Losing weight is a goal that many people struggle with. Stubborn fat can sometimes feel impossible to lose, even when you’re getting regular exercise and being mindful of what you eat. If this is something you’re experiencing, then laser fat removal might be a good option.
Laser fat removal helps people to lose fat cells quickly and safely. So, how does it work and what type of person does this procedure make sense for? Here’s a rundown on laser fat removal and how to decide if it’s right for you.
What Is Laser Fat Removal?
Laser fat removal, also known as laser liposuction, is a procedure that can shrink fat cells and make your body smaller. It’s a minimally invasive treatment that is known for having little to no side effects. This is because laser lipo shrinks fat cells rather than removing the fat cells entirely, making it less intense.
Peter Dazeley/GettyWhen getting laser liposuction, a cold laser penetrates hardened fat tissue. PhysioMed says the laser temporarily disrupts the fat cells so they can be drained.1 To put it simply, the matter is then broken down and eventually leaves the body through the urinary tract. This makes the part of the body appear smaller.
Who Qualifies for This Procedure?
Not everyone who wants to lose weight is the right candidate for laser fat removal. It’s something more suited for a person within 25 pounds of their ideal body weight who wishes to get rid of moderate amounts of fat. So if you’re looking to lose an extensive amount of weight, this procedure might not be for you.
This procedure is ideally the last resort for people struggling to lose the last bit of weight or target stubborn areas. If your weight loss has plateaued with a healthy diet and exercise, then laser fat removal could be the procedure you need to finally reach your target weight.
Where Can You Receive Laser Fat Removal?
Losing weight in specific areas you’d prefer is not always easy. It’s impossible to target fat loss or spot reduction in certain areas because your body burns fat overall and will not hyperfocus on one area.2 This is where a procedure like laser fat removal can be helpful.
You can target parts of the body where fat is prevalent and achieve your desired results. Some of the most common treatment areas include:
- Waistline
- Thighs
- Arms
- Under the chin
- Abdomen
Timeline for Results
Most people who receive laser liposuction will need to return for multiple sessions. For maximum results, you can expect to do six to eight sessions. The ideal schedule is two sessions per week for 4-weeks, but this can vary depending on your goals.
What’s great is that laser fat removal won’t require you to take time off work or life because of how non-invasive it is.
Are Results Permanent?
It’s important to remember that laser fat removal does not entirely get rid of fat cells — it shrinks them. This means the cells are still able to store fat again and you could end up back where you started if you’re not careful. The good news is it’s possible for the results from this procedure to be permanent.
You can maintain the results of laser lipo by getting regular exercise and maintaining a healthy diet. In theory, you should have already been doing this prior to the procedure. Continuing these positive habits will help ensure your body continues looking the way you want it to.
Laser Lipo vs. Liposuction
Laser fat removal is not to be confused with liposuction, another popular weight loss method. Traditional liposuction is a more invasive procedure that requires larger incisions and sutures. Rather than make fat cells smaller, liposuction works to remove fat cells entirely.3
Unlike laser lipo, patients will need to go under general anesthesia and experience some recovery time for traditional lipo. Another plus to laser liposuction that regular lipo cannot do is tighten the skin. This is something you might want to consider depending on your goals.
Laser Lipo vs. CoolSculpting
Another procedure that helps get rid of excess fat is CoolSculpting. Similar to laser lipo, this is a non-invasive procedure with minimal side effects. Healthline explains that CoolSculpting works by freezing fat beneath the skin using a cooling applicator.4 Once the procedure is done, the frozen fat cells die, are processed away, and are eventually absorbed by your body over time.
Noticeable results take a bit longer with CoolSculpting, usually several weeks or up to 2-months. What’s great is that with either procedure, results can be permanent when you continue to live a healthy lifestyle.
The Cost of Laser Fat Removal
Laser fat removal is an investment in your body that will cost a decent amount of money. Healthline reports the average cost is $5,450. Keep in mind the price can depend on which part of the body you want to treat. For instance, the lower stomach costs around $3,500 whereas the upper stomach will cost about $4,000.
To give you an idea of how this compares to other fat removal methods, CoolSculpting averages at $2,000 to $4,000, and liposuction averages at $3,637.5 You can look into different types of treatments to see which one best aligns with your budget and your cosmetic goals.
Does Insurance Pay for Laser Fat Removal?
Not everyone has thousands of dollars to pay for laser fat removal. Unfortunately, it’s not common for this procedure to be covered by health insurance. This means you’ll likely have to pay for laser lipo entirely out-of-pocket. Healthline notes how there might be an insurance loophole for certain people.
If you’re someone with benign and fatty growths called subcutaneous lipomas under your skin, then insurance may help cover the cost of laser lipo to remove them. Look into your health plan to see if there’s potential for the procedure to be partially paid for.
How to Save on the Procedure
Since insurance coverage won’t be an option for most people, you could look into other ways to save money on laser fat removal. Looking around at different clinics to see if they offer any incentives for new customers is one of the best things you can do.
One place you can search for deals is Groupon, where clinics provide money-saving incentives for customers. Depending on where you live, you can find massive savings of up to 70% off on fat removal procedures. 6 Alternatively, you can save money by purchasing multiple sessions at once.
Talk to Your Doctor to Learn More
If you’re looking to lose some extra weight, laser fat removal could be an option. It’s ideal for people who have already made adjustments to their diet and exercise, and are in need of a bit of help to shed those extra pounds.
Consult with your doctor to see if you could be a candidate for this procedure. Plus, make sure to compare your options when it comes to payment. You may be able to receive help from insurance depending on your health, save money through incentives, or pay off the procedure over time.
