Advanced
Laser Liposuction
Surgery in Hyderabad

Laser Liposuction: Pre-Op & Post-Op Care

The decision to undergo laser liposuction or laser-assisted lipolysis is a significant step towards body contouring, and a successful outcome hugely depends on meticulous care across three phases, namely the pre-operative phase, the intra-operative phase, and the post-operative phase.

Before the laser liposuction surgery

The pre-operative phase is crucial for ensuring patient safety, optimizing the surgical site, and setting realistic expectations.

The surgeon will examine the patient’s overall health, medical history (including chronic conditions, previous surgeries, and allergies)

Then patients have to undergo necessary lab work, which may include a complete blood count (CBC), electrolyte panel, and sometimes an electrocardiogram.
Patients need to stop smoking and drinking alcohol, as they reduce blood flow and wound healing. Medicines and supplements need to be managed to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding and bruising. Patients need to maintain a healthy, balanced diet rich in lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables to support the body’s healing ability.

Patients must significantly increase their water intake to support fluid balance and the eventual flushing of fat cells. Patients must follow strict “Nothing by Mouth” (NPO) instructions, typically for 8 hours before the procedure. Patients should shower the evening before and the morning of surgery using an antiseptic soap. Patients should arrange for a responsible adult to drive them home and stay with them for the first 24-48 hours.

Intra-operative phase

The intra-operative phase covers the steps taken from the patient entering the operating suite until the incisions are closed. The patient’s vital signs are checked, and they are brought into the sterile operating room.
Depending on the extent of the areas being treated, the procedure is performed under local anesthesia with sedation (tumescent technique) or general anesthesia..

The surgeon makes one or more very small incisions (typically 2-4 mm), strategically placed in discreet areas (e.g., natural folds, belly button).
A thin laser fiber is inserted through a micro-cannula into the fat layer. The laser energy is delivered, which has a dual purpose that the laser’s thermal energy targets and melts the fat cells, turning the solid fat into an oily liquid emulsion. This process makes the fat removal gentler and less traumatic than traditional liposuction.

The heat from the laser also causes controlled thermal injury to the collagen fibers in the skin and underlying tissue. This stimulates new collagen production and subsequent skin contraction, leading to an improved skin-tightening effect over the treated area, which is a key advantage of LAL.

Once the fat has been adequately liquefied by the laser, a different, small suction cannula is inserted through the same incisions. The liquefied fat is then gently suctioned out of the body using a vacuum pump or syringe. The surgeon uses a controlled, back-and-forth motion, ensuring a smooth and even layer of remaining fat for an optimal contour.

Throughout the procedure, the surgical team closely monitors the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. The surgeon continuously monitors the remaining fat layer and skin temperature to prevent overheating and ensure a smooth outcome.

Once the desired contour is achieved, the incisions may be left slightly open or closed with a single suture or steri-strips. The surgeon may choose to leave them open to allow the tumescent fluid to drain for the first 24-48 hours, which helps reduce post-operative swelling.

A tight-fitting compression garment is immediately placed on the patient. This garment is critical for managing swelling, encouraging the skin to adhere to the new underlying contour, and minimizing fluid collection (seroma).

Post-Operative Phase: Recovery and Results

The post-operative phase focuses on recovery, managing side effects, and adhering to aftercare instructions to ensure the best possible aesthetic outcome.

The patient is moved to a recovery area for monitoring as the anesthesia wears off. They are discharged home once alert and stable.

Expect mild to moderate soreness, often described as an intense workout or muscle strain, along with swelling and bruising. Pain is managed with prescribed medications, including narcotics for the initial days and, subsequently, Tylenol. It is crucial to avoid NSAIDs for the first two weeks as instructed.

Blood-tinged fluid (the remaining tumescent solution) will leak from the incision sites for the first 24-48 hours. This is normal and beneficial for reducing swelling. Absorbent pads are often worn under the compression garment to manage this.

Light walking is mandatory every few hours, starting the day of surgery, to promote circulation and prevent blood clots. Rest is important, but complete immobilization should be avoided. Strenuous activity, heavy lifting (over 10 lbs), and bending/straining are prohibited.

The compression garment must be worn 24 hours a day (only removed for showering) for the first few weeks, as directed by the surgeon, typically for a total of 4 to 6 weeks.

The patient may typically shower (not bathe or swim) 48-72 hours after the procedure, carefully patting the incision sites dry.

Continue to drink plenty of fluids and maintain a low-sodium, high-protein diet to aid healing and reduce swelling.

Bruising generally begins to fade, but swelling remains significant and may even temporarily worsen around the two-to-three-week mark as the body forms scar tissue. The treated areas may feel firm or lumpy; this is normal and due to post-surgical swelling and internal scar tissue formation.

Most patients can return to non-strenuous work (desk job) and light daily activities within one week. Light cardiovascular exercise (like brisk walking, stationary cycling) can often be resumed.

Surgeons often recommend Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) massages starting in the second week. These specialized massages help soften firm areas, mobilize trapped fluid, and accelerate the resolution of swelling.

The surgeon will advise when to transition to wearing the compression garment part-time or discontinuing it entirely (typically around 4-6 weeks).

Most vigorous exercise, including heavy lifting and high-impact cardio, can be resumed after 4 to 6 weeks, upon the surgeon’s clearance.

Initial results are visible once significant swelling subsides (around 4-6 weeks), but the final, fully refined contour will become apparent over three to six months as all residual swelling resolves and the skin fully contracts.

The fat cells are permanently removed, but maintaining the results requires a commitment to a healthy diet and regular exercise, as the remaining fat cells in untreated areas can still grow with weight gain. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and assess the outcome.

Benefits of Laser Liposuction at Yashoda Hospitals

• Minimally invasive
• Faster recovery
• Stimulates skin tightening
• Precision and contouring
• Permanent fat removal
• Reduced scarring
• Reduced appearance of cellulite