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Byline: JOAN KRON
The term "laser lipo" sounds like something straight out of Star Wars , with Dr. Luke Skywalker using his light saber to save the universe from flab. Currently, laser liposuction (such as SmartLipo) involves inserting a laser through a small incision, moving it under the skin to melt the fat, and then extracting the laser and replacing it with a suction tube. Proponents of the technique say it leads to less postoperative pain and bruising, and can even tighten the skin. However, many top doctors are highly critical: The procedure can only remove small pockets of fat, may require 60 to 90 minutes additional operating time, costs more than traditional liposuction, and can even cause burns. "When you expose the undersurface of the skin to this kind of heat, you can get tightening, but you can also get permanent skin injury," says Jeffrey Kenkel, associate professor of plastic surgery and vice chairman of plastic surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.
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