Laser Sculpture

Laser Sculpture is a modern way of performing lipolysis, using laser technology.

Laser sculpture surgery is mostly performed under local anesthesia (loss of sensation without loss of consciousness) using the tumescent, or wet, technique. During laser sculpture surgery, large volumes of very dilute local anesthetic (a substance that produces anesthesia) are injected under the person's skin, making the tissue swollen and firm. Epinephrine is added to the solution to reduce bleeding, which allows the removal of larger amounts of fat.

Laser sculpture surgery is simple and safe. The laser sculpture surgeon first numbs the areas between the skin and muscle with an injection of local anesthetic. After the targeted area is desensitized and numb, the laser sculpture surgeon makes a series of tiny (1-4) incisions, usually 0.12-0.25 in (3-6 mm) in length to access each area being treated. Then the area or areas to be treated are flooded with a larger amount of local anesthetic. After this step, the laser sculpture laser instrument is inserted. A very small cannula containing the laser sculpture laser fiber is inserted into the skin. The cannula is a tube of approximately 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm in diameter. Then, the laser sculpture cannula is moved back and forth delivering the Laser sculpture laser's deliver energy to the fat cells, using a high-frequency light beam, causing the cells to rupture and easily drain away.

Afterwards, the fat is then extracted with suction through a long, blunt, hollow tube called a cannula or micro-cannula. The Laser sculpture surgeon repeatedly pushes the cannula through the fat layers in a radiating pattern creating tiny tunnels, thus removing fat and reshaping the area. After the surgery, the tiny tunnels created during the procedure, collapse and heal as a part of the recovery process.

Some newer modifications to the laser sculpture surgery include the use of a cutting cannula called a liposhaver and the use of ultrasound, which help break up the fat deposits. The person is awake and comfortable during the laser sculpture surgery.

Laser Sculpture Surgery Length

The length of time required to perform each laser sculpture surgery varies depending on the amount of fat that is to be removed and the number of areas to be treated. Most laser sculpture surgeries take as little as 30 minutes, and up to 4 hours. Extensive procedures can take longer, especially if combined with another surgery, such as a tummy tuck. The length of time required also varies with the manner in which the anesthetic is injected. In some cases, the laser sculpture surgeon may divide the treatment into different stages, if the patient desires to have several areas treated. For example; in some cases a laser sculpture surgeon may treat the hip, thighs and back area first, and treat arms, neck and chin in a different surgery.

Laser Sculpture Surgery Benefits

There are many benefits to laser sculpture surgery. Most patients claim to look and feel better – within days. The results of the surgery are immediate and lasting. The laser sculpture laser energy also interacts with the skin resulting in collagen shrinkage and therefore skin tightening. Patients look more toned and physically fit after laser sculpture surgery. Due to the cannula's small size, laser sculpture is a minimally invasive procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia in the doctor’s clinic; therefore it is an outpatient procedure. The laser sculpture laser causes small blood vessels to coagulate immediately on contact, resulting in less bleeding, swelling and bruising, - and a shorter recovery time than conventional liposuction. Laser sculpture patients experience less pain and the recovery process is fast. Because general anesthesia is unnecessary, the procedure is very safe with only minimal side effects. All trough out the Laser Sculpture surgery; a red diode laser provides visual guidance to the surgeon, which allows greater precision and fabulous results!

In addition, the tiny incisions heal very quickly, leaving behind little to no sign of having surgery. The potential for scarring is minimal.

Typically only one short laser sculpture surgery is needed per area treated. The average amount of fat removed during a laser sculpture surgery is between 1 - 3 liters.

If you are seriously considering laser sculpture surgery, our directory can guide you to a surgeon in your area.

After Laser Sculpture Surgery

After laser sculpture surgery, patients are requires to wear a compression garment around the treated area continuously for one to three weeks, depending. The compression garment will protect the treated area(s) and add support. Compression hose must be worn for up to six weeks after ankles and calves are treated. The compression garments can be removed during bathing, but patients must wait for 24 hours after the laser sculpture surgery. In some cases if large amounts of fat have been removed; additional drainage treatments may be recommended to alleviate fluid build-up.

There are only mild side effects associated with laser sculpture. Some patients may experience burning or a slight prickling sensation on the treated areas after the laser sculpture surgery. This will only last a short period of time. If any such sensation persists, then talk to your surgeon. The patient should expect some swelling of the tissues below and around the area treated after laser sculpture surgery. Again, the swelling will subside over a period of days or weeks. It is important to wear the special elastic compression garments at all times to help reduce this swelling and help achieve the desired final results. Your surgeon will let you know when you can be garment free. This depends upon the surgery and areas treated.

The incisions required to perform laser sculpture surgery are few and tiny (they can be compared to a big mosquito bite). In rare cases, the laser sculpture surgeon may have to make larger incisions and close them with stitches after the surgery, but this is uncommon. If stitches are necessary, they will be removed within a few days to a week after your laser sculpture surgery, at your follow up visit. Most laser sculpture surgeons are skillful with the small instruments, so sutures are not necessary. They rely on dressings to cover the incisions.

In most laser sculpture cases, there is very little, if any blood loss, due to the technique. After the surgery, some minor bleeding or seepage may occur through the incision site(s). Wearing the compression garment also helps reduce fluid loss after surgery. There is very little chance of forming blood clots after laser sculpture surgery. Blood clot formation is exceedingly rare. The risk of blood clot formation is reduced by wearing the compression garment after the surgery, and with the resumption of normal mild activity soon after a laser sculpture surgery. Your doctor will require you to move around and walk after the surgery to help with circulation and to help eliminate and pass excess fluid. Excess fluid and blood accumulation generally comes from not wearing the compression garments. If necessary, this excess fluid can be drained off with a needle in the doctor's office.

Overall, the recovery process is safe, fast and relatively painless. Laser sculpture patients only report minor discomfort after surgery.

Laser Sculpture Surgery & Pain

Laser sculpture surgery is minimally invasive and therefore, virtually painless. Post surgery recovery is quick and patience will require little downtime. Many patients can return to work within 24 – 48 hours, depending on the area(s) treated. Even though the recovery period is quick and almost painless, most surgeons and doctors recommend patients take it easy for the first postoperative day. Patients may experience some discomfort that will require light pain medication. Your surgeon will prescribe you oral pain management medications to take after surgery. In many cases, patients can take an over-the-counter pain medication, because the pain is minimal.

Laser Sculpture is an outpatient surgery and does not require any hospital time. As stated, patients are given local anesthetic, so they remain awake and coherent throughout the surgery. The patient should feel well enough to stand up after the surgery and walk. It is required, however, that every patient has arranged for transportation back home after the surgery. It is also recommended that someone, a relative, friend or spouse, is designated to check up on you or look after you for the first night. Always let at least one person know when you have a surgical procedure – the date and time. Some moderate soreness or aching, and swelling may persist for several days. A person can usually return to normal activity within one or two days to a week.

Postoperative bruising may occur after laser sculpture surgery, but will go away within 3 to 14 days. Your laser sculpture surgeon may prescribe an additional medication to help heal the bruising and swelling, especially in cases where more areas are treated.

Initial postoperative swelling will go down within a week. But the overall laser sculpture transformation may take three to six months for the final results to be reached.

It is rare, but some patients may lose sensation in the area that has been suctioned after surgery, but most feeling usually returns with time.

Laser sculpture surgery is a minimal procedure that produces maximum results. Most patients are very content with the minor aches and pains that follow the surgery, because the results are so fulfilling.

Laser Sculpture Surgery Considerations

Laser Sculpture surgery is performed under local anesthesia and is considered to be an exceptionally safe procedure. Studies have concluded that there are very few serious complications or deaths as a result of laser sculpture surgery and the calculated the risk of any complication is 1%. In reported cases, patients did not follow the guidelines and doctors orders after surgery, so complications occurred. It is very important to follow all of the provided instructions from your laser sculpture surgeon.

However, like with any surgery, laser sculpture surgery risks include:

  • Blood clots
  • Excess fluid and blood accumulation
  • Infection
  • Shock (if too much fat is removed)
  • Swelling
  • Bruising
  • Perforation (rare)
  • Damage superficial nerves
  • Numbness

Choosing the right laser sculpture surgeon increases your chances of success. Make sure your laser sculpture surgeon has experience in the areas you wish to have treated. If you are considering laser sculpture surgery, browse our surgeon directory to find a laser sculpture doctor near you!