When the body you see in the mirror doesn’t reflect how hard you’ve been working, you may wonder what else you can do. Diet and exercise are powerful tools, and they’re essential for a healthy life, but they can’t always change where your body holds onto fat.
Laser-assisted liposuction is a minimally invasive body contouring procedure that targets stubborn, exercise-resistant fat deposits. At the Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery in Grand Rapids, our board-certified plastic surgeons offer this state-of-the-art technology alongside traditional liposuction so you have options for achieving the slimmer, more proportionate figure you desire.
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When you are ready to make a transformation, you deserve partners on your journey who you trust deeply to deliver the results you want.
The highly experienced team at The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery is led by board-certified surgeons Dr. Brad Bengtson and Dr. David Alfonso. Our surgeons are regularly recognized by patients and colleagues alike for their commitment to innovation, compassionate patient care, and top-quality outcomes. Their work is supported by the thoughtful and passionate collaboration of the entire Bengtson team.
Has consistently been named one of the Best Doctors in America® since 1996 and recognized as Best Plastic Surgeon in Grand Rapids by Grand Rapids Magazine for the last 12 years.
With over two decades of experience, he is respected for his cutting-edge techniques and compassionate patient care. In addition to his work with patients, Dr. Bengtson travels globally to share his knowledge and innovative approaches with fellow plastic surgeons. He is passionate about delivering harmonious, natural-looking results that elevate rather than alter each patient’s unique aesthetic.
Watch Dr. Bengtson’s VideoHas extensive experience performing a range of surgical and non-surgical procedures, with a particular passion for body contouring and facial rejuvenation.
A careful listener and passionate practitioner, he has received numerous accolades, including recognition as a RealSelf Top Doctor since 2015. He also contributes to advancing techniques in the plastic surgery community through regular publications and lectures. Dr. Alfonso is a fluent Spanish speaker, which helps him provide exceptional communication and care to a broader range of patients.
Watch Dr. Alfonso’s VideoUnderstand her patient’s goals, motivations and desires and is always excited to partner with them to achieve safe and exceptional results.
Her philosophy is founded in individuality, enhancement of one’s own natural beauty and in helping her patients restore harmony between their physical body and their truest self. She is committed to excellence and dedicated to using her surgical expertise to help her patients feel strong, beautiful and confident.
Laser-assisted liposuction is a minimally invasive fat reduction procedure that uses laser energy to liquefy fat cells before removing them.
During the procedure, the surgeon inserts a thin laser fiber into a cannula (a hollow metal tube) and directs it to the treatment area. The laser emits energy that generates heat, which then breaks down fat cells. This process makes the fat cells easier to remove from the body with gentle suction.
There is a secondary benefit to laser liposuction. As the laser energy heats fat, it also heats the surrounding tissue, which stimulates collagen production and encourages the skin to tighten as it heals. Patients may see improvements in both body contour and skin quality.
In traditional liposuction, the surgeon uses a cannula to physically break up fat deposits before they are suctioned out. This technique has been performed for decades, and it remains a popular option for targeting stubborn fat.
Laser-assisted liposuction liquefies fat before removal, which means the cannula used can be smaller and the suction can be gentler. There is less stress on the tissue during the procedure and typically less bruising and swelling afterward.
The skin tightening element is unique to laser liposuction. Traditional liposuction does an excellent job of removing fat, but it has no effect on skin laxity. Having good skin elasticity is typically one of the factors our surgeons look for when determining if you are a candidate for liposuction.
We don’t believe that one type of liposuction is necessarily better than the other. We offer both techniques at the Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery and sometimes use them together in the same procedure, applying each where it will deliver the best result.
The best candidates for laser liposuction are adults who are near their goal weight but have localized pockets of fat that don’t shrink with diet and exercise.
Like all types of liposuction, this is a body contouring procedure, not a weight loss solution. If you have a significant amount of weight to lose, we may recommend undergoing a medical weight loss program to help you reach your goals before we put the finishing touches on your figure with liposuction.
To be a good candidate, you should also:
During your consultation, your surgeon will evaluate these factors and more to determine whether laser-assisted liposuction is the right path forward.
Absolutely. Laser-assisted liposuction pairs well with a number of surgical procedures at the Bengtson Center and nonsurgical procedures at Symmetry Med Spa. Combining treatments can deliver more comprehensive results than any procedure on its own.
Some of the most common combinations include:
On the nonsurgical side, you may decide you’d like the additional skin tightening benefits that come from including a procedure like Sofwave™ or Sciton’s SkinTyte® into your treatment plan.
The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery is home to three board-certified plastic surgeons — Dr. Brad Bengtson, Dr. David Alfonso and Dr. Narges Horriat — and the award-winning New Vista Surgical Center. We’ve treated patients from throughout Michigan and all 50 states, and we look forward to helping you reach your body goals.
Call us at 616-202-5640 or request a consultation online to get started.
You may not be a good candidate for laser liposuction if you are well above your goal weight or if you have significant skin laxity in the treatment area. Certain medical conditions may put you at higher risk during surgery, so be sure to discuss your medical history openly during your consultation. If you are currently pregnant or nursing, wait until after this stage of life to consider body contouring.
Laser-assisted liposuction is designed to reduce pockets of fat, not remove large volumes. Most patients can expect to lose several pounds of fat, but it’s more useful to think in terms of inches and contour changes than the number on your scale. Even a relatively small amount of fat removal can produce a noticeable difference in your body shape and the fit of your clothes, even if there isn’t a dramatic change in your weight.
Fat is removed right away, but your final results may be obscured by swelling initially. You’ll get a better sense of your new contours as the swelling goes down over the first few weeks.
Most patients find that laser liposuction is very tolerable. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, depending on the complexity of your treatment plan. Some soreness is common afterward, but the discomfort usually subsides within a few days and is manageable with over-the-counter or prescribed pain medication.
Laser-assisted liposuction can be performed in many treatment areas, including the chin and jawline, upper arms, abdomen, flanks, bra rolls, inner and outer thighs, and knees. Because the procedure involves a smaller cannula, it can be especially well-suited for smaller and more delicate areas.
Recovery time varies depending on the size and number of areas treated, and whether any other procedures are included in your treatment plan. Most patients can return to desk work within a few days and resume exercise in two to four weeks. You will be instructed to wear a compression garment for several weeks to support the healing process and help your body adapt to its new shape.
Yes, it does. The fat cells treated during the procedure are permanently destroyed and removed. They will not grow back. However, we do not remove every fat cell from the area, and the remaining fat cells can expand and change your contours if you gain weight. This is why maintaining a stable weight is a critical part of preserving your results long-term.
Are you ready to take the next step to a more beautiful you? Plastic Surgeons Dr. Bengtson, Dr. Alfonso and Dr. Horriat, along with the team at The Bengtson Center for Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery, provide advanced plastic surgery and cosmetic treatment for patients from Grand Rapids, Birmingham, Detroit, and Kalamazoo, Michigan. We specialize in breast augmentation, breast implants, and tummy tuck surgery, as well as laser hair removal, Micro-Needling, BOTOX Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM, and other dermal fillers. Results may vary from person to person.
Grand Rapids
2155 E Paris Ave SE, Suite 100,
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
(616) 588-8880
Byron Center
4020 Del Mar Dr SW,
Wyoming, MI 49418
(616) 730-8332
Monday 8:30am – 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am – 6:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am – 5pm
Thursday 8:30am – 6:30pm
Friday 8:30am – 5pm
*Saturday 9am -12pm
Sunday Closed
*Open select Saturdays.
Please call the office for details.
