Laser body sculpting is a type of cosmetic surgery procedure that works by breaking up and sucking fat from your body. This minimally invasive, safe cosmetic procedure is often used on the back, calves, upper arms, chin, neck, buttocks, thighs and abdomen.
The Procedure
Before your body sculpting treatment, you’ll undergo several health tests to ensure you’re fit for the procedure. Here are some recommendations that may be made:
- You may be required to take iron supplements if you have anaemia.
- If you take aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs on a regular basis, you should stop using them at least two weeks before the procedure
The procedure takes approximately 1 to 4 hours, and you may be given a general anaesthetic. For treatments performed on the lower body, an epidural can be used. The anaesthetic will be injected into your epidural space surrounding the fluid-filled sac or the dura, around your spine. This will partially numb your legs and abdomen. A local anaesthetic may be used if laser body sculpting is performed on small areas. If you only require local anaesthesia, you may be asked to remain standing during surgery to ensure effective fat removal.
Who is Laser Body Sculpting Suitable For?
This procedure is often performed for cosmetic purposes, but it can also be used to treat several conditions, including the following:
- Lipomas– Benign, fatty tumours that often occur under your skin, but they may be deeper. Laser body sculpting can be used to treat this condition.
- Losing too much weight after obesity– If you’re obese and lose at least 40% of your body mass index, you may need treatment for removing excess skin or other abnormalities.
- Lipodystrophy syndromes– A group of acquired or genetic disorders in which your body is not able to produce or maintain healthy fat tissue. This condition is defined by degenerative or abnormal conditions of your body’s adipose tissue. Laser body sculpting can improve your appearance by providing natural-looking body fat distribution.
- Lymphedema – A chronic condition of localised fluid retention plus tissue swelling often in the legs or arms due to a compromised lymphatic system. Your lymphatic system works as an important portion of your body’s immune system, and it returns interstitial fluid to your bloodstream. Laser body sculpting may be used to reduce pain, discomfort or swelling.
- Gynecomastia – An endocrine system condition in which an increase in the size of a man’s breast tissue occurs. This may result in dysphoria or psychological distress. The development of this disorder is often linked to benign pubertal changes. Laser body sculpting can be used to treat gynecomastia.
Recovery
Swelling, soreness and bruising can last for a few weeks. After the procedure, you may be asked to wear a piece of clothing called a compression garment to control swelling. You will be able to go back to your normal activities within two weeks and return to work after a few days. The fat cells will be removed permanently during the procedure. To keep the new shape you’ve just achieved, it’s important to exercise regularly and stick to a diet that includes low-fat dairy, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and lots of lean protein.
