Pros & Cons Of Laser Lipo
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Laser liposuction has been steadily growing in popularity as a fat removal method. Traditional surgical liposuction was used prior to the introduction of laser liposuction to achieve similar results. Now, with new advances in laser technology, liposuction is now a much safer cosmetic procedure. However, before deciding to have laser liposuction done, it is important to discuss some of the pros and cons of the procedure.
Pros of Laser Liposuction
- FDA Approval
The fact that laser liposuction is FDA approved is probably one of its greatest advantages. It means that the procedure is considered safe for use in minimally overweight patients. It doesn't mean that laser liposuction is without risks, but it means that those risk have been tested and found to be either inconsequential or minimal. FDA approval also means that the laser liposuction procedures have been tested and analyzed.
- Reduced Scarring
The main purpose of using laser liposuction is usually cosmetic, which means that traditional surgical procedures that result in excessive scarring are usually disappointing to patients. However, laser liposuction reduced the possibility of scarring significantly. Laser technology is used for the procedure, which means that the incision is just large enough to insert the laser tool. It isn't a standard surgical incision, which means that even if scarring were to occur, it would probably not interfere with cosmetic appearance.
- Minimally Invasive
According Infini Liposuction Specialty Clinic, laser liposuction is regarded as a minimally invasive procedure. It is recognized as minimally invasive since it doesn't employ the standard surgical procedures. Standard surgical techniques usually require general anesthesia, which carries risks of its own, but laser liposuction just requires local anesthetic to the treatment area. This helps remove all the risk factors associated with general anesthesia.
- No Downtime
Traditional surgical liposuction typically comprises general anesthesia, hospital admission, as well as limited activity for between 2 and 3 weeks after the procedure. However, with laser liposuction, patients can resume their normal activities within just 2to 3 hours. Since it uses local anesthesia, patients are alert and awake while the procedure is underway and no hospital admission is required. It is not considered an invasive procedure, which means that patients aren't usually restricted from activities after the procedure.
Cons of Laser Liposuction
- Cost
There's a price tag associated with laser liposuction as with any cosmetic procedure. While laser liposuction is generally cheaper than traditional liposuction, it is still somewhat costly and insurance providers rarely pay for it. Laser liposuction costs between $1,500 and $6,000 on average, but several factors may cause this amount to increase, such as the amount of fat to be removed, the part of the body being treated, geographic location, and any existing health conditions.
$4,500 is the average cost for laser liposuction on the upper abdomen, which is the most common. If you combine that with the average $3,500 for the lower abdomen, and the average cost for abdominal laser liposuction is about $8,000.
- Burning
The burning sensation is the other disadvantage of laser liposuction you should consider. Since laser technology is used for burning away the fat, the vast majority of patients report experiencing a burning sensation. While this can be painful, it is a greater concern when laser liposuction is used on large areas of the body. If large areas of the body are treated, fat is exposed to the laser for extended periods, which often results in side effects associated with prolonged pain and burning.