Laser Liposuction (Lipotherme)

We offer laser liposuction which includes devices such as SmartLipo, CoolLipo, and Lipotherme™ as well as Vaser® liposuction to help you lose unwanted fat deposits and experience the shortest possible downtime.

With this process, local anesthesia is used to numb the given area without the need for general anesthesia, thereby lowering the risk of surgery. By using a laser on the targeted fat deposits, the procedure enables the liquefaction of fat cells before a cannula (a special surgical needle) draws them out of the body. Meanwhile, the lasers stimulate collagen production and, in turn, tighten the skin.

Vaser® liposuction uses ultrasound to gently loosen fat cells in the targeted area, which are then suctioned out with a cannula. The advantage of both treatments is a shorter, less painful recovery time than traditional methods, as well as the natural tightening of the skin that takes place afterward. In addition, general anesthesia is not required and the procedure is done in our beautiful suite versus the scary confines of the hospital or surgery center.

Laser liposuction is a safe, effective way to reduce fat deposits in the abdomen, flanks, back, thighs, hips, breasts, knees, arms, and neck. It begins with the application of a local anesthetic to numb the skin where the fat will be withdrawn. This involves the injection of a special solution that not only numbs the treatment area, but helps separate the fat layer from the muscle tissue.

Next, a special tube called a cannula is inserted, which Dr. Tang will move gently back and forth. Meanwhile, a laser is fired on the treatment area, which will loosen and eventually liquefy the fat cells, making it easier to suction them out through the cannula. At the same time, the laser will heat underlying layers of skin, which stimulates the production of collagen, the compound that gives skin its elasticity. This helps the patient achieve a more balanced skin texture, avoiding any sagging effects the skin might otherwise adopt in the absence of fatty tissue. This laser liposuction technique allows patients to sculpt specific areas of the body.

The results of the procedure usually become fully apparent three to six months after treatment. Patients can typically resume normal activity a day or two after the procedure. After a week, patients can resume more strenuous activities such as exercise.

Lipotherme™

Lipotherme is a safe, effective procedure performed by Dr. John Tang using a laser to liquefy and remove unwanted fat in targeted body zones. In addition to removing unwanted fat as in neck, arm, thigh, or abdominal liposuction, Lipotherme’s thermal effect causes the skin to tighten, resulting in firmer, smoother skin that further enhances your body shaping goals.

About Lipotherme

Throughout history, heat has been used to promote health and well-being. Lipotherme is a revolutionary technique that harnesses the power of heat-generating lasers to selectively break up unwanted body fat and reshape your body.

‘Lipo’ means fat, and ‘therme’ means heat, so Lipotherme is literally the controlled application of heat to liquefy fat.

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. Although effective, the traditional method is considered a highly invasive procedure. By contrast, Lipotherme laser lipolysis is a minimally invasive procedure with virtually no downtime. Most patients resume normal activities the day after their procedure. However, it is recommended you wait several days before resuming strenuous activity such as exercise. Depending on your goals and physical condition, Lipotherme can be an alternative to traditional liposuction, or Dr. Tang may recommend a combination therapy of a weight loss program first, acoustic wave therapy, or Zerona depending on the particular issue and ultimate goal.

Lipotherme is the result of years of research into the ideal methods for targeting unwanted fat “zones” and eliminating them from the human body. Lipotherme was developed by a team of European researchers and thousands of satisfied patients have benefited from it.

Procedure

Dr. Tang will first anesthetize the predetermined port sites using a local numbing solution. Several small incisions are then made. Using a process called “tumescent anesthesia” the desired area is then numbed. Tumescence is a process where the area is infiltrated with a local anesthetic, making the entire procedure comfortable without the need for general anesthesia. It also provides a way to separate the fat layer from the muscle layer below.

In addition, the tumescent solution allows the laser to better target fat cells. Afterwards, a small metal tube called a cannula is inserted under the skin and a tiny laser beam is fired as Dr. Tang moves the cannula back and forth. As the laser warms the fat cells, it creates a thermal effect. Fat cells, which are highly receptive to thermal energy, are liquefied. Next, Dr. Tang will aspirate (suction) the liquefied fat cells away.

Treatment Information

During a pre-procedure consultation, Dr. Tang will work with you to discuss your goals, explain the procedure, and set realistic expectations. At your consultation, we will perform a Body Mass Index (BMI) test. This information, in combination with other health information, will be used to determine the potential outcomes you should expect.

Lipotherme is ideal for removing unwanted fat in selected body zones with all patients reporting results post-procedure due to the reduction in fat and instantaneous skin tightening, but results will vary depending on a host of factors such as age, hormones, BMI, and other health indicators. The doctor or a staff member will thoroughly brief you on all pre-procedure and post-procedure precautions.

FAQs

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. Tang will first anesthetize the area using a process called tumescent anesthesia, a local anesthetic 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 as the doctor moves the cannula back and forth. As the laser warms the fat cells, it creates a thermal effect. Fat cells, which are highly receptive to thermal energy, are liquefied and removed permanently (see below). As an added benefit of Lipotherme, the heat produced during the treatment causes skin remodeling and collagen synthesis allowing for the skin to tighten, thus helping to create a more balanced skin texture.

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 (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. Tang 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 (laser lipo) the same thing as traditional liposuction?

A: Both Lipotherme and the traditional method are 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 highly-invasive procedure and may require several days or even weeks of downtime. In addition, Lipotherme is excellent for treating certain areas that the traditional method cannot treat 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 the traditional method. In addition, the heat used to melt fat is then transferred to skin which causes contraction of the skin, skin remodeling, and collagen synthesis. This allows for skin tightening which traditional liposuction does not. In addition, the heat of the laser also coagulates (heats) the tiny blood vessels in the fat thereby causing much less swelling, bruising, and post-op pain thereby making the recovery much faster and easier.

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, results following a Lipotherme treatment usually require 12 to 20 weeks to become fully apparent, and improvement continues to be seen for several months.

Q: Is this a “one-time” treatment?

A: Primarily, Lipotherme treatments are considered “one-time” treatments. In adults, fat cells cannot 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. After the final results are achieved, if Dr. Tang is not satisfied with the results, a “touch-up” treatment may be performed.

Q: Is there a recuperation period?

A: Typically, you can resume normal activities 1–2 days after your treatment. However, it is recommended you wait 1 week before resuming strenuous activities such as exercising.

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. Women who are pregnant should not undergo Lipotherme. Patients who have active heart, liver (i.e. Hepatitis B or C), or kidney disease, bleeding disorders, or HIV are not ideal candidates. All patients are required to fill out a detailed health questionnaire to assess for potential risks.

Q: What are the differences between laser liposuction vs Zerona?

A: Laser Lipo (Lipotherme)

• Melts fat
• Destroys fat cells
• One treatment
• Small incisions
• Some downtime
• Mild discomfort after procedure
• Several months of swelling
• Targets specific areas
• Must wear compression garment
• More aggressive
• Tightens skin
• Can treat neck

Zerona

• Stimulates fat membrane to lose weight
• Fat cells intact
• 6 treatments
• No incisions
• No downtime
• No discomfort
• No swelling
• Loses a little amount in many different areas
• No compression garment
• Less aggressive
• Does not tighten skin
• Results not impressive in neck

Experience the many benefits of laser liposuction in our San Jose office in California. Contact us today to learn more about how this minimally-invasive procedure can benefit you, whether it’s neck liposuction, chin liposuction, arm liposuction, or stomach liposuction.