Search
Frustrated by stubborn pockets of fat that just won’t budge even with diet and exercise? You aren’t alone. Liposuction continues to top the list as the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgery.1 But if worry of downtime, recovery and general anesthesia has you on the fence about traditional liposuction, you may want to consider laser lipo — also known as lipolysis — a less invasive procedure that removes fat with minimal scarring and a shorter recovery time.2
What Is Laser Lipo?
Laser lipo is a minimally invasive fat removal technique that uses laser heat to target and liquify fat cells, allowing them to easily be suctioned or drained away. In addition, the laser helps to tighten the surrounding skin by stimulating collagen production.3
Depending on the type of laser lipo, the procedure can be used to reduce and remove fat from a variety of different areas of the face and body:2
- Abdomen
- Buttocks
- Chin
- Flanks
- Hips
- Inner and outer thighs
- Neck
- Upper back
Candidates
Laser lipo is best suited for individuals in good overall health who want to reduce stubborn pockets of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise. It’s also a good option for those seeking a minimally invasive treatment with little scarring and a quicker recovery.3
People with good skin elasticity often see the most noticeable results, benefiting not only from fat reduction but also from the procedure’s skin-tightening effects.3
Laser vs. traditional liposuction
Depending on your goals, there may be a number of benefits to using laser lipo to treat unwanted fat compared to traditional, surgical liposuction.3
- Less invasive. Laser lipo is a minimally invasive procedure that only requires small incisions.
- Local anesthetic. Unlike surgical liposuction, laser lipo only needs local anesthesia to numb targeted treatment areas, removing the potential complications and additional recovery that may come with general anesthesia.
- Mild bruising. Since the procedure is less intrusive, bruising and swelling with laser lipo are minimal.
- Quicker recovery. Smaller incisions and a less invasive procedure help to reduce recovery time with laser lipo.
- Skin tightening/collagen stimulation. While both types of liposuction remove unwanted fat, laser lipo offers the added benefit of tightening the surrounding skin for a firmer, smoother appearance.
Discuss the pros and cons of traditional liposuction and laser lipo with your doctor to help determine which treatment will be best to achieve your desired results.
Types of Laser Lipo
There are different brands of laser lipo to consider.
- CoolLipo. CoolLipo uses a targeted laser technology that’s designed to treat smaller and more delicate areas like the neck and arms.4
- LipoLite™. This brand uses a 1064 nm wavelength to melt fat that can be pulsed in long or short bursts to help a surgeon adjust the treatment based on the body part or tissue type. This option is often used on the bra line, neck, abdomen, male chest or thighs or in combination with traditional liposuction.5
- Prolipo Plus™. The Prolipo Plus involves dual wavelengths that can be used separately or combined to provide treatment flexibility — a 1064 nm wavelength to melt fat and a 1319 nm wavelength to tighten skin and promote collagen production. This option is ideal for treating the thighs, upper and lower abdomen, arms, chin and neck.6
- SmartLipo Triplex™. One of the newest techniques, SmartLipo Triplex uses three laser wavelengths for more precise and personalized treatment. The different wavelengths can be used separately or in combination to treat areas of stubborn fat.7
Talk with your surgeon to help determine the best type of laser lipo for your treatment area and desired results.
Laser Lipo Costs
The national average cost* of abdominal SmartLipo laser lipo is $5,030, but the cost can range from $3,984 to $9,107. The average cost of laser lipo can vary based on the volume of fat to remove, facility fees and your geographic location, among other factors.8
Average cost of abdominal laser lipo by state/district
Here’s the average cost* of abdominal (SmartLipo) laser lipo for all 50 states and the District of Columbia:8
| State/District | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $4,211 |
| Alaska | $5,987 |
| Arizona | $5,186 |
| Arkansas | $4,184 |
| California | $6,714 |
| Colorado | $5,086 |
| Connecticut | $5,407 |
| Delaware | $4,906 |
| District of Columbia | $6,830 |
| Florida | $4,964 |
| Georgia | $4,427 |
| Hawaii | $9,012 |
| Idaho | $4,912 |
| Illinois | $4,569 |
| Indiana | $4,353 |
| Iowa | $4,295 |
| Kansas | $4,163 |
| Kentucky | $4,501 |
| Louisiana | $4,480 |
| Maine | $5,275 |
| Maryland | $5,539 |
| Massachusetts | $7,041 |
| Michigan | $4,379 |
| Minnesota | $4,606 |
| Mississippi | $4,037 |
| Missouri | $4,274 |
| Montana | $4,991 |
| Nebraska | $4,495 |
| Nevada | $4,875 |
| New Hampshire | $5,428 |
| New Jersey | $5,528 |
| New Mexico | $4,516 |
| New York | $5,939 |
| North Carolina | $4,769 |
| North Dakota | $4,422 |
| Ohio | $4,522 |
| Oklahoma | $4,142 |
| Oregon | $5,391 |
| Pennsylvania | $4,590 |
| Rhode Island | $5,433 |
| South Carolina | $4,622 |
| South Dakota | $4,458 |
| Tennessee | $4,342 |
| Texas | $4,458 |
| Utah | $4,959 |
| Vermont | $5,502 |
| Virginia | $4,854 |
| Washington | $5,549 |
| West Virginia | $4,047 |
| Wisconsin | $4,664 |
| Wyoming | $4,585 |
Does Insurance Cover Laser Lipo?
Since laser lipo is considered a cosmetic procedure, most health insurance companies do not cover the treatment. However, some providers may offer patient financing, such as the CareCredit credit card, to help spread the cost over time.9
How Laser Lipo Works
Here’s what you might expect before, during and after your laser lipo appointment.
Preparation
Before laser liposuction, you’ll schedule a consultation with the treatment provider. During the appointment, the doctor will review your medical history and discuss your desired goals to help determine whether you’re a good candidate for laser lipo.10
Procedure
On the day of your laser lipo procedure, a local anesthetic will be applied to numb the treatment areas. Then an incision will be made to insert a small, thin tube called a cannula that houses the laser fibers. The doctor will then move the cannula to target the fat pockets with the laser, causing the fat to liquefy. The liquefied fat is then suctioned out, with any remaining fat removed from the body through the lymphatic system.4
The entire procedure usually takes about an hour, but that can vary based on the size and number of areas being treated. While most patients only require a single treatment session, some areas may require multiple sessions spread over a few weeks to achieve the desired results.4
Recovery
Recovery from laser liposuction is shorter than traditional liposuction, with most patients able to resume light activities soon after the procedure.3 Strenuous exercise, however, should be avoided for about three weeks to ensure full healing.4
Some swelling and bruising in the treated areas are normal but usually fade within a few days. Your doctor may recommend wearing a compression garment to help minimize swelling and support healing after the procedure.4
Laser Lipo Results: What to Expect
Since laser lipo removes fat cells, the results from the procedure are permanent, barring future weight gain. Patients can lose an average of one inch from their waist circumference and three-quarters of an inch from each thigh. Laser lipo helps to provide body contouring and improved skin tightness in the treatment areas.4
Laser Lipo Side Effects
Although laser lipo is generally considered safe, there are potential side effects after the procedure:11
- Bruising
- Incision site infection
- Numbness
- Scarring
- Skin discoloration
- Swelling
Following your doctor’s post-procedure plans can help mitigate side effects and ensure proper healing. In rare cases, damage or burns to internal organs or surrounding tissue can occur if the laser is not properly controlled or the procedure is not performed by a qualified professional.11
Alternatives to Laser Lipo
In addition to traditional liposuction, there are a number of alternative fat removal or fat reduction procedures that you may want to consider.
- CoolSculpting®
- Emsculpt Neo®
- Lipo 360
- Mommy makeover
- ThermaLipo
- Tummy tuck
- Other non-invasive fat removal procedures
Discussing your aesthetic goals, budget and downtime expectations with your doctor can help to highlight which treatment options will be best for you to consider.
Is Laser Lipo Right for You?
Stubborn pockets of fat that have been resistant to diet and exercise can not only impact your appearance, confidence and how your clothes fit, but your motivation as well. If you’re ready to try an alternative approach, you may wish to consider laser lipo for a minimally invasive way to permanently remove those fat cells with limited downtime for recovery and added skin tightening benefits to reduce the possibility of loose skin.
Financing Laser Lipo With the CareCredit Credit Card
When getting laser lipo or another cosmetic procedure, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a doctor or cosmetic specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your CareCredit account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.
In addition to cosmetic procedures, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, pet care, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?
Author Bio
Kate Bayless is a health and wellness freelance writer with 15 years of experience. Her work has appeared in Parents, Women’s Health, Beachbody and OpenFit.
Related Tags
Want to share this on social media?
ARTICLE
Posted August 26, 2024
How Much Does Liposuction Cost? Price and Procedure Guide
The cost of liposuction varies based on the type of procedure, but ranges from $3,000-$8,000 on average. Learn more about how the procedure works and what you can expect to pay.
Read more
ARTICLE
Posted September 26, 2025
Lipo 360 Cost and Procedure Guide
The average cost of a Lipo 360 in the U.S. ranges from $6,380 to $14,660, with an average cost of $8,051. Learn more about how the procedure works, whether you may be a candidate and what you may expect to pay.
Read more
ARTICLE
Posted January 30, 2025
Tummy Tuck Cost and Procedure Guide
The average cost for a tummy tuck in the U.S. can range from $1,400 to $24,000 depending on the specific procedure. Learn more about different types of tummy tucks, how they work and what you should expect to pay.
Read more
*Actual cost may vary based on geography, provider and other variables. Cost information is based on research in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, which was conducted by ASQ360° in 2025 on behalf of Synchrony’s CareCredit.
**Subject to credit approval.
The information, opinions and recommendations expressed in the article are for informational purposes only. Information has been obtained from sources generally believed to be reliable. However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, or any other, Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, (collectively, “Synchrony”) does not provide any warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or completeness of any information for its intended purpose or any results obtained from the use of such information. The data presented in the article was current as of the time of writing. Please consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented.
All product, service and company names are the trademarks of their original owners. The use of any trade name or trademark is for identification and reference only and does not imply any endorsement, sponsorship or affiliation by or with the trademark holder of their brand.
© 2025 Synchrony Bank.
Sources:
1 “2024 ASPS procedural statistics release,” American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed October 15, 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/news/statistics/2024/plastic-surgery-statistics-report-2024.pdf
2 “How smart laser lipo can help you achieve your dream body without surgery,” Beverly Hills Aesthetics. April 11, 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.bhaesthetics.com/blog/how-smart-laser-lipo-can-help-you-achieve-your-dream-body-without-surgery/
3 “Laser liposuction,” Leif Rogers, MD. Accessed October 15, 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.leifrogersmd.com/body/laser-liposuction
4 “Laser lipo treatment: How it works and what to expect,” Dr. Jeneby. Accessed October 15, 2025. Retrieved from: https://drjenebyplasticsurgery.com/how-does-laser-lipo-treatment-work/
5 “LipoLite — laser liposuction,” Liposuction. Accessed October 15, 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.liposuction.com/lipolite.html
6 “ProLipo PLUS — laser-assisted liposuction,” Liposuction. Accessed October 15, 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.liposuction.com/prolipo-plus.html
7 Chia, Christopher T. “How effective is love handles liposuction?” Park Avenue Smart Lipo. October 30, 2024. Retrieved from: https://www.parkavenuesmartlipo.com/blog/how-effective-is-love-handles-liposuction/
8 2025 Synchrony Average Procedural Cost Study for Cosmetic Practices Across the United States, conducted by ASQ360° Market Research, Cost Tables.
9 “How much does liposuction cost?” American Society of Plastic Surgery. Accessed October 15, 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/liposuction/cost
10 “What should I expect during a consultation for nonsurgical fat reduction?” American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed October 15, 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/nonsurgical-fat-reduction/consultation
11 “Understanding the risks: Can laser lipo damage your organs?” Dr. Jeneby. Accessed October 15, 2025. Retrieved from: https://drjenebyplasticsurgery.com/can-laser-lipo-damage-organs/
