How Much Does Laser Liposuction Cost?
August 23, 2025
Shoreline Center For Laser And Cosmetic Surgery
Shoreline Center For Laser And Cosmetic Surgery
What Is Liposuction?
Liposuction (often called “lipo”) is a surgical technique that removes localized, subcutaneous fat to enhance body shape. Using very small incisions, a micro-cannula gently suctions fat from targeted areas like the abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, chin, neck, and more.
Modern liposuction is typically performed with tumescent local anesthesia (a dilute numbing solution that also reduces bleeding), enabling comfort, less bruising, and more precise sculpting. Results aim for natural-looking proportion, not a “hollowed” look.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a strong candidate if you:
- Are near your healthy weight but have localized fat pockets (often genetic).
- Have good skin elasticity or only mild laxity.
- Can follow short-term aftercare (compression, limited heavy activity).
- Have realistic goals about shape—not the number on the scale.
You may be advised to wait or consider alternatives if you:
- Seek weight loss rather than contouring.
- Have significant skin laxity (a skin-removal procedure might be better for that).
- Have uncontrolled medical conditions or you recently had major surgery.
At consultation, Dr. Langdon and Dr. Sarhan at The Shoreline Center, Guilford, CT, assess anatomy, skin quality, and goals to decide which areas and which technique, will produce the most balanced, natural improvement.
Areas We Treat
We tailor treatment plans to common “trouble zones,” often combining areas for harmony.
- Chin/Neck : Defines the jawline and reduces a double chin. Often a quick recovery with a chin strap for compression.
- Arms : Reduces upper-arm fullness for a sleeker, athletic profile.
- Abdomen & Flanks: Smooths the midsection and waistline; frequently treated together.
- Hips/Outer Thighs & Inner Thighs: Improves leg line and proportion.
- Back/Bra Roll: Refines bulges around the bra line and mid-back.
- Knees (Inner): Small zone with outsized visual impact on leg definition.
How Liposuction Works (Step by Step)
1. Mapping & Marking
Your surgeons, Dr. Robert Langdon and Dr. Sara Sarhan at The Shoreline Center, begin with detailed photos and on-skin markings. This creates a clear sculpting blueprint that prioritizes symmetry, proportion, and smooth transitions between treated and untreated areas.
2. Local (Tumescent) Anesthesia & Infiltration
Instead of general anesthesia, we use large volumes of a diluted local anesthetic (tumescent solution) placed directly into the fat layer.
- The fluid comfortably numbs the area and “inflates” the fat layer so it’s easier to remove evenly.
- A small amount of epinephrine is included to temporarily constrict blood vessels, which dramatically reduces bleeding and bruising.
Because you’re numbed locally, patients generally feel little to no pain during the procedure, and we avoid the risks of general anesthesia that are typical of older liposuction methods.
3. Micro-Cannula Access (Tiny Incisions)
We make very small, strategically placed skin openings. Through these, a micro-cannula (a slender tube) is inserted. The small size of the entry points and instruments helps minimize bruising and swelling and supports a faster recovery with subtle, well-hidden access sites.
4. Sculpting in Thin, Layered Passes
Fat is removed in thin, controlled layers to preserve a level surface and natural curves. This meticulous technique is designed to deliver smoother, more even results and avoid the lumpiness or ridging associated with older, more aggressive approaches.
When helpful for your goals and anatomy, we may incorporate energy-assisted options, for example laser-assisted liposuction, SmartLipo®, ProLipo, SlimLipo™ to emulsify fat and potentially aid mild skin contraction, or other advanced technologies offered at our center. Your plan is customized, not device-driven.
5. Closure & Compression
Each tiny entry point is closed with 1–2 sutures (or small adhesive strips), and you’ll be fitted with a compression garment. Compression helps limit swelling, supports your new contour, and encourages a quicker, more comfortable recovery.
Types And Techniques of Liposuction
Tumescent Liposuction
The modern foundation of liposuction used by Dr. Langdon and Dr. Sarhan at The Shoreline Center. A dilute local anesthetic (with epinephrine) “inflates” and numbs the fat layer, reducing bleeding/bruising and enabling precise sculpting with micro-cannulas, often with shorter downtime and without the risks of general anesthesia.
Laser Liposuction
Adds a fine laser fiber to help emulsify fat before suction and can stimulate mild skin contraction in suitable candidates. Often chosen for smaller zones or mild laxity to refine edges and transitions; still a surgical procedure with tiny incisions and brief recovery.
Smart Liposuction (SmartLipo®)
A branded form of laser-assisted liposuction. The laser energy helps liquefy fat and can provide subtle tightening. Best for delicate contouring in areas like the chin/neck or arms, when the goal is smooth refinement and minimal downtime.
Slim-Lipo™
Another laser-assisted platform with similar goals: easier fat removal and potential minor skin contraction. Choice between Slim-Lipo™, SmartLipo®, or other systems depends on your anatomy and goals, we select the tool that fits the plan, not the other way around.
VASER® Liposuction
Uses ultrasound energy to gently loosen fat—helpful in fibrous areas (e.g., flanks, back) or revision cases. Can improve sculpting efficiency while aiming to preserve surrounding tissues; performed under local/tumescent anesthesia with micro-cannulas.
Area-Specific Applications
Chin Liposuction (Neck/Under-Chin)
Targets submental fullness to define the jawline and slim the profile. Frequently a quick recovery with a chin strap for compression; may be combined with laser liposuction for subtle tightening in the neck skin.
Arms Liposuction
Reduces upper-arm fullness for a sleeker, athletic look. Often performed under local anesthesia; many patients return to desk work within days. Energy-assist (e.g., laser or VASER®) may be considered for contour finesse.
Liposuction Thighs (Inner/Outer)
Contours the inner thighs (gap and chafe control) and outer thighs/saddlebags to streamline the leg line and hips. Technique focuses on symmetry and smooth transitions with layered passes; compression aids recovery and final shape.
Recovery & Liposuction Results Week by Week
Everyone heals differently, but this general timeline helps set expectations:
Day 1–3
- Compression garment worn continuously; mild soreness or pressure.
- Light walking is encouraged; small drainage from entry sites is normal for 24–48 hours.
Week 1
- Many patients return to desk work in several days to a week.
- Swelling and bruising start to peak, then gradually improve.
Week 2
- Bruising fades; stiffness eases.
- Social activities feel easier; continue compression as advised.
Weeks 3–4
- Visible contour changes as swelling decreases.
- Gradual return to low-impact exercise; avoid heavy lifting until cleared.
Weeks 5–6
- Majority of swelling resolves; skin texture smooths.
- Compression may taper per surgeon guidance.
Months 3–6
- Final contour refines as tissues settle. With stable weight, results are long-term.
Liposuction Before and After
Risks, Safety & How We Minimize Them
Temporary effects can include swelling, bruising, numbness, and stiffness. Less common risks include contour irregularities, fluid collections, or infection. At The Shoreline Center, safety is built into every step:
- Local (tumescent) anesthesia to reduce bleeding and improve comfort.
- Micro-cannula sculpting in even planes for smoothness.
- Careful candidate selection, sterile technique, and structured aftercare.
Decades of combined experience: Dr. Langdon’s triple board certification and Dr. Sarhan’s facial plastic expertise inform technique, energy choice, and case selection.
How Much Does Laser Liposuction Cost?
At The Shoreline Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery in Guilford, CT, Dr. Robert Langdon and Dr. Sara Sarhan customize every plan after a one-on-one evaluation. That’s why two patients choosing “the same area” can have different quotes anatomy and goals vary.
What drives your price
- Treatment area & size – Larger or more fibrous zones generally require more time.
- Number of areas – Treating multiple areas in one session may change pricing efficiency.
- Complexity & goals – Subtle sculpting vs. more comprehensive contouring affects time.
- Technology & technique – Laser assistance, SmartLipo®, SlimLipo™/ProLipo, may be used when it benefits your case.
- Geography & facility – Market rates and accredited surgical setting.
Surgeon expertise – Board-certified care and follow-up support.
Areas that tend to fall higher or lower in the range
- Often toward the higher end: upper abdomen and around the knees (more finesse and time).
- Often mid-range: lower abdomen, back, buttocks, thighs, hips/flanks (depends on volume and symmetry goals).
- Often at the lower band: small, focused zones like chin/neck, when treated alone.
Typical range reminder: Laser liposuction cost is $2,500–$5,500 per area. This is an estimate; your personalized quote comes after examination and planning.
The best way to know your cost
Book a consultation at The Shoreline Center, Guilford, CT. After we evaluate your anatomy, discuss expectations, and map out your areas, Dr. Langdon or Dr. Sarhan will provide a clear, itemized fee quotation for your plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is liposuction a weight-loss procedure?
A: No. It’s a contouring procedure that targets stubborn fat pockets.
Q: Will liposuction tighten my skin?
A: It can enhance shape, and energy-assisted options (like laser liposuction) may offer mild skin contraction in the right candidate. Significant laxity may require a skin-tightening procedure.
Q: How many areas can I treat at once?
A:It depends on your health, anatomy, and safe operative time. We’ll map a plan that prioritizes safety and proportion.
Q:How long do results last?
A: Removed fat cells do not return. With stable weight and healthy habits, results are long-term.
Q: What’s recovery like?
A: Most patients are back to desk work within several days to ~1 week. See the liposuction results week by week section above for details.
Q: Is pricing per area or per hour?
A: Most quotes are per area with adjustments for time/complexity and any energy-assist used.
