CoolLipo, Laserlipolysis, Laser assisted liposuction

CoolLipo (laser-assisted lipolysis) is a new, minimally invasive technology that liquefies fat for easy removal. It is a laser-based procedure that breaks up and removes fat cells in areas such as under the chin, neck, jowls,thighs , love handle and abdominal or areas with loose skin such as the arms. In addition, the unique wavelength of the CoolLipo laser system directly contracts collagen and tightens the skin, an effect not seen with standard liposuction.

Benefits

• Gentle fat disruption and removal technique for small areas
• Treats areas that are difficult for conventional liposuction
• Less invasive than a neck or face lift
• May be performed under local anesthesia only
• Short procedure in your physician's office
• Safe with minimal bruising and side effects
• Minimal downtime post-procedure

What is CoolLipo?
CoolLipo is a laser based, minimally invasive procedure that aids your physician in the remove of unwanted fat during a standard liposuction procedure. In addition and most importantly, it provides skin tightening. It can used to treat areas of lax skin that until this time were difficult to do or provided poor results post treatment with conventional liposuction.

What does "minimally invasive" mean?
Minimally invasive is a surgical term used when referring to a procedure where small, localized incisions are made in the skin, rather than large open incisions. These sites are used to insert surgical instruments into the body. During the CoolLipo procedure a tiny fiber, that carries the laser energy, is inserted through these sites.

How does CoolLipo work?
Your physician, using a laser fiber held by a handpiece, directs the energy under the skin to the desired area. Depending on the exact energy setting chosen by your physician the laser energy can destroy the unwanted fat cells allowing for gentler removal when using conventional liposuction techniques. Additional laser settings allow your physician to target the laser energy to the dermal layer under your skin, causing the collagen in the sub-surface layer to shrink. It also stimulates new collagen production, providing an improvement in skin tightening over the next several months after the procedure.

Does the CoolLipo procedure require general anesthesia?
No, in a majority of cases CoolLipo can be done in your physician's office under local anesthesia. However, some physicians may choose general anesthesia if they are performing a larger amount of liposuction work on areas such as the abdomen.

Does the CoolLipo procedure hurt?
In the vast majority of instances there is either no or minimal pain. Your physician will use a numbing solution (tumescent anesthesia) injected under your skin to eliminate any sensation of pain. This anesthetic solution is given with a long but small needle through a site in the skin, previously numbed with a tiny amount of anesthetic solution. You might feel a sensation of pressure during the procedure, as the laser fiber is being advanced or retracted.

How long does the CoolLipo procedure take?
Procedure times vary in length depending on the size of the area being treated and the volume of fat that is removed. Typically, treatment times last from one to three hours.

How long will it take to recover from the CoolLipo procedure?
Usually you can return to work the next day if you so desire. The treated area is normally wrapped with a compression dressing which should be worn for a few days or as your physician recommends.

Will there be any swelling or bruising?
This depends on your response to the procedure and the area treated. Normally if there is any swelling it will subside in a day or so. Bruising is usually minimal.

How soon will I see results from my CoolLipo procedure?
Some patients will see an immediate improvement after their procedure. Improvement in skin tightening can continue for up to 6 months.

Can I have repeat CoolLipo procedures?
Yes, after an appropriate interval you can have CoolLipo performed on the same area for a "touch-up" if needed.