Micro Laser Liposuction vs. Non Invasive Laser Fat Removal

When it comes to fat reduction procedures, the names can all run together. Laser lipo (short for “laser lipolysis”), liposuction (often abbreviated to lipo), etc. In this article, we will discuss the differences between micro laser liposuction and laser lipolysis. The two terms may sound similar, but they are actually very different procedures.

Micro Laser Liposuction

Before we discuss micro laser lipo, it’s helpful to understand what traditional liposuction is. Liposuction is a procedure where a surgeon creates incisions in the target area and sucks fat cells out with a surgical vaccuum. This procedure doesn’t require general anesthesia, but local anesthetic is a must. It also has a recovery time of up to a month. Most patients feel discomfort as they’re healing from liposuction.

Micro laser liposuction is often referred to as laser-assisted liposuction, and it attempts to reduce the invasiveness and long recovery periods of liposuction. Here’s an overview of how it works:

• A surgeon makes tiny incisions in the target area.
• A laser fiber is inserted into the incision.
• The heat energy from the laser emulsifies fat cells in the region.
• The surgeon can use a cannula to vacuum out the fat cells or allow them to be eliminated by the body’s lymphatic system.
• The surgeon may suture or close the incisions, but because they’re much smaller than with liposuction, it’s not always necessary.

There are numerous benefits to this method over traditional liposuction. There is a lower chance of scarring, less pain, and shorter recovery periods. However, micro laser liposuction is not as effective when there are large volumes of fat.

Non-Invasive Laser Fat Removal

Emerald Laser by Erchonia is the only laser lipo machine on the market that is approved for individuals with BMIs over 30. Here is an overview of how it works.

• A medical professional who is certified with Emerald Laser identifies the target area.
• The machine uses 10 532 nanometer cool lasers. The technician will aim these lasers at the surface of the skin without making incisions.
• The lasers painlessly penetrate the skin and bore tiny holes in the cell walls of the lipocytes.
• As is the case with micro laser liposuction, the laser emulsifies the fats within the cells while simultaneously boring small holes in the sides.
• The body’s lymphatic system safely disposes of the liquified lipids.

Benefits of Micro Laser Liposuction

Laser-assisted liposuction has several benefits that are more pronounced when compared to traditional liposuction. To begin with, the patient doesn’t usually have to be put under for the procedure. While it can be painful, local anesthesia is usually sufficient to keep the patient comfortable.

Additionally, the patient has a shorter recovery period, particularly when it comes to everyday routines. Still, a return to full activity can take a month or longer. Most patients require pain medication in the first few days after the procedure to deal with the discomfort. Again, this is an advantage over liposuction. Scarring is also minimal when compared to the inevitable scars left by liposuction.

Benefits of Non-Invasive Laser Fat Removal

Emerald Laser does not require the patient to be put under the effects of anesthesia, and local anesthetic is not required. In fact, most patients don’t feel pain at all. Because it’s a completely non-invasive procedure, there’s virtually no chance of scarring. After multiple studies, clinical trials, and tens of thousands of individual treatments. There are no known side effects at all.

The science behind laser lipolysis is proven — which is not the case with other fat reduction treatments. In multiple double-blind studies, patients experienced a measurable loss in body circumference. Emerald laser treatments last less than half an hour, and there is no downtime after each treatment. You can even go straight from your treatment session to the gym if you choose. Unlike micro-laser liposuction and even other laser lipolysis treatments, Emerald Laser empties the fat cells and leaves them intact. That way, if a patient begins gaining weight after treatment — this is a risk with all fat reduction methods — the weight gain does not disrupt the contours of the body.

For individuals with a BMI under 40 who want a safe, non-invasive, convenient, painless, and natural way to lose weight, Emerald Laser provides one of the best options.

A Side-to-Side Comparison of Emerald Laser Lipolysis and Micro Laser Liposuction

Proven Effectiveness

Both treatments are highly effective, which is why a side-by-side comparison is appropriate. One study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery found that “The use of LLLT device equipped with 532-nm green diodes is a safe and effective means for noninvasive body contouring of the waist, hips, and thighs.” Emerald is also the only fat-removal laser that has FDA market approval for individuals with BMIs greater than 30.

The comparable effectiveness of micro-laser liposuction is self-evident. The process involves killing lipocytes with a laser and using suction to remove them from the body. While effective, it’s important to remember that there are inherent risks to this approach.

Pain Involved

Emerald is a cool laser system, so patients don’t even feel the minor burning sensation that is common with other laser lipolysis machines. In other words, Emerald Laser is completely painless and requires no anesthesia or local anesthetic.

While the pain involved in micro laser liposuction is moderate, it does exist. Patients can expect to feel sore and uncomfortable as the local anesthetic wears off. This may persist for a day or two. After a few weeks, the pain usually goes completely away.

Recovery Time

Emerald Laser requires no recovery time. There are no incisions that require healing, and because there are no side effects, you should be able to resume full activities immediately after your treatment sessions.

This contrasts sharply with micro-laser lipolysis, which requires rest after the first 24 hours, and patients are restricted to light physical activity for the next 24 hours. Healing is gradual, but most patients can resume normal (if not strenuous) physical activity within 72 hours of the procedure.

Scarring

Because Emerald Laser is non-invasive — it does not require injections or incisions — there is no chance of scarring. Furthermore, there is no visible redness or swelling.

Under the best-case scenarios, micro laser liposuction does not result in permanent scarring. However, temporary scarring is inevitable. There is also a period of swelling and redness that can persist for a week or more.

Cost Comparison

Providers usually sell Emerald Laser treatments in packages of six. That is the most common number of treatments required for optimal results. The treatments are spaced two weeks apart, so the entire course takes about 10-12 weeks. The cost usually ranges from $1,700 to $2,500 depending on the regional market and the area of treatment on the body.

The cost of micro laser liposuction can start in the $2,000 range, but it’s usually much more expensive. Because it’s a surgery — albeit an outpatient procedure — there are facility costs, usually more than one medical professional in the room, post-operative care costs, etc.

Convenience

When some patients hear that Emerald Laser can require up to six treatments, they believe that they will be sacrificing convenience for effectiveness, but that’s simply not true. Emerald treatments take less than 30 minutes, and most providers can work around your schedule with late and early appointments or Saturday office hours. Because there’s no downtime, you can immediately carry on with your day.

It may be true that micro laser liposuction is an outpatient procedure, but it does require a recovery period. Patients will not be able to resume activities until the following day, but it may require longer. Depending on your lifestyle and the type of work you do, this may be a deterrent.

Aftercare

There are no aftercare requirements for Emerald Laser. If you’ve undergone micro laser lipolysis, your doctor should provide you with wound care instructions and may prescribe a pain reliever for you to deal with the discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions About Medical Fat Removal

These are some of the most common questions that Emerald Laser providers hear from our patients.

Why Is it Better to Keep the Fat Cells Alive?

It’s important to understand that it’s the lipids inside the cells that make you look heavier, not the cells themselves. By draining the lipocytes, you can achieve a more desirable look without killing these cells. So, why does it matter that the fat cells are left alive?

If you do happen to gain weight back, the fat will have to be stored somewhere. If your body has too few fat cells in a particular area, the fat will accumulate elsewhere. This can affect the contouring of your body.

Can I Gain Weight Back?

Yes, regardless of whether you choose Emerald Laser, micro laser liposuction, fat freezing, or some other process, if you consume more calories than you burn, you will gain weight. To combat this, Emerald Laser advocates a calorie-neutral diet that includes nutritious healthy foods paired with regular exercise.

What Are the Risks of Emerald Laser vs. Micro Laser Liposuction?

Both courses of action are low risk. With Emerald, there are no known side effects from treatment. It’s virtually risk-free. The risks for micro laser liposuction are also minimal. They include scarring, infection, minor burns, uneven or lumpy results, pain, and discomfort.

If you’re unsure as to whether or not Emerald Laser is right for you, we encourage you to schedule an initial consultation with a local provider. They will do an evaluation and let you know if Emerald is the right treatment for you.