Laser‑Assisted Liposuction
in Seattle

You take care of yourself by eating right and staying active, but some areas just don’t respond. That lower belly bulge, those persistent love handles, or a bit of fullness under the chin might cling no matter what you do. You’re not looking for drastic surgery or a long recovery; you just want those stubborn spots smoothed out for a more contoured, confident look.

At Seattle Plastic Surgery, our laser-assisted liposuction (also called laser lipo) offers a precise solution. This advanced body contouring technique uses targeted laser energy to gently loosen and remove stubborn fat while simultaneously encouraging skin tightening. The result? A more sculpted shape, minimal downtime, and a smoother transition back to your routine.

Who’s a Good Candidate?

If you are close to your goal weight but bothered by localized bulges that don’t respond to diet and exercise, you may be a good fit. The best candidates want shaping, not a substitute for weight loss, and are prepared to follow a short recovery plan for the best outcome.

You may be a good candidate if you:

• You have specific areas (like the lower abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, or under the chin) that are out of proportion to the rest of your body. These focused pockets often respond well to targeted contouring.
• You are generally healthy, a non‑smoker (or willing to stop as directed), and have realistic expectations. This helps healing and supports a smooth recovery.
• Your skin quality is reasonable for the area being treated. While some patients notice a modest tightening effect from the thermal energy, significant laxity may call for a different approach.

Common Treatment Areas We Consider

Laser‑assisted liposuction can be used in many regions where specific debulking and contouring are needed, depending on your goals and what’s safe for you. Your surgeon will map each area and plan the transitions so your results look balanced from every angle.

Commonly treated areas include:

• Abdomen (upper and lower): Smooths focal bulges and helps define the waistline.
  
• Flanks (“love handles”): Narrows the midsection and improves the fit of clothing.
  
• Inner and outer thighs: Reduces rubbing or saddlebags while keeping a balanced leg line.
  
• Arms: Slims the upper arm and improves sleeve fit.
  
• Submental/neck (under the chin): Softens a small double chin and sharpens the jawline.
• Bra roll and upper back: Reduces rolls that show through fitted tops.

How Laser‑Assisted Liposuction Works

Understanding the process helps you prepare and feel confident. Your exact plan may vary slightly, but the flow below is typical for many patients.

• Consultation & Planning
  We discuss your goals, review your medical history, examine skin and fat distribution, and map the areas to be treated. Photos and markings are used to map the contouring strategy.
• Anesthesia & Tumescent Preparation
  Most cases use local anesthesia with or without light sedation. This also helps limit bleeding and improve comfort during and after the procedure.
• Tiny Entry Points
  Small, well‑hidden openings are made to introduce the slim laser fiber and micro‑cannulas. These points are typically a few millimeters long.
• Laser Activation
  A thin laser fiber is introduced through tiny entry points. The energy helps loosen the fat and allows for more controlled sculpting.
• Gentle fat removal: Small cannulas remove the loosened fat, with attention to smooth transitions between treated and untreated areas for a natural look.
• Fine‑tuning and closure: The surgeon evaluates the contours from multiple angles, makes careful adjustments, and closes the entry points with a suture or small adhesive as appropriate.
• Compression and instructions: A compression garment is placed to limit swelling and support your new shape. You’ll receive clear aftercare guidance before heading home the same day.

Results & Expectations

You’ll notice improved contours within weeks as initial swelling subsides, with final results developing over 3-6 months as your body fully heals. While laser lipo isn’t weight loss surgery, it effectively smooths stubborn bulges for better proportion. To maintain your results long-term, we recommend keeping a stable weight through healthy habits. Although the removed fat cells are gone forever, your remaining cells can still expand with significant weight gain.

Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery is typically manageable, with swelling and mild soreness improving within 1-2 weeks. You’ll wear a compression garment for several weeks to support results and begin short walks right away to promote healing. Most patients return to desk work within days, gradually resuming exercise as cleared by your surgeon. We’ll provide detailed instructions on medication, incision care, and follow-up visits to ensure smooth progress. Our team remains available for any questions during your recovery.

Why Choose Seattle Plastic Surgery

Choosing the right team matters as much as selecting the proper technique. At Seattle Plastic Surgery, we make sure you feel heard, informed, and supported right from your first consultation to your final follow‑up. 

How we approach your care:

• Experienced surgical team focused on body contouring. We customize technique and cannula choice to your anatomy and goals.
  
• Thoughtful recovery support. Clear instructions, accessible communication, and scheduled check‑ins help you heal comfortably and predictably.
• Natural‑looking, proportionate results. The goal is to refine, not over‑reduce, so your results look like you, only more streamlined.

FAQS

Is laser liposuction as good as liposuction?

Laser‑assisted liposuction is liposuction in skilled hands, which contours effectively. Some studies suggest added skin tightening or less blood loss with lasers, but reviews note mixed/low‑quality evidence, surgeon expertise, and candidacy matter most. 

Does laser lipo remove fat permanently?

Yes, fat cells removed by liposuction are gone permanently, though remaining cells can still enlarge with weight gain; stable habits help maintain results. 

What are the disadvantages of laser liposuction?

It adds device/OR cost and time, and carries standard lipo risks plus potential thermal injury (burns); contour irregularities, seroma, and numbness are possible. It’s for shaping, not weight loss or significant skin laxity.

Which is better, CoolSculpting or laser liposuction?

They serve different goals: CoolSculpting is noninvasive with minimal downtime but more modest, gradual change (often multiple sessions). Laser lipo is minimally invasive, removes fat in one procedure, and yields more dramatic results, but with recovery and surgical risks.