Laser lipo is different from traditional liposuction because of the use of laser energy for two reasons. The first is fat emulsification and second is skin tightening. There are several different devices available now to perform this procedure and many different wavelengths and combinations of wavelengths. Laser lipo is known for helping patients have a much easier recovery than traditional lipo.
We spoke with Dr. Doohi Lee of the Advanced Vein and Laser Centers of Plano, TX about ProLipo from Sciton. Dr. Lee says, "Traditional liposuction uses suction to actually remove the fat, whereas laser lipolysis is using laser energy to create a different effect on the fat." In traditional lipo, the fat is not broken up at all and the cannula itself is responsible for breaking it up and suctioning. Dr. Lee points out that the suction is still necessary however, even with lasers, "Laser on it's own has no suction power. All it's doing is using the light energy for tissue interaction, as well as heat and photo-acoustic properties... to help break up the fat."
ProLipo is used in multiple places on the body, including the stomach, flanks, love handles, thighs and legs just to name a few. It can also be used on the neck and some physicians are using it on the face. These delicate areas were difficult, if not impossible to effectively treat with traditional lipo.
Actual ProLipo results of Dr. Doohi Lee
The procedure starts with tumescent anesthesia, a mix of local anesthesia, epinephrine, and saline. Dr. Lee describes a ProLipo procedure as a three step process. The first step is the "use of the laser to prepare the fat for the liposuction. Then do the liposuction and then the laser follows for the skin tightening." He does not use general anesthesia, which helps speed up the healing process and improve patient safety.
Dr. Lee likes to use ProLipo to treat the neck. He says, "Under the neck is a tremendous area because I can get the skin tightening." Also, he's a fan of using ProLipo on the areas in which the fat is more resistant. He says that he uses it often with men because their fat is more difficult to remove.
Dr. Lee says the ideal candidate is someone who is "In their early middle age... for women, those who have had children and have some weight leftover... They are still young and the skin elasticity is very high." He says that men's skin elasticity lasts a little longer so they may hold off until a few years down the line.
Dr. Doohi Lee
Dr. Doohi Lee is Founder and Medical Director of Advanced Vein & Laser Centers. He is a Surgical Radiologist, with interests in combining the techniques of minimally invasive surgery with radiological imaging. Dr. Lee has been performing liposuction for around three years now.
If you are a physician seeking more information on the ProLipo visit www.sciton.com
This segment is part of a Laser Lipo Round Table. American Health and Beauty is highlighting these technologies and the physicians who perform laser lipo surgeries. Check back each day to learn more about what each technology has to offer.
Laser lipo discussions will include: Dr. Dwight Reynolds on LipoTherme, Dr. Michael Will on SlimLipo, Dr. Thomas Barnes on LipoLite, Dr. Doohi Lee on ProLipo, Dr. Charles Mok on CoolLipo, and Dr. John Millard on SmartLipo Triplex.
