Laser lipolysis FAQ

Lipotherme™ Laser Lipolysis (Laser Lipo) FAQ

Q: What is Lipotherme?

A: Lipotherme is a safe, effective procedure that uses a laser (similar to those used in surgical procedures) to liquefy and remove unwanted fat in targeted body zones. In addition to removing unwanted fat, Lipotherme’s thermal effect causes the skin to contract, resulting in firmer, smoother skin that further enhances your body shaping goals.

The clinical term for this type of procedure is laser-assisted lipolysis (also called laser lipolysis or laser lipo for short) which is an evolution of traditional liposuction.

Q: How does Lipotherme work?

A: Dr Porcaro, Board Certified by The American Board of Cosmetic Surgery*, will first administer a mild numbing agent to the targeted body zone. Then a small metal tube called a cannula is inserted under the skin and a tiny laser beam is fired. Dr Porcaro moves the cannula back and forth. As the laser warms your fat cells, it creates a thermal effect.

Fat cells, which are highly receptive to thermal energy, are liquefied and removed permanently. As an added benefit of Lipotherme, the heat produced during the treatment tightens your skin, creating a more balanced skin texture for you.

Q: What body zones can be treated with Lipotherme?

A: Lipotherme is used to treat localized fat deposits in the following areas:

Abdomen
Waist (love handles)
Back (bra line)
Thighs (inner and outer)
Hips (saddle bags)
Face (neck, chin and cheeks)
Knees
Arms (back of arms)
Ankles
 

Q: What are the benefits to Lipotherme laser-assisted lipolysis?

A: Lipotherme is the ideal body shaping tool for reducing localized fat deposits in areas that are resistant to exercise and diet. Lipotherme allows Dr Porcaro to selectively target unwanted fat deposits and eliminate them. You’ll see an overall circumference reduction in the targeted zone, as well as skin tightening in the treated area.

Q: Is Lipotherme the same thing as liposuction?

A: Lipotherme and liposuction are both highly effective procedures for the removal of unwanted fat. However, Lipotherme laser lipolysis is a minimally-invasive procedure with virtually no downtime.

Traditional liposuction is considered a more invasive procedure and may require several days of down time. In addition, Lipotherme is excellent for treating certain areas that traditional liposuction doesn't treat easily, such as the bra line, under the chin, above the knees and ankles.

Depending on your goals and physical condition, Lipotherme can be an alternative to traditional liposuction, or Dr Porcaro may recommend a combination therapy of Lipotherme with traditional liposculpture (laser liposuction Port St Lucie).

Q: How soon will I see results and how long will my results last?

A: Typically, you’ll see dramatic improvement within 1 to 2 weeks after the treatment, but some areas such as the neck and jaw can show even faster results. Because healing and metabolism rates are different with everyone, your results following a Lipotherme treatment usually require 12 to 16 weeks to become fully apparent and improvement continues to be seen for several months.

Q: Is this a “one-time” treatment?

A: Lipotherme treatments are considered “one-time” treatments. In adults, fat cells don't grow back once they’ve been removed. If you gain weight after having Lipotherme, the excess fat will accumulate in areas where you did not have the treatment.

Q: Is there a recuperation period?

A: Typically, you can resume many activities the day after your treatment. It is recommended you wait several days before resuming strenuous activity such as exercising, however.

Q: Is Lipotherme safe?

A: Yes! Lipotherme laser-assisted lipolysis has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States.

Q: Is there anyone who is not a good candidate for Lipotherme?

A: Yes. Laser Lipotherme, like liposuction and liposculpture, is not a weight reduction procedure and is best suited for patients with isolated pockets of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Dr Porcaro, Board certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery*, sees his best results in patients who are at or near their ideal weight. Patients with BMI's between 30-35 are "borderline" candidates, while morbidly obese patients with BMI's of 40 or more are not candidates for this procedure.

Women who are pregnant should not undergo Lipotherme.

Dr Porcaro will advise you of any potential health risks and determine your suitability for this procedure at the time of your private consultation.

See our Lipotherme photos