Dear Dr. Seckel, I am interested in liposuction and have heard of laser liposuction. Is it safe and does it work? I have heard of Smartlipo, Coollipo and now SlimLipo. Can you tell me the difference and which laser liposuction is best? Thank you, Marie, Boston, Massachusetts
Dear Marie,
Thank you for your question. Liposuction is the most common plastic surgery procedure done in the
Palomar™ Medical has just introduced SLIMLIPO™ a new laser liposuction technology which will revolutionize the way liposuction is done. The word SLIM™ stands for Selective Laser Induced Melting and what is new is the laser wavelength-924 and 924/975nm- which selectively melts fat-3 times more effectively than some other laser liposuction machines.
Above: Before and After Laser Liposuction of Upper Abdomen and Minor Tuck Lower Abdomen.
In some patients with smaller fat deposits we can melt the fat with the tiny SLIMLIPO™ laser fiber and use minimal suction to remove the dissolved fat. This means less bruising, less trauma, and quick recovery.
Above: Before and After Laser Liposuction Double Chin and Small Chin Implant
New laser liposuction technology is revolutionizing the way liposuction is done. Benefits of the new laser liposuction technique are
· The laser selectively dissolves fat unlike standard liposuction which can destroy all tissues.
· The laser closes blood vessels=less bleeding, less bruising
· The laser tightens skin=less loose skin after liposuction
· Laser liposuction is less traumatic=quicker recovery
· The laser fiber is tiny= smaller scars
· Smaller areas done under local anesthesia
All laser liposuction machines are not equal. You need to understand the importance of the laser wavelength used to melt fat. Most laser liposuction machines on the market today use a 1064nm or 1320nm laser wavelength. Actually the best wavelength which is most highly absorbed by fat is 924nm.
The 924nm based laser liposuction and is 3 times as selectively absorbed by fat as the 1064nm lasers and 2 times more than the 1320nm-the other commercially available laser liposuction technology. It is also 5 times as selectively absorbed by blood. This means that the 924nm laser dissolves fat and prevents bleeding more effectively. See the figure below for comparison of the fat melting selectivity of the more popular liposuction wavelengths available today.
For you the patient this translates into:
· Gentler more thorough fat removal
· Less bleeding, less bruising
· Quicker recovery
We also can blend in a 975nm laser wavelength with the 924nm which is highly absorbed by the Dermis-the deep layer of your skin which helps skin tightening. For you this translates into:
· Tighter skin after liposuction
· Less risk of revisional surgery after liposuction
I am proud to say that we helped Palomar™ develop this revolutionary new laser and are the first to offer SLIMLIPO™ with the Aspire™ laser liposuction unit in
For more information on laser liposuction or plastic surgery in general call 978-369-4499 or visit my website.Be sure to sign up for my free email newsletter for information on the latest advances in plastic surgery and non-surgical rejuvenation procedures.