Laser lipolysis is a cosmetic procedure to sculpt, contour, and reduce body fat in specific body parts. It uses laser energy to melt or liquefy fat cells in targeted areas. It is also called laser liposuction or laser-assisted liposuction.1
Laser lipolysis can be noninvasive or minimally invasive. The minimally invasive procedure involves minor surgery and anesthesia. But it is more effective and provides better results than noninvasive laser lipolysis.2
Laser lipolysis is different from CoolSculpting, which is another fat-reduction procedure. While laser lipolysis uses laser energy to destroy fat cells, CoolSculpting or cryolipolysis involves freezing fat cells. It is non-invasive and doesn’t require incisions. Laser lipolysis shows immediate results, whereas CoolScuplting may take up to two months for results.3
Learn more about the minimally-invasive laser lipolysis costs and what to expect during the procedure.
What Is the Laser Lipolysis Procedure?
Minimally invasive laser lipolysis involves minor surgery at the target site. Your plastic surgeon will give you local anesthesia and make tiny incisions in the treatment area. They will then insert a thin tube or cannula containing a laser fiber through the incisions. When turned on, heat energy from the laser liquefies the fat cells. They will gently suction the melted fat through a small tube and close the incision.
Your doctor will give you instructions for aftercare. They may place a thin tube to drain fluid out of the incision, which they will remove during the follow-up. You may be given compression garments to shape the treated area, prevent swelling, and improve treatment results. Laser lipolysis has minimal downtime and a shorter recovery period than surgical liposuction.4
Who Is Eligible for Laser Lipolysis?
If you have stubborn fat deposits that don’t go away with diet and exercise, then laser lipolysis is a suitable option. It is also ideal for those seeking an alternative to traditional liposuction with quick results. If you want to contour or shape specific body parts such as the abdomen, back, thighs, hips, calves, or arms, lipolysis may be the procedure for you.5
What Is the Laser Lipolysis Cost?
Minimally invasive laser lipolysis may be less expensive than liposuction as it is less invasive. On average, the laser lipolysis cost can range from $2,500 to $4,500.6
The cost can vary significantly based on several factors, including the treatment areas, the plastic surgeon’s experience, and the geographic location of the clinic. The costs may also vary due to additional fees such as anesthesia, facility usage, post-operative garments, and follow-up appointments. Consult your plastic surgeon to understand the laser lipolysis cost breakdown.
Because laser lipolysis is a cosmetic procedure, it is typically not covered by health insurance unless performed for medical reasons, such as treating lipomas or other health conditions. However, there are various financing options available.7
Laser Lipolysis Financing Options
Many clinics offer financing options to help manage the laser lipolysis cost. Some include:8
- Payment plans: Some clinics may offer payment plans to divide the total cost into monthly installments, making the procedure affordable.
- Medical credit cards: Medical credit cards may offer promotional periods with low or no interest rates to help finance medical procedures.
- Personal loans: You can obtain a personal loan from a financial institution to cover the laser lipolysis.
- Health savings accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): If you’re eligible, HSA or FSA funds can help cover the laser lipolysis cost.
Ensure you thoroughly research these financing options to understand the terms and interest rates.
Learn More About Body Treatments
If you’re considering minimally invasive laser lipolysis, consult a qualified doctor to know if it is suited for your condition. To learn more about lipolysis and other treatments, visit My Body Treatment.
SOURCES:
- Healthline: “Comparing Laser Liposuction with CoolSculpting.”
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: “Does nonsurgical fat reduction work?“
- Healthline: “Comparing Laser Liposuction with CoolSculpting.”
- Cleveland Clinic: “Laser Lipolysis.”
- Cleveland Clinic: “Laser Lipolysis.”
- The Langdon Center: “How Much Does Laser Liposuction Cost?”
- Healthline: “Comparing Laser Liposuction with CoolSculpting.”
- Lending Tree: “Plastic Surgery Financing: How to Pay for Your Procedure.”
