SCOTTSDALE – The media reviews and claims keep coming on laser lipolysis – aka liposuction assisted by a laser device. For the most part, the systems are touted as being “less invasive” and leading to a “faster” recovery. Up to this point , however, no medical group has published any randomized comparison study comparing laser lipolysis with other modalities. A recent review at the surgical center which I utilize demonstrated that laser lipolysis procedures require longer operative times than traditional liposuction techniques. Additionally, the laser techniques are destructive. The manufacturer of these devices claim that the wavelength preferentially attacks fat cells, but skin burns are commonly reported after these procedures. A recent review of laser-assisted liposuction,in the Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy, reported a low complication rate of less than one percent. However, burns accounted for 80% of those complications. The authors did not consider the need for additional or “touch up” procedures a complication. According to the authors, an additional 3.5% of patients required some sort of additional procedure after the initial laser lypolysis.

In general, I caution patients about new technologies such as laser lipolysis. Before undergoing such a procedure, I recommend  that patients become well informed with all the potential risks and complications. Burn of the skin is generally not a complication of traditional liposuction surgery, but can be associated with ultrasound assisted and other modalities which heat up the tissues. I prefer a more traditional approach to liposuction, but will occasionally offer ultrasound liposuction to some patients. Currently, I have no plans to obtain a laser system for liposuction. The rate of satisfaction using the more traditional techniques in my practice have been extremely high over the past 7 years.