Over the last few years, we’ve seen a major push for effective procedures that are less invasive than traditional surgeries. At Reflections, we recognize this demand, which is why we offer patients a variety of procedures that are less invasive and require less intensive anesthetics for an overall quicker recovery.
One of the most popular procedures performed for new moms is the tummy tuck but, in most situations, what mom has several weeks to spare for recovery? For the right candidate, laser lipo is a great option for someone who has minimal time for recovery or does not have the desire to under general anesthesia.
Why are patients choosing laser lipo over tummy tucks?
It makes sense to choose laser lipo or ThermiTight over a Tummy Tuck when a new patient has good skin quality (with few or no stretch marks and very little in the way of loose or hanging skin) and still has some fat. The ideal patient doesn’t have any hernias or extensive diastasis recti (separation of the abdominal muscles) and has decided they don’t want to undergo a tummy tuck surgery.
The best candidates will have all of these qualifications, but not being a perfect candidate doesn’t mean a tummy tuck is the only option. Many new moms just aren’t willing to undergo an invasive surgery – whether they can’t do the downtime (roughly 6 weeks without lifting baby), don’t want large scars, or simply don’t want to go under general anesthesia. You can know that a procedure will provide you with improvements rather than perfection and decide that it’s still the right procedure for you and your life.
What can laser lipo address that a tummy tuck cannot?
Some surgeons don’t do lipo with a tummy tuck to reduce the risk of complications and that means that the amount of fat and therefore the shape/contour of especially the upper part of the abdomen stays the same. This can also mean that a woman with a “donut deformity” (moms out there know exactly what I’m talking about right around their belly buttons), will not have a flat stomach unless liposuction is also performed.
Why is laser lipo better suited for post-pregnancy concerns?
PrecisionTX, the skin-tightening portion of the Smartlipo system, uses laser energy to melt the fat and tighten the skin, Vaser lipo uses ultrasound technology to loosen up fat for easier removal, and Thermitight uses radiofrequency (RF) energy to tighten the skin. These treatments are similar in that they both stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which will tighten the skin. In both procedures, the treatment area is numbed with a lidocaine solution and a thin wand is inserted under the skin to deliver the ultrasound, radiofrequency, or laser energy. I like to use Precision TX when there is also excess fat that needs to be removed with lipo and ThermiTight when the issue is just loose skin.
Recovery After Laser Lipo
Laser liposuction is much gentler in comparison to traditional liposuction which tends to be rather aggressive in order to loosen fat cells to be removed. In addition to the actual procedure being less intensive, general anesthesia is also another culprit for longer recovery in more invasive procedures.
Laser lipo only involves small incisions that typically do not need to be closed with sutures. A tummy tuck involves even more recovery than traditional lipo, causing far more swelling and bruising. With laser lipo most patients feel up to being up and around shortly after the procedure other than some minor soreness and sensitivity.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are post-pregnancy and are looking for a way to remove fat and sculpt the abdominal area, laser lipo may be the right choice for you. Laser lipo is a particularly safe and effective option due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, plus the certain laser lipo technologies, including Vaser and Smartlipo, allows the fat to be loosened up in a less aggressive way for ease of removal.
To schedule a consultation, call our Martinsville or Livingston at (732) 356-1666 location today!
