Laser Lipolysis
Laser lipolysis is a new method of treatment that helps traditional liposuction and is recommended to get a stretched and tighter skin and a thinning of the fat layer in certain areas of the face and body. The procedure implies the use of a small laser fiber (about 1 mm), which is inserted into the subcutaneous tissue, rich in fat cells (adipocytes). The laser energy is transmitted into the targeted tissue and converted into heat; this has a role of melting the adipocytes, stimulating collagen’ synthesis and having skin stretching effect.
Indications and advantages
This modern technique is frequently indicated to treat:
areas with excess fat (double chin, lower cheeks, upper arms, thighs, abdomen, hips, knees, men’ breasts),
areas with moderate skin laxity,
rarely treat stretch marks and cellulite.
Laser lipolysis does not require hospitalization. It is performed with local or general anesthesia.
Laser lipolysis can be used alone or in combination with traditional liposuction and has several advantages: it is less painful; treatment is shorter, with a reduced time of recovery and has the effect of stimulating collagen synthesis which is more important than liposuction.
Pre-operatory training:
- interruption of the treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) or other drugs with anticoagulant role with 10-14 days before surgery;
- keep the area of intervention without irritations, inflammations or infections.
Contraindications: local cutaneous’ infections, untreated general pathology, pregnancy, patients with untreated diabetes, patients predisposed to form keloid scars.
Results: Skin retraction and contour correction was observed starting from 4-7 days at almost all patients, the process continues and gets better over several months postoperatory.
Possible side effects and complications: the most common are easy and temporary (5-7 days). Normal evolution involves erythema (redness) and transient edema (swelling of the area), bruising, pinpoint dermal indurations, pain minimal / moderate for a short while (longer or shorter, depending on the extension of treated area and the complexity of problem). Very rare this may cause minor complications such as: burns, local/systemic infections, reactivation of skin herpes, bruisings, scarrs, skin necrosis, temporary nerve damage / or permanent, hypo / hyperpigmentation (more common in phototype 3-5, after exposure to sun of the treated area).
Post-operatory behavior
The recovery period is 4 to 6 days. It is recommended to wear a special bandage for a week (if the area is swollen). Required medication consists of anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, antibiotics, optional, (for 3-5 days). The area should be gently massaged with gels or creams recommended up to one month post-operatory. The bandages will be changed in the first postoperative day, then as needed.
General advices:
- No activity restrictions;
- Avoid exposure to sunlight for one month after surgery;
- Makeup can be used after 24 h of treatment;
- The patient will come to checking at: 7 -14 days and 30 days. Otherwise, the outcome of surgery may be below the expectations of patients and any adverse reactions may have an increased rate of occurrence.
- The patient will not repeat or made a different treatment on the treated area before the 30 days check and physician acceptance on this
