive strokes while removing fat. Liposculpture uses smaller cannulas, all procedures are performed with shorter, gentler strokes. Patients usually experience only mild soreness the day after the procedure – something equivalent to post-exercise muscle ache. Tumescent liposuction may take longer than traditional liposuction, but the procedure leaves minimal bruising and pain. With today’s Liposculpture, you get the same results as traditional liposuction without all of the bruising and scarring.

Liposculpture is not considered a major surgery, it is a completely outpatient procedure.  Some patients even drive themselves home from the procedure. Many of the serious complications associated with traditional liposuction occurred because the patient was under heavy anesthesia. Patients under heavy anesthesia are unable to tell their provider if the procedure is too aggressive or causing unusual amounts of pain.  With Tumescent Liposuction, complications due to general anesthesia are eliminated. Patients remain awake under light or no sedation, and always able to communicate anything they are feeling. And, because Liposculpture uses only local anesthetic, patients are less likely to experience adverse reactions. Gentle and minimally invasive, most patients are on their feet the next day, and enjoying their new body in no time.

For more information on Liposculpture, contact Pacific Lipo at (858) 427-8899. To ask Rod Davis, Physician Assistant a question – email rod@pacificlipo.com.