Patients who are looking for alternatives to surgery to lose fat tend to be knowledgeable about the different options that are available on the market. They’re serious about losing weight, and they want to know what works and what doesn’t. This is a reason that one of the most common questions our Emerald Laser providers hear is, “Is laser fat removal safe?” The short answer is that laser lipolysis is safe, but not all laser lipo systems are the same.
Before you run out to a laser fat removal center near you, you should educate yourself about the different types of lasers, laser manufacturers, and laser lipolysis techniques.
Laser Fat Removal – How it Works
There are several different techniques that medical providers use to remove fat.
Cool Laser Lipolysis
Emerald Laser by Erconia is a cool laser. A technician will identify the area you want to target and then focus ten 532 nanometer cool lasers at the skin’s surface above the target fat cells. The lasers painlessly penetrate the skin and bore tiny holes into the fat cell walls. At the same time, the lasers are melting the lipids within the cells. These emulsified fats then seep out and are safely eliminated from your body.
Cool lasers do not kill the fat cells, which is by design. If you gain weight later, you’ll want the existing fat cells to accommodate the fat. Otherwise, your body will distribute these new lipids to the other cells remaining in your body. This may promote an unhealthy fat accumulation around your vital organs.
Hot Laser Lipolysis
Hot laser lipolysis works similarly to a cool laser system, but because the lasers are hotter, they kill the lipocytes as part of the process. This is inadvisable for reasons listed in the previous section.
Micro Laser Liposuction
This is a mildly invasive procedure where a surgeon makes multiple incisions in the skin. They then insert a laser fiber to penetrate and heat the fat cells. Once the cells are prepared in this manner, the surgeon vacuums out the fat cells. In some cases, the surgeon will close the incisions, but because they are minute, this step may not be necessary. Recovery can take longer than with the above-mentioned processes, and like hot lasers, micro-laser liposuction destroys the fat cells.
The main takeaway is that not all laser fat removal procedures are the same. While all are relatively safe when compared to more invasive procedures, Emerald’s cool laser sculpting stands out as the safest. There are no known side effects and no downtime, and it is the only laser fat removal device that’s FDA-approved for patients with BMIs over 30.
Benefits of Laser Fat Removal
There’s a reason why so many patients have decided to trust Emerald Laser for their health and appearance. The advantages of this system of laser fat removal are numerous:
- There’s no downtime following treatments. Patients can resume full physical activities as soon as they leave an Emerald Laser provider’s office.
- The effectiveness of Emerald Laser has been established in multiple double-blind studies. Here’s a summary of one of the successful research studies conducted with Emerald Laser:
- Emerald Laser is extremely safe. Erconia has sold more than 18,000 Emerald Laser devices that have been used on hundreds of thousands of patients. There are no known side effects, and the risk of injury when used by a licensed professional is non-existent.
- Emerald Laser is the only laser lipolysis machine that’s been FDA-approved for BMIs over 30. In fact, Erconia — Emerald Laser’s parent company — is the first fat reduction laser to receive FDA market approval.
- Patients spend about 30 minutes per session. The procedure is quick and can be done before or after work, during a lunch break, or on the weekend.
- Emerald Laser is painless. Patients don’t even require a local anesthetic.
Risks and Side Effects of Laser Fat Removal
While Emerald Laser remains the safest laser lipolysis system on the market, there are some dangers in using the hot laser systems designed by other manufacturers:
- Redness – Some laser systems leave the skin red, especially if the patient has sensitive skin.
- Cellular Destruction – Hot lasers are designed to destroy fat cells. As was previously mentioned, this can lead to an accumulation of fat around the vital organs if the patient should gain weight.
- Irritation – Some patients feel a mild burning sensation during hot laser treatments. Afterward, their skin may feel itchy and dry.
- Hematomas and bruising – Some patients experience these types of skin aberrations after hot laser therapy.
- Infection – This sometimes occurs when lasers are used in conjunction with liposuction as with micro-laser liposuction.
Preparing for Laser Fat Removal Treatment
Depending on which type of laser lipolysis you choose, you may have to prepare for your appointments. If this is the case, the laser provider may provide you with a list of behaviors to engage in or avoid: avoid using skin products in the treatment area, don’t exfoliate before treatment, stop using retinoid creams before your session, etc. When it comes to cool laser sculpting, the list is much shorter. You should avoid using cosmetics in the treatment area that may affect the pathway of the laser. Your laser technician will review this with you during your initial consultation.
Patient Testimonials
These are excerpts from video testimonials showing real patients talking about their amazing results using Emerald Lasers:
“Ever since I’ve been using Emerald, which is a very low, non-invasive green laser that breaks down fat tissue under the skin … in the first month, I’ve lost four kilograms.” – Brianna
“In just over a month, I used the Emerald Laser and went down two dress sizes and eight inches.” – Phyllis
“I’m totally amazed by my results from Emerald Laser, and I can’t wait for my last treatments.” – Avony
“Isn’t it amazing that I’ve lost 7¾”? I never thought I’d go back to that.” – Kimberly M.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Laser Fat Removal
The best way to get the answers to your questions is by scheduling an initial consultation at an Emerald Laser provider near you. In the meantime, these are some of the most common questions that our patients ask.
Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Fat Removal?
Individuals who are over 18 years old with a BMI under 40. If your BMI is higher than 40, you may need to try to reduce your weight through diet and exercise until you reach this goal. Emerald is the only laser fat system approved for patients with BMIs over 30. Emerald Laser providers will also not treat pregnant women.
What Should I Expect During Treatment?
The technician will ask you a few questions about how you’re feeling that day and if you’ve had any medical changes since your last treatment. You will then remove any clothing or jewelry covering the treatment area. The process itself does not require anesthetic, and it only takes about 20 minutes per area. Once you’re done, you can do anything you would have done if you hadn’t had a treatment. There are no restrictions.
How Long Does Emerald Laser Take?
Most patients see some results within a few days, but full results can take up to 12 weeks. Patients generally receive around six treatments spaced two weeks apart. This time gap allows each treatment the time it takes to evacuate the freed lipids.
How Much Does Emerald Laser Cost?
Most of our providers offer six-session packages. This is usually a sufficient course to achieve the results our patients are seeking. Packages can cost from $1,500 to $1,800 depending on the patient’s goals, regional costs, and the individual provider.
How Do I Know that My Emerald Laser Provider is Qualified?
All techs operating at Emerald Laser providers must be trained and certified. In addition, these clinics require a medical doctor to oversee their operations.
How Do I Keep the Weight From Coming Back?
We recommend maintaining a well-balanced, calorie-neutral diet to avoid weight gain. That means that you don’t consume more calories than you burn throughout the day from exercise and through your natural metabolism.
Is Laser Fat Removal Safe?
Emerald is one of the safest, non-invasive weight loss methods on the market. It’s also one of the most effective. Contact your local Emerald Laser provider to learn more about the process.
