Is the Liposaver Machine a Type of Laser Liposuction?
Yes, the Liposaver machine is a type of laser-assisted liposuction (LAL) device that uses laser energy to facilitate fat removal during liposuction procedures.
Understanding Laser-Assisted Liposuction Technology
Laser-assisted liposuction represents one of several energy-based liposuction techniques that have evolved beyond traditional suction-assisted methods 1. LAL uses laser energy (typically Nd:YAG lasers at wavelengths like 1064 nm) to melt adipose tissue, coagulate small blood vessels, and stimulate collagen contraction, theoretically resulting in reduced adiposity, skin retraction, and decreased flaccidity 2.
How LAL Differs from Other Liposuction Methods
The main liposuction techniques include 1, 3:
- Suction-Assisted Lipoplasty (SAL): Traditional mechanical suction without energy assistance
- Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction: Uses ultrasonic energy to dislodge fat
- Power-Assisted Liposuction: Uses mechanical vibration to facilitate fat removal
- Laser-Assisted Liposuction (LAL): Uses laser energy to liquefy fat before removal
The Liposaver machine falls into the LAL category, using laser wavelengths to achieve fat destruction through thermal energy 2, 4.
Clinical Considerations and Safety Profile
Anesthesia Requirements
Regardless of the liposuction technique used (including LAL devices like Liposaver), tumescent local anesthesia with lidocaine and epinephrine is the recommended anesthetic approach, with maximum safe doses of 55 mg/kg in patients weighing 43.6-81.8 kg 5, 6.
Safety Data for LAL
A retrospective review of 537 consecutive LAL cases demonstrated a complication rate of only 0.93%, with no systemic complications identified 2. The local complications included one infection and four skin burns 2. The touch-up rate was 3.5%, indicating that secondary procedures were occasionally needed to correct contour irregularities 2.
Important Caveats About LAL
A critical concern is that LAL is often performed by non-core practitioners (physicians without formal aesthetic surgery training), which has been associated with complications including burns, contour irregularities, and poor patient selection 7. When providers offer only one body-contouring method, it may lead to inappropriate patient selection with associated poor outcomes 7.
Clinical Bottom Line
The Liposaver machine is indeed a laser liposuction device that uses thermal laser energy to facilitate fat removal. While LAL technology shows promise for reducing blood loss, ecchymoses, and potentially improving skin tightening compared to traditional methods 2, 4, the safety and outcomes depend heavily on proper patient selection, appropriate training of the operator, and adherence to established anesthetic protocols 5, 7.