If you are considering liposuction, then you know you have many procedural options to choose from. Once the only option, traditional liposuction has been replaced by much safer, more effective methods. Dr. Kim offers Chicago area patients the latest in advanced liposuction including Cool Lipo, a laser liposuction technique that offers incredible results with little to no downtime.
CoolLipo is a safe & effective procedure for small areas with a gentle fat disruption and removal technique for small areas including:
- neck
- chin
- other areas not easily treatable by conventional liposuction
What is CoolLipo?
Cool Lipo is a laser liposuction technique that uses a minimally invasive laser to break up fat cell and liquefying them so they can be easily removed. Laser liposuction is not intended as a weight loss solution, but rather for contouring the body to give a more pleasant aesthetic appearance. The Cool Lipo laser has been used in Europe for many years and FDA approved in United States since 2008.
How is Cool Lipo different?
The Cool Lipo laser can be used on practically any area of the body. It is gentle enough to treat delicate areas such as the neck and arms, but powerful enough to remove unwanted fat from the tummy, thighs and buttocks. The Cool Lipo laser uses a specific wavelength to break up and melt fatty tissue without damaging other structures. For larger body areas, body-jet water-assisted liposuction may be more appropriate.
Benefits of the Cool Lipo
- Gentle Treatment – Cool Lipo is a minimally invasive liposuction procedure that is much less traumatic compared to traditional liposuction methods because the fat is liquefied and simply gets sucked out. This means less chances for bruising or swelling. The Cool Lipo laser also stops bleeding from the tissues and blood vessels, which helps minimize overall blood loss.
- Skin Tightening – One of the greatest benefits of the Cool Lipo procedure is skin tightening. Using the 1320nm wavelength thermal mode, the Cool Lipo laser heats the treated areas to tighten the skin and stimulate collagen production in the tissues from the inside out. As collagen is produced, the area will begin to fill out, giving a much smoother feel and look to the skin. This is very similar to [Ultherapy] (/body-breast/ultrasound-therapy.
About the Cool Lipo Procedure
On the day of surgery, patients will report to a clean and sterile surgical suite. Once all pre-op procedures are concluded, the physician will begin the Cool Lipo procedure by administering the tumescent solution as the local anesthetic. This allows the patient to feel only mild discomfort, if any, during treatment.
The Cool Lipo laser is then directed under the skin through small incisions to literally melt the fat across the entire target area. This will continue until all unwanted fat has been melted adequately. Then the physician will suck out the fat via another cannula through the same tiny incision sites. This process is much more seamless than other types of liposuction because liquefied fat is tremendously easier to remove.
Upon completion, the Cool Lipo laser will be switched to a different frequency and applied to the same areas again for the skin-tightening effect. Procedures for Cool Lipo can last from one to three hours, depending on the patient and how much is being done. Afterwards, the patient will spend an hour in recovery before being fully discharged.
Cool Lipo FAQs
How much does Natural Breast Augmentation cost?
The cost for a natural breast enhancement procedure will vary based on your body, goals, and needs. You will have a dedicated medical counselor who will walk you through the process and discuss treatment costs, payment options and financing.
What is the downtime after the CoolLipo procedure?
Because the Cool Lipo procedure is conducted under local anesthetic only, the downtime is quite minimal. Most normal activities can resume the next day, while more strenuous activities should be avoided for at least a week. Many patients are able to return to work within two days. With CoolLipo, there are significantly less risks as fat doesn’t have to be dislodged, but just melted instead. In addition, the Cool Lipo laser helps reduce blood loss, which minimizes bruising and swelling. The small incision sites (usually less than 1/8 inch) do not require stitches and will heal naturally on their own in a few weeks. This all contributes to limited downtime. However, because each individual is unique and responds differently to the healing process, downtimes can vary. More specific details of each individual’s case will be discussed during the patient consultation.
When are CoolLipo results noticeable?
Since fat is physically removed, CoolLipo results will be visible immediately after the procedure. In addition, the skin-tightening effect as well as new collagen formation will continue to take place over the next few months. During this time, patients will notice the treated areas becoming tighter and smoother. Individuals who maintain a healthy lifestyle after treatment will continue to benefit from the CoolLipo procedure, as the contouring and sculpturing remain intact. If weight is gained, the fat will collect in other untreated areas. However, if the amount gained is excessive, fat may fill up the treated areas as well. Depending on their lifestyle, patients may choose to undergo our medical weight loss program after their liposuction procedure.
Can CoolLipo be done with other procedures?
Yes. CoolLipo is frequently used in conjunction with body-jet liposuction and also abdominoplasties (tummy tucks). Ultherapy, another form of skin lifting and tightening, can also be employed to reinforce results at a later date.
How do I know if CoolLipo is for me?
With many different types of liposuction available, it is very difficult for patients to recognize which method would be optimal to achieve their goals. Booking a consultation with our office is a sure way to get all of these questions answered, and to see if CoolLipo laser-assisted lipolysis is right for you. Contact us today!
