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• Some Plastic Surgeons Caution Against the Use of Laser Liposuction

  By Dr. Jeffrey J. Roth Tue, February 01, 2011 10:29 am MDT

  A recent article in “Plastic Surgery Practice” describes a plastic and cosmetic surgery practice that is seeing an increase in patients requesting assistance following use of laser in liposuction.

  "Many doctors are expanding into services they were never trained to perform, including plastic surgery," explains board-certified plastic surgeon Holly Wall, MD. Her practice, The Wall Center, performs procedures like facelift surgery, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and liposuction. "After seeing disappointing results, many people are surprised to learn that their surgeon was actually trained as a family doctor or internist, and simply took a 1-day course to learn how to use a surgical laser to perform liposuction and body contouring."

  Laser liposuction, which is advertised under brand names like Smartlipo™, SlimLipo™, and CoolLipo™ uses devices with a low-energy laser to melt targeted fat cells. Lasers claim to include skin tightening, reduced bruising, and quicker recovery over conventional liposuction methods, but surgeons at The Wall Center are seeing a very high number of unsatisfied and unhappy laser liposuction patients, many with uncorrectable deformities, according to a recent press release.

  The Wall Center plastic surgeons want patients to realize the potential hazards of devices "designed to destroy fat cells and coagulate tissue," as one device manufacturer states in its marketing materials.

  Dr. Wall says, "But these improvements are most directly tied to the surgeon's ability and not the technology or techniques. Above all, it's important to choose your surgeon carefully. Look for a surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Don't be swayed by special offers and discounts – you simply can't put a price on your health and well-being."

  As with any new medical procedure or plastic surgery method, it is important to match the technique and technology with the individual patient. It is important that the patient know the risks and benefits associated with any procedure or technology. Untoward events can happen with the best surgeons using the best technology. Having a frank conversation with your plastic surgeon about your individual goals and how to achieve them is the best way to plan a procedure that is both safe and effective.

  Jeffrey J. Roth, M.D., F.A.C.S.

  Las Vegas Plastic Surgery

  (702) 450-0777

  www.jjrothmd.com

  
  References:

  Plastic Surgery Practice

  Wall Center Press Release

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