Different people gain fat in different ways. If you’ve been struggling to lose fat in your lower back, it could be the consequence of age, genetics, exercise (or lack thereof), diet, and several other factors.
Back fat can be extremely stubborn to lose for some people, which is why many people choose medical interventions. We will discuss two of the most popular and effective ways to lose back fat: cool laser lipolysis and liposuction.
How Liposuction Works
Suction-assisted lipectomy or liposuction is an invasive procedure where a surgeon makes small incisions in the treatment area. They then insert a small nozzle and vacuum the fat cells out. The surgical procedure has been perfected over the 50 years since its invention. For back fat, patients usually undergo anesthesia. While liposuction is usually an outpatient procedure, it can take up to a month to fully recover.
How Laser Lipo Works
Cool laser lipo is a safe, effective, non-invasive medical solution for back fat. With cool laser lipolysis, a technician uses a low-temperature laser to target fat cells beneath the skin. The laser bores a whole through the fat cell (Adipocyte) membrane and melts the lipids inside.
The now liquified fats inside the cell then drain out, where they are safely disposed of by the body’s lymphatic system. One of the advantages of cool laser lipo over liposuction and many of the other fat reduction systems, including hot laser lipolysis and cryolipolysis (fat freezing), is that it leaves the adipocytes intact. That way, if you should gain weight after your treatments, it’s distributed more naturally. Killing fat cells can lead to an out-of-proportion weight gain in other areas.
Invasiveness: Laser Treatment vs. Liposuction
One of the main reasons that many patients choose laser lipolysis over liposuction is that it’s non-surgical. Liposuction is an invasive procedure.
Why Liposuction Is Considered Invasive
Because a surgeon enters the body, liposuction is considered to be an invasive procedure. That means:
- Surgical Prep – You will have to arrive early at the facility for surgical preparation.
- Anesthesia – An anesthesiologist will put you under.
- Recovery Time – You will probably be able to leave a few hours after the operation, but you may not be able to work for a few days.
- Restricted Activities for up to a month – You may not be able to resume full activity for up to a month.
- Possibility of wound-area scarring – the incision areas will leave minor scars for a period. With back fat liposuction, the wound site may be difficult to reach.
- Moderate post-op pain – most patients feel discomfort for at least a few days after surgery.
Non-Invasive Benefits of Laser Back Fat Treatment
Because Emerald Laser and other laser lipolysis treatments do not involve cuts or injections, they are considered non-invasive. Here are some of the advantages of this non-surgical procedure:
- No Incisions – The laser penetrates the skin without breaking it.
- It requires no anesthesia or anesthetic. The Emerald Laser is completely painless.
- Zero recovery time – Patients can leave our provider facilities and resume full activity.
- No Scarring – There is no wound site, so there is no scarring.
- Painless – Emerald Laser is painless. Most patients feel nothing at all.
- Fast – Each treatment takes under 30 minutes.
Recovery Time: Laser vs. Liposuction
One of the most significant factors that affect patient decisions when it comes to choosing between laser lipolysis and liposuction is the recovery time.
Shorter Downtime with Laser Treatment
Emerald Laser requires no downtime after each treatment. It’s important to note that most patients require six treatments for back fat removal. Treatments take place approximately two weeks apart for a total of 10 to 12 weeks.
However, you can accomplish each treatment in about 30 minutes, which means that you can schedule your appointments before work, after work, during lunch, or on the weekends. Because there’s no recovery time, you can go straight to work after each session.
Extended Recovery After Liposuction
Because the back is a relatively large area, your recovery time after liposuction can be as much as two weeks before you can go back to work. It may take you over a month to resume full physical activities. If you’re worried about missed paychecks or using up all of your leave time, you may want to explore other options.
Cost Comparison: Laser Treatment vs. Liposuction
The good news for patients seeking either laser lipolysis or liposuction is that most providers offer financing options. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average price of liposuction is $4,711, but that doesn’t include anesthesia, operating room facilities, and other expenses, which can cost thousands more. Additionally, you may miss a significant time for work.
Emerald Laser is significantly cheaper: $1,500 to $3,500 for a full course of treatments with no add-on costs. In addition, you don’t have to miss work for Emerald Laser treatments. Emerald Laser providers usually provide several financing options, or you can put them on your credit card.
Effectiveness and Results
Both types of back fat reduction are effective, but there are differences in how you arrive at your results.
Long-Term Results for Laser Treatment
Laser lipolysis starts working the minute you leave the office, but it takes about three months to achieve full results. There is a slow elimination of the fat in the treatment region. You should notice some reduction after the first week or so.
How Liposuction Delivers Dramatic Results
With liposuction, the effects are immediate. The medical team removes your fat so you can see results right away. There will, of course, be some swelling for the first few days after the procedure. However, you will not have the gradual reduction you get with laser lipo.
Final Analysis
Liposuction delivers immediate results, but when you consider the time leading up to your surgery and recovery time, it’s really not that much faster than a course of laser lipolysis treatments. Emerald Laser requires more time, but it’s painless, convenient, effective, and costs about half as much as liposuction.
If you are interested in laser lipolysis, call an Emerald Laser provider near you.
