Surgical liposuction or suction lipectomy is a procedure that has existed for about 100 years, which may be one of the reasons for its enduring popularity. Patients tend to feel more comfortable with medical practices that have been familiar to them for a long time. Non-invasive laser lipolysis has only existed for a fraction of the time — less than two decades.
Erchonia is the parent company of Emerald Laser and a pioneer in the laser lipolysis industry. Our original laser was the first to receive FDA market approval. If you are weighing the pros and cons of surgical liposuction, you owe it to yourself to read this article comparing the two fat reduction methods.
How Does Non-Invasive Laser Lipo Work
Lipocytes or fat cells are tiny, living ballons that store lipids or fats. When you consume more calories than you burn, the body stores the extra calories in these cells for later consumption. If you do this on a continuous basis, you’ll keep gaining weight in the form of fat.
One way to reverse this condition is to maintain a calorie-negative diet. That means that the calories you consume are less than the calories you burn. However, you may find some layers of fat more difficult to get rid of than to accumulate. This is where laser lipo can really benefit you.
Emerald Laser, for example, works by targeting fat cells with 10 532 nanometer lasers. These lasers painlessly penetrate the skin and target the fat cells. As they bore tiny pores in the cell wall, they simultaneously emulsify the fat inside. The fats then seep out, where they are disposed of by the body’s lymphatic system.
It’s important to note that there are other types of fat-reduction lasers on the market. Some of the features that separate Emerald from the others are:
- Emerald is a cool laser that’s designed not to kill fat cells. Killing fat cells may sound advantageous but it can lead to some really undesirable results should you put the weight back on.
- Emerald is the only laser with FDA approval for individuals with a BMI over 30.
- The effectiveness of Emerald Laser has been proven in multiple double-blind studies, and thousands of patients have been successfully treated using the Emerald Laser lipo machine.
Overview of Surgical Liposuction
Unlike laser lipolysis (laser lipo), liposuction is an invasive procedure where a surgeon makes small incisions in the target area and inserts a cannula, which is a thin tube that removes the fat from the treatment area using vaccuum pressure. Once the surgeon achieves the desired results, they close the incisions.
While liposuction is a fairly common procedure, it has risks. Patients are anesthetized, which carries its own set of risks. Other challenges and side effects of surgical liposuction include the risk of infection at the wound sites, scarring, and post-op pain. There is also a significant downtime, and it may take weeks before patients can resume strenuous activity. One stark contrast between liposuction and Emerald’s cool laser lipolysis is that liposuction destroys fat cells — or, more accurately, permanently removes them.
There is an advantage to not destroying fat cells. If you happen to gain weight after your fat reduction treatment, the newly accumulated fat will need a place to go. If the fat cells have been removed or destroyed, they can form in other areas. This can lead to a disproportionate weight gain.
Consider this example. You have liposuction in your abdominal region but gain weight after your surgery. You may find that your increase is in the hips and buttocks. This can also be dangerous if the additional weight gain occurs near the vital organs.
Emerald Laser leaves the emptied fat cells intact, so if you do experience weight gain, you can avoid an awkward or unpleasant redistribution. Of course, if you maintain your post-treatment weight, you should avoid fat gain altogether.
Benefits of Non-Invasive Laser Lipo Machines
There are numerous advantages to choosing a non-invasive procedure over surgical liposuction. However, not all non-invasive procedures are effective. Before you commit to laser lipo, cryolipolysis (fat freezing), liposuction, or any other treatment plan, do your research. It may turn out that you aren’t an ideal candidate for one or more treatments.
Additionally, not all laser lipo machines are equal. Emerald Laser’s machines work much differently than hot lasers. The benefits we list in this section specifically refer to Emerald Laser.
- Non-invasive – Laser lipolysis is non-invasive, which means that you don’t have to worry about scarring.
- Effectiveness – Emerald Laser has been tested in multiple double-blind studies. The average circumference loss for Emerald Laser patients is six inches. Most patients notice some change after the first session, with full results achieved within 12 weeks.
- Safety – Emerald Laser is the only low-level laser on the market that’s FDA market-cleared for patients with BMIs between 30 and 40.
- Convenience – Patients can go to an Emerald Laser provider and complete a session within 30 minutes of arrival. Since there is no downtime after each treatment, patients can resume full activity immediately after leaving the spa or clinic. Treatments are also fast enough that you can schedule them before or after work, during your lunch break, or on weekends between errands.
- Painless – Most Emerald Laser patients cannot feel anything at all during treatment. Others feel a light tingling but no pain. There are also no known side effects of Emerald Laser.
- Cost-Effective – According to the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the average cost of liposuction is $4,711. Emerald Laser costs as little as $1,800 to $2,500 for the recommended six sessions, with financing options available.
Risks and Side Effects of Traditional Liposuction
Liposuction is a relatively safe surgical procedure, but no reputable surgeon would classify it as “risk-free.” If you are considering liposuction, you should be aware of the risks:
- Scarring and skin discoloration
- Infection
- Anesthesia complications
- Contour irregularities from removing too much or too little fat.
- Painful recovery
- Surgical errors
Choosing the Right Option for You: Non-Invasive Laser Lipo Machines or Traditional Liposuction
When it comes to effectiveness, both liposuction and laser lipolysis can offer you fast, effective fat reduction. However, there are many drawbacks to opting for an invasive procedure. Most people do not want to be inconvenienced by the protracted recovery time that liposuction requires. Additionally, the risk of scarring is a huge deterrent. Finally, there’s the cost. Laser lipolysis costs about half of what liposuction does.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing between these two options:
- Are you comfortable putting your exercise regimen on hold while you recover from surgery?
- Do you have the PTO or time to leave work to accommodate your liposuction surgery and initial recovery?
- Are you able to maintain a healthy lifestyle after surgery? This is important for both options, but weight gain can lead to contouring issues after liposuction.
- Is cost a factor for you?
- Do you have a BMI over 30? Some plastic surgeons will not operate when BMI is over.
Before you commit to an invasive procedure, talk to an Emerald Laser provider near you. You may end up determining that it’s the better option.
Frequently Asked Questions about Non-Invasive Laser Lipo Machines and Traditional Liposuction
The following questions come to us from Emerald Laser providers. For answers to your questions, contact an Emerald Laser provider near you.
What Would Disqualify Me from Laser Lipolysis and/or Liposuction?
Most treatment options are only available for individuals with BMIs under 30, including liposuction. However, Emerald Laser has FDA approval for BMIs up to 40. Additionally, pregnant should avoid both procedures.
Will My Fat Return After Laser Lipo or Liposuction?
Emerald Laser recommends maintaining a calorie-neutral diet and healthy lifestyle to prevent fat accumulation. This should also work post-surgery for a liposuction procedure. One of the benefits of low-level laser therapy is that if you do gain weight due to excess calorie consumption, you should not experience unusual contouring.
Are Both Procedures Safe?
Liposuction has been around for a long time, and most reputable surgeons can perform the procedure without adverse effects. However, all surgeries entail risks. Emerald Laser, however, has no known risks or side effects.
What Are the First Steps for Laser Lipolysis?
Getting started with laser lipolysis is easy. You just contact an Emerald Laser provider and schedule an initial consultation. The specialist will give you an examination and discuss your goals with you. If you are a good candidate for laser lipolysis, they will outline a schedule for you.
If you are seeking a safe, effective, painless, and convenient fat-reduction procedure, contact an Emerald Laser provider near you.
