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Body Contouring with Laser Liposuction

Laser liposuction is a procedure that uses targeted laser energy to help remove fat from problem areas of the body that diet and exercise can’t get rid of, leaving you with more pleasing contours and new found confidence in your appearance.

Laser liposuction can be performed on many areas of the body, including the stomach, love handles, upper back and bra area, upper arms, thighs, waist and hips, inner knees and the area under the chin.

Laser liposuction is very well tolerated and offers excellent results with minimal downtime. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, removing the risks associated with the general anesthesia that is required for traditional liposuction.

Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Lipo?

Almost anyone can be a good candidate for laser liposuction. In general, the ideal candidate:

• Is healthy and gets regular exercise
• Is within 30 pounds of their ideal body weight
• Has fat deposits that don't seem to respond to diet and exercise
• Has realistic expectations about what results to expect from the procedure
• Is motivated to maintain their results

Our medical staff will walk you through the benefits and risks of laser lipo during your free physician consultation. We will help you to determine if laser lipo is the right procedure for what you're trying to achieve. If not, there are several other body contouring options available at Reflections.

Why Choose Laser Lipo?

Typically patients who are a good fit for laser liposuction choose to move ahead with the procedure for one or more of the following reasons:

• You don't have a lot of time to waste on post-treatment recovery. Laser lipo patients are usually back to work and their other responsibilities one or two days after the procedure.
• You've dedicated yourself to eating right and exercising, but still can't lose your belly, enlarged thighs, love handles or other problem area that you'd like to improve. Laser lipo is a great way to permamntly remove this stubborn fat.
• You are looking for the latest FDA-approved technology. SlimLipo, our preferred laser lipo technique, has been FDA approved for fat removal and features a unique 924nm laser wavelength, specifically designed to target fat cells. We feel it is by far the best laser liposuction technology available today.
• You don't want drooping or hanging skin after the fat is gone. This is a major difference between laser liposuction and tradtional liposuction; laser liposuction offers the added benefit of skin tightening. This occurs by heating the innermost structures of the skin, causing the skin to constrict over time, leaving the treatment area tighter, smoother and with a more pleasing contour.
• You don't want to bear the expense of traditional liposuction. The cost of laser liposuction is considerably less expensive than traditional liposuction. This is because laser liposuction is a more comfortable procedure that uses local anesthesia, removing the costs and the risks associated with "going under" general anesthesia.
• You want to get rid of the fat once and for all. Once the fat is removed from the treatment area, those cells are gone for good and will never return. If you gain weight in the future, the fat will be deposited elsewhere in your body, so maintaining your results is an important part of the process.
• You have realistic expectations about the results you will get from the procedure. The results we've seen from laser liposuction are wonderful, but sometimes patients have unacheivable expectations. We will do our best to make it clear what you can expect from the procedure, and the vast majority of our patients are thrilled with their improved appearance and enjoy a big boost in self confidence.

Read recent medical abstracts about Laser Liposuction

Laser versus Traditional Liposuction

Laser liposuction (Laser lipo) offers many benefits over traditional liposuction, including superior skin tightening and smoothing and less risk of irregularities in the treatment area compared to traditional liposuction. Laser lipo is also better tolerated than traditional liposuction, with minimal downtime required and less bruising. Laser liposuction is performed under local anesthesia, removing the risks associated with the general anesthesia required for traditional liposuction.

Because the cannulas used to remove the liquefied fat are so thin, only tiny incisions are needed and when these heal, they are usually unnoticeable. This is in contrast to traditional liposuction.

Traditional liposuction is still the procedure of choice when very large amount of fat need to be removed, but for many of those individuals diet and exercise should be the treatment recommendation, not liposuction.

Most patients, if they are good candidates for the procedure, choose laser liposuction over traditional liposuction for its superior safety and tolerability, skin tightening benefits and use of local instead of general anesthesia.

Diet & Exercise

Laser liposuction shouldn’t be viewed as a replacement for diet and exercise; rather all three should be seen as partners in success. At Reflections, we believe integrating regular exercise and smart nutritional choices is vital for getting the most out of the procedure and sustaining your results.

SlimLipo

After performing exhaustive hands-on testing with every laser liposuction device on the market, including the well-known Smart Lipo, SlimLipo was the clear choice for the physicians at Reflections. Unlike many of the other devices available, SlimLipo features a patented laser wavelength (924nm) that has been FDA approved and expressly engineered to target fat cells. It also uses an additional wavelength (975nm) specifically for skin tightening. This results in a treatment that more efficiently liquefies fat (up to 7 times more than Smart Lipo) and tightens skin and a procedure that is safer, faster and better tolerated.

The SlimLipo laser represents a new generation for laser liposuction devices and a major advancement over SmartLipo.

The Laser Liposuction Process

Before the procedure begins, the area to be treated is marked by the physician while the patient is standing up to ensure the trouble spots are clearly defined. This is an important step, as the contour of the body shifts when the patient reclines for the procedure, masking the problem areas the patient sees in the mirror every morning.

During the treatment, tiny incisions are made and the treatment area is filled with tumescent anesthesia, a numbing fluid that makes the procedure comfortable, reduces bruising and aids in the removal of the fat deposits.

A laser fiber is then inserted under the skin and is passed through the subcutaneous fat layer, liquefying the fat cells. The laser fiber also heats the innermost structures of the skin, providing a noticeable lifting and tightening of the skin in the treatment area.

Very thin suction wands called cannulas are then used to remove the liquefied fat cells. Patients are back on their feet quickly, with most returning to work a day or two after the procedure.

 

CBS News Video: Watch Laser Liposuction being performed at Reflections:

 

Q&A

Is laser liposuction right for me?
Laser liposuction is not for everyone. The best candidates for laser liposuction are people who are relatively fit, but are still unable to achieve their desired body contour. Individuals with significant amounts of loose and hanging skin of the abdomen may be better suited for a tummy tuck.

Who shouldn’t have laser liposuction?
Patients are not candidates for laser liposuction if they are pregnant or breast feeding, have insulin dependent diabetes, have active or chronic liver disease or hepatitis, have coronary artery disease, unstable hypertension, bleeding disorders or are on Coumadin/Heparin. Those patients with immune related disorders such as HIV or are allergic to Lidocaine are also not candidates.

Does laser liposuction hurt?
Laser liposuction is a well-tolerated and comfortable procedure. The patient is given a mild sedative and relaxes while the area to be treated is gently filled with a tumescent solution, which numbs it from the inside. Once the area is fully desensitized, the laser and suctioning commence. The patient usually relaxes and listens to music or watches videos as the treatment is being performed and experiences little to no discomfort.

What downtime is associated with laser liposuction?
One of the great benefits of laser lipo is how well it fits into today’s busy lifestyle. Patients usually set aside two days for laser liposuction, one day for the treatment and one day for recovery. After two days most patients are ready to get back to work and the other responsibilities in their lives.

What happens before the laser liposuction procedure?
The laser liposuction process starts with a complimentary consultation, where you will discuss your body contouring goals with a physician. If it is decided that laser liposuction is right for you, we will schedule your treatment day. You’ll also be fitted for a compression garment that you will wear once the procedure is completed. In the weeks before the procedure, lab work will be performed to confirm that you have no underlying health issues and that you are a good candidate for the procedure. We always recommend getting a good night’s sleep the evening before the procedure.

What happens just before and during the procedure?
Before you enter the treatment room, the doctor will mark the area to be treated with colored markers to use as a roadmap during the procedure and will take a series of photographs.

You will be given a mild sedative. You will then lie comfortably on a soft, warm treatment bed and we will use a small needle to inject local anesthesia into the incision sites to be used during the procedure. You may feel a slight pinching sensation, but these injections are generally painless and are often the only discomfort felt during the procedure.

Next, the doctor will make a few tiny incisions and the treatment area will be filled with a tumescent solution to make it numb. The doctor will then insert the laser fiber and make several passes to liquefy the fat and to lift, smooth and tighten the skin. The fat and tumescent solution will then be suctioned out with small cannulas.

Once the procedure is completed, absorbent pads are placed on the incision points and a compression garment is fitted.

What happens after the procedure?
When the procedure is completed, you will be ready to be driven home. We recommend that you take it easy for the remainder of the day and get a good night’s sleep. A friend or relative must be with you for the first overnight.

Initial post-treatment discomfort is mild, similar to the feeling after a hard work out, and is easily controlled with oral medication, usually Tylenol, but a narcotic can be used if needed. Be aware that there will be a moderate amount of pink or red drainage in the first 24 hours post procedure. This is normal.

You will wear a compression garment for a few weeks to aid in the recovery and body contouring process. We also like to schedule a follow up visit shortly after the procedure to monitor your progress. Any bruising and swelling usually subsides in a few weeks. The final result takes shape over several months as the skin continues to tighten long after the procedure has been completed.

What’s unique about the Reflections Body Contouring Center?
The Body Contouring Center of Reflections is dedicated to one thing: body contouring. The team of experienced physicians and staff will anticipate and understand your every need, from day of consult, to day of treatment. They will be there to guide you through the process of laser liposuction and share in the excitement of your results.

The center was created specifically for laser liposuction, rather than retrofitting the procedure into an existing office which has become the norm in the region. Patient comfort and safety are the priorities. The main treatment room is spacious and connected to a bathroom for convenience and privacy. We provide our patients with a choice of soft music through an ipod during the treatment.

There is a comfortable waiting area for your guests with television and internet access as well as a large retail mall nearby.

The center in the Martinsville section of Bridgewater is located at the borders between Bridgewater, Basking ridge and Warren NJ, with easy access from Rt. 78, Rt. 287 and Rt. 22.

Why choose the Physicians of Reflections for laser liposuction?
Our talented physicians have hands-on experience with every device on the market, and have shared techniques with doctors from Chicago, New Jersey, Toronto, Pennsylvania, New York, Atlanta, and Virginia. They have incorporated only the best technologies and the latest techniques for our Body Sculpting Center.

Our clinical staff of medical assistants works under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, ensuring that the highest clinical standards are maintained in every step of the process.

Are there different laser technologies out there?
Yes, there are many manufacturers who now make laser liposuction devices. Palomar’s SlimLipo device has raised the bar in the industry. Many of the other laser wavelengths out there (including the much-hyped Smart Lipo) were initially developed as dental lasers that were later repurposed for body contouring. Slim Lipo was developed from day one for use in laser liposuction and its patented laser wavelengths are much more effective at melting fat than Smart Lipo, and the risk of burns seen with Smart Lipo are dramatically reduced. This leads to a more efficient procedure with less risk and superior results.

How much does laser liposuction cost?
The cost of the procedure depends on the treatment area and the amount of fat to be removed. Typically costs range between $ 2,500 and $7,500.

If I want to do multiple body parts, how long do I need to wait between treatments?
We generally recommend waiting one month in-between body areas to give you an ample chance to fully heal.

If I plan to have it done shortly, what should I do in preparation?
If your treatment date is approaching, you should immediately stop taking any products that can thin the blood, including aspirin (or products containing aspirin}, fish oil, vitamin E, ibuprofen, herbal supplements and St. John’s Wort. If you smoke, you should stop immediately. Also, avoid any crash dieting before the procedure.

How long should I wait to have laser liposuction after a pregnancy?
We recommend that you wait four to six months after giving birth before having laser liposuction.

I'm From Out of Town - Where Can I Stay?
Laser liposuction is performed in our Martinsville, New Jersey center, and there are a number of hotels within just a few miles. Click here to see a map of the area and few of the hotel options.