Laser Liposuction - Understanding How it Works

Laser liposuction, otherwise known as laser lipolysis, laser-assisted lipolysis or Smartlipo, is a new method of liposuction using laser technology. In traditional liposuction, significant force to disrupt the tissue that holds the fat together is needed to free it up. Almost everyone has seen on TV or videos of how the procedure is performed and few would doubt that the traditional approach is fairly traumatic. Effective, but traumatic. With Smartlipo, the required mechanical force is reduced by the heating or melting of the fat.

Fat is a unique tissue in that it is really globs of lipid (triglycerides) surrounded and encased in strands of connective tissue. To no surprise, fat has a fair amount of water in it which is very relevant in laser liposuction but largely unimportant in traditional liposuction. Fat is roughly 25% water. Running through the fat are small blood vessels and lymphatic channels. Some fat areas have globules that are quite big ('buttery fat") and other fat areas have smaller globules with a lot of connective tissue. ('gritty fat') Gritty fat, such as in the upper abdomen or back, takes a lot more force to break it up and be suctioned out.

The laser energy delivered to the fat via fiberoptic cables or probes is designed to raise the temperature of the lipids to above 42 degrees C. At this temperature, the fat cells are damaged and they release their lipids. (lipid liberation!) This liquid is easier to suction out that clumps of fat. The heat generated next to the tip of the cables causes coagulation of any blood vessels and lymphatic channels. A secondary benefit of this heat is its effect on the strands of connective tissue and the overlying skin. This coagulation of collagen tissue causes a beneficial shrinkage of tissue and, to some degree, the overlying skin.

There is currently much debate as to the 'ideal' laser wavelength for which to use to create this fat melting effect. Most of laser technology is based on matching the wavelength to the chromophobe (color) of the target tissue. Fat is a weak target because its yellow color, being lighter, is not a great absorber of wavelength energy. (same problem with the yellow and lighter colors in tattoo removal) Some manufacturers use 1064nm while others use 924nm which is theoretically more specific for lipid absorption. Both cause substantial heat generation and the general effect of heat transmission to the fat cell is probably achieved equally by both. Dual laser wavelengths today have become the new standard in an effort to target the water in the dermis (skin) as well. These include wavelengths such as 975 and 1320nms.

The sophistication of laser-assisted lipolysis is rapidly expanding. Dual wavelength energy delivery, monitoring internal temperature levels, and greater surgical finesse is rapidly changing the way liposuction is being performed. Better results and less recovery appear to be more than just marketing hype with this new laser-assisted liposuction technology.

Dr Barry Eppley is a board-certified premiere plastic surgeon in private practice in Indianapolis, Indiana at Clarian Health Systems. (eppleyplasticsurgery.com eppleyplasticsurgery.com) He writes a daily blog on plastic surgery, spa therapies, and medical skin care at exploreplasticsurgery.com exploreplasticsurgery.com Dr. Eppley can be heard on his weekly radio show, Doc Chat, on WXNT 1430AM Indianapolis on Saturday afternoons.