Understanding the Difference Between SlimLipo™ (Laser Liposuction) and Traditional Liposuction

Pygmalion’s Creation by Daniel Compliments of Obiarts, Inc

Although SlimLipo™, laser liposuction, has quickly become the safest and most effective alternative to traditional and other liposuction techniques, it is important to understand the difference before making an informed decision.

Traditional Liposuction

Traditional liposuction was first established by Italian and French plastic surgeons in the 1970s. Dr. Illouz’s presentation at an American plastic surgery meeting in 1980 was the catalyst for the adoption of Liposuction in the U.S.A. It is a technique requiring mechanical force to disrupt the fat so that it may be suctioned through high pressure vacuum tubing. Skin tightening is not specifically addressed and may or may not occur. This traditional procedure is a technique used primarily to target problem areas that are not responsive to diet and/or exercise. These procedures generally require general anesthesia for most patients and also result in significant bruising, discomfort and downtime. Complications, including contour irregularities, loose skin, inadequate correction and need for secondary procedures are still prevalent. In addition, with traditional liposuction of the abdomen, there is a much greater need for an abdominoplasty afterwards. This need for abdominoplasty has largely been circumvented by SlimLipo™ because of the significant skin tightening that occurs with this procedure.

SlimLipo™ Laser Liposuction

SlimLipo™ is a unique laser lipolysis platform developed by Palomar Medical in 2008. After several years of intense research, laser physicists at Palomar identified the wave lengths that melt fat and tightens skin. These two patented wave lengths were combined so that a single treatment usually performed under local anesthesia, achieves these goals and with minimal down time. An extra bonus is that the skin tightening effect continues for at least six months so that weight loss after SlimLipo enhances the results. 

Also, the fat melting component of the laser is specific and does not generate dangerously high temperatures as with other laser and ultrasonic assisted liposuction platforms. The melted fat is easier to remove requiring less mechanical trauma to the tissues. The second wavelength tightens skin three dimensionally by shrinking the skin surface while tightening the vertical fibers that attach the skin to the deep fascia. Since SlimLipo is an extremely less invasive counterpart to traditional liposuction, patients may be treated with conscious sedation rather than general anesthesia. This skin tightening effect factors out revision abdominoplasty in most patients. Also, several areas of the body may easily be sculpted whereas with traditional liposuction this is not recommended.

New Liposuction Laws in Florida

As with any surgery, proper research and thorough investigation into your procedure is pertinent for a successful outcome. Choosing a board certified plastic surgeon with a stellar reputation is also of the utmost importance.

As of January 2013, new regulations will go into effect that protects patients that choose to undergo a liposuction, SlimLipo or body sculpting procedure. The new law states that facilities that perform liposuction and remove more than two pounds (one liter) of fat must take place in an AHCA licensed surgery center. Dr. Lewis Obi’s Samuel Wells Surgicenter was the first comprehensive AHCA licensed and accredited ambulatory surgery center in the state of Florida. The Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic recently celebrated its 22nd successful annual inspection. The fact that Dr. Obi was one of the first plastic surgeons to acquire the SlimLipo™ platforms and developed the first comprehensive AHCA licensed center in the state of Florida is truly a unique distinction. 

The Lewis Obi Plastic Surgery Clinic and Samuel Wells Surgicenter