• General Information

How is laser sculpture or laser lipolysis performed?

• The procedure is performed through the infiltration of a tumescent anaesthetic solution, such as Klein (highly diluted lidocaine and adrenalin). A peristaltic pump is used for this by making mini-incisions on the skin surface. Lidocaine, which is an anaesthetic agent, is diffused throughout the area which leaves it insensitive while the adrenalin produces transitory contraction of the vessels, greatly reducing the risk of bleeding. The technique is accompanied by less haematomas and postoperative pain.

• The treatment area should be divided into grids, facilitating homogenous and regulated dosage. The optical fibre is moved in a fan-like movement through a mini-incision at a constant speed and at different depths until the full programmed power is introduced. Once the shape and volume correction is reached, more superficial passes are performed with parameters basically aimed at attaining contraction of the dermis and the fibrous septa of the subcutaneous cells. Treatment is performed in the same way in each and every square of the grid.

Some adverse effects could be haematomas, contusions, temporary pain or numbness. These effects are much milder than in conventional liposuction.

The slight pain felt is similar to muscle soreness after an intense workout, the compression bandage is usually removed 4 to 7 days later at night and worn for a few more days, rest is not necessary and analgesics can be taken for the pain. Physical activity should be moderate.

If a sudden large asymmetry or acute pain, intense heat or marked reddening with an increase in body temperature over 38ºC or profuse bleeding (do not confuse with tumescent liquid drainage, which is pink-tinged water) is noticed in the treated area, the patient should contact a physician immediately. The most common complications are the appearance of seromas (reddened areas caused by localised accumulation of serum) and areas of inflammatory fibrous hardening, which subside soon after. We should also mention that these complications are more frequent when the laser lipolysis (lipolaser) is associated with conventional liposuction using greater aspiration volume and only as a technique to guarantee good skin contraction. The risks involved with non-assisted liposuction are in great measure proportional to the infiltrated and aspirated volumes.

**For the reduction of large volumes, the laser lipolysis technique requires conventional aspiration.