Cosmetic Services: Laser Lipolysis

Laser Lipolysis

The latest advancement in body sculpting is laser lipolysis (CoolLipo and SmartLipo). This process uses laser energy to remove stubborn fat from areas that won’t respond to diet and exercise. The procedure is performed using tumescent anesthesia so that it can be performed in the office. Tumescent anesthesia allows for marked increase in safety and patient comfort while the office setting introduces a dramatic decrease in cost while increasing patient convenience. The procedure requires only oral sedation and local anesthetic with no hospital visit.

Here is how laser lipolysis works. The areas to be treated are first marked with the patient upright. The patient is then placed supine and a dilute lidocaine solution is introduced into the fatty tissue to be removed (tumescent anesthesia). Following this small, 1-2 mm incisions are made to allow introduction of the laser fiber and cannula. The laser is passed through the fatty tissues as a light at the laser tip is used as a guide.

The laser energy liquifies the fat while simultaneously heating the collagen in the dermis. In this way the laser energy both directly causes destruction of the unwanted fat and leads to a tightening of the skin by causing collagen remodeling. Following the laser lipolysis, the fat is sucked out with a small aspirator. The procedure can be combined with liposuction to address larger areas. No sutures are necessary because the incisions are so small. The patient is fitted with a compression garment and can immediately resume normal activities. There is very little discomfort during the procedure or afterward.

Areas commonly treated with laser lipolysis :

• Abdomen (tummy)
• Flanks (love handles)
• Back (bra line)
• Inner thighs
• Outer thighs (saddle bags)
• Chin (double chin or hanging chin)
• Neck (hump)
• Arms

In addition, the laser can be used to release scar indentations from previous c-section or other abdominal surgery. Cellulite can be improved with laser lipolysis, but will not be completely corrected.

Laser Lipolysis (CoolLipo) and Tumescent Liposuction Price List 4/29/10: ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ (Additional sites treated on same day are subject to a 30% discount on least expensive area)
Treatment Area	Fee ($)
Neck, Chin and Jowels	2,400
Upper Arms	3,100
Forearms	2,500
Upper Arms and Bra Roll of Back	4,200
Back Bra Rolls	2,900
Front Bra Rolls / Armpits	1,800
Buffalo Hump	1,200
Male Breasts	3,200
Female Breasts	3,000 Large / 2,700 Small
Upper or Lower Abdomen	2,400
Upper and Lower Abdomen	3,000
Love Handles / Waist	2,700
Hips	2,400
Full Abdomen, Love Handles, Waist and Hips	5,700
Buttocks	2,900
Tail Bone / Lower Back	1,200
Pubic	1,800
Banana Roll	1,800
Inner Thighs or Outer Thighs	2,800
Inner Thighs and Outer Thighs	3,800
Full Thighs and Knees	5,800
Anterior Thighs	2,800
All fees include surgeon fees, facility fees, anesthesia, and one garment. A final fee quote requires a laser lipolysis consultation with Dr. Palmer.

Patient Testimonial:

"With tumescent liposuction, Dr. Palmer removed in hours what I could not after years of dieting. The procedure was conveniently performed in his office. I walked in, had my abdominal fat removed, and walked out. The next day I was able to do a little Christmas shopping. I resumed my regular schedule within days and no one outside of my family was aware I had been away. The soreness was easily managed with a Tylenol. For the first time in years I am looking forward to buying new clothes, especially a swimsuit. Now seeing my silhouette in the mirror makes me smile instead of cringe." - M.C.

Avelar Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

Pioneered by Brazilian surgeon Juarez M. Avelar in the 1990’s, this procedure is performed under local tumescent anesthesia in a specialized procedure room in the office with the assistance of IV sedation.  This procedure allows for the removal of excess fat and skin from the abdomen without large scale cutting and trauma.

The difference between traditional abdominoplasty and the Avelar technique is the method in which the loose skin of the abdomen is mobilized to allow removal. The Avelar method uses liposuction of the abdominal wall to allow mobilization of the skin for removal, rather than dividing connections between the skin and the underlying abdominal wall that is performed in standard abdominoplasty. This leaves the vessels, nerves, and lymphatics in place, thus preserving more of the normal anatomy and decreasing complications such as skin necrosis, fluid accumulation, and numbness.

If there is weakness of the muscles of the abdomen (diastasis rectus), a plication of the muscles (bringing them back together in the midline) will be performed to restore normal anatomy and improve overall postoperative shape.

Depending on the degree of skin laxity, the navel will be recreated (similar to traditional abdominoplasty) or simply slightly adjusted downward (similar to mini-abdominoplasty). The skin excision scar is kept low and should be hidden with a bikini. Dr. Palmer will disuss with you the position of the navel and the location of the scar before the procedure so you will know what to expect.

This procedure delivers smooth results, with less downtime and minimal disruption to the blood vessels and nerve endings. Patients experience quicker healing, more rapid return to activities, and decreased overall risk of complications.

Dr. Palmer typically can perform this procedure in the office surgical suite. Performing procedures in the office allows avoidance of the exorbitant facility fees found in hospitals. It also avoids potential infectious organisms and is typically more convenient for patients. Some patients, however, are treated more safely in a hospital setting because of related chronic illnesses. This will be determined at the time of consultation.

Below are some before and after images of laser lipolysis treatment:

BEFORE	AFTER Laser Lipolysis CoolLipo on Abdomen
BEFORE	AFTER Laser Lipolysis CoolLipo on Neck | Chin area
BEFORE	AFTER Laser Lipolysis CoolLipo on Neck | Chin area
BEFORE	AFTER Laser Lipolysis CoolLipo on Neck | Chin area
BEFORE	AFTER Laser Lipolysis CoolLipo on Neck | Chin area
BEFORE	AFTER Laser Lipolysis CoolLipo on Neck | Chin area
BEFORE	AFTER Laser Lipolysis CoolLipo on Arms
BEFORE	AFTER Laser Lipolysis CoolLipo on Abdomen
BEFORE	AFTER Laser Lipolysis CoolLipo on Abdomen
BEFORE	AFTER Laser Lipolysis CoolLipo on Abdomen
BEFORE	AFTER Laser Lipolysis CoolLipo on Abdomen
BEFORE	AFTER Laser Lipolysis CoolLipo on Abdomen
BEFORE	AFTER Laser Lipolysis CoolLipo on Abdomen

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