Liposuction – Assisted (Laser / Ultrasound)
What are laser‑ and ultrasound‑assisted liposuction?
Laser‑ and ultrasound‑assisted liposuction are body‑contouring procedures used for areas that do not respond to diet and exercise. Like traditional liposuction, they are not treatments for obesity. With these techniques, energy is used to liquefy fat before it is removed.
- Common areas: abdomen, ankles, arms, buttocks, cheeks, chin, hips, knees, neck, thighs, upper arms, waist.
Who is a good candidate?
These techniques may allow sedation instead of general anesthesia and can be less traumatic, but evidence that results are better than traditional liposuction is limited. Discuss pros and cons with a board‑certified plastic surgeon.
- Adults within 30% of ideal weight with firm, elastic skin and good muscle tone
- Healthy individuals without illnesses that impair healing
- Non‑smokers
- Individuals with positive outlook and specific goals for body contouring
Caution: In inexperienced hands, these techniques can be dangerous. Choose a surgeon with specific experience in assisted liposuction.
Cost
Fees vary by practitioner qualifications, technique, case complexity, time required, and geography. In general, assisted techniques cost more than traditional liposuction. Many practices offer financing; most health insurance plans do not cover cosmetic surgery or related complications.
Typical cost components
- Surgeon’s fee
- Facility costs
- Anesthesia fees
- Prescriptions and garments
Questions to ask your plastic surgeon
- Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- Were you specifically trained in plastic surgery?
- Is the surgical facility accredited/licensed or Medicare‑certified?
- Am I a good candidate? What technique do you recommend?
- What will be expected of me for best results?
- Where and how will you perform my procedure?
- How long is recovery? What help will I need?
- What are the risks and how are complications handled?
- How will I look over time?
- Do you have before‑and‑after photos for this procedure?
- What results are reasonable for me?
Types of assisted liposuction
Laser‑assisted liposuction
Low‑energy laser waves are delivered via a thin fiber through small incisions to melt fat, which is then removed with a cannula.
Ultrasound‑assisted liposuction
Ultrasonic energy emitted from a cannula liquefies fat for removal. Energy may be delivered above or below the skin depending on the device.
How the procedures work
Traditional liposuction involves anesthesia, infusion of tumescent solution, and suction of fat via small incisions. Laser‑assisted liposuction liquefies fat with laser energy before suction. Ultrasound‑assisted liposuction uses a rapidly vibrating cannula that emits ultrasound energy to emulsify fat prior to suction.
Confirm that the specific device used is appropriately cleared by the FDA for liposuction.
Recovery
Common early issues include bruising, infection, minimal bleeding, numbness, skin burns, and swelling. Soreness and swelling for a few days are typical. Compression garments may be recommended to speed healing. Many people return to work within a few days, but recovery varies.
Long‑term
Skin may tighten over several months as healing progresses. Removed fat cells are not recreated; if weight is gained, treated areas may not expand as much as before.
Results
Expect progressive contour improvement as swelling subsides. Before‑and‑after comparisons are commonly used to illustrate results.
Choosing a plastic surgeon
The most important decision is selecting a board‑certified plastic surgeon who is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
ASPS Member Surgeons meet standards such as
- Board certification by ABPS or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada
- At least six years of surgical training after medical school, including a minimum of three years of plastic surgery residency
- Passing comprehensive oral and written examinations
- Graduation from an accredited medical school
- Ongoing continuing medical education, including patient safety
- Operating in accredited, state‑licensed, or Medicare‑certified facilities
Note: The ABPS is recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS); there is no ABMS‑recognized board with “cosmetic surgery” in its name.
