Lasers Improve Cosmetic Surgery Recovery Time

Advances with laser surgery have made their way to the field of cosmetic surgery. Invasive cosmetic procedures utilizing laser technology have improved on familiar treatments, such as liposuction and eyelid surgery, by dramatically expediting recovery times.

Laser Liposuction and Recovery

One of the emerging brand names for a laser based cosmetic procedure is Smartlipo. The process prides itself on being less invasive than other cosmetic procedures. Smartlipo disrupts the fat cells under a patient’s skin by heating and then shattering the membranes associated with the fat. Because the cannula is generally much thinner than those used in older techniques, the insertion marks are a mere 1mm to 2mm in length. The instrument is guided by a doctor who uses it in the target areas. When the unwanted fat cells come in contact with the tip of the instrument (a microcannula with an Nd: YAG laser fibre threaded through it), the cell membranes are ruptured. The liquefied fat can then be removed more easily than with more traditional forms of liposuction.

Common consequences of liposuction include bleeding, bruising and swelling. Smartlipo reduces the severity of these consequences by not only liquefying fat to make it easier for removal, but also coagulating tissue and blood vessels in the area. Trauma is minimized, thereby shortening recovery time.

While traditional methods of liposuction are still viable, the amount of time that a patient needs to wait before the results appear is drastically reduced with laser-assisted liposuction.

Laser Eyelid Surgery and Recovery

Traditional eyelid surgery requires an incision made by a scalpel in the upper or lower eyelid to eliminate wrinkles and bagginess. An incision may also be required to create a crease in the upper eyelid (double eyelid surgery).

However, a scalpel is not used during laser eyelid surgery. Rather, a laser is used to create the incision. Again, the benefit of using laser technology expedites recovery time since it cauterizes the blood vessels, reducing bleeding.

More Information

Learning Centre
Lasers in Cosmetic Surgery
Liposuction and Labioplasty
Lasers Expedite Recovery