Is laser-assisted liposuction better than traditional suction–assisted liposuction?
A study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, September 15, 2005 found no significant differences in patient outcomes between laser–assisted liposuction and traditional suction–assisted liposuction. In fact, they found elevated levels of certain potentially harmful compounds in the blood of laser-assisted patients after the surgeries. There has been a lot of interest generated by the manufacturers’ marketing efforts for their devices resulting in many articles in the popular press, but as of yet there is little independent evidence to support the claims of improved results or the higher price for the procedure. The equipment needed to perform the laser–assisted procedures is very expensive—about $135,000 per machine—and the patient must pay for that added expense, with little independent evidence that it does much good. The procedure has FDA approval.
