30 Mar
Laser assisted liposuction combined with radiofrequency: benefits, indications and results
A common fear among those considering liposuction to remove localized fat is: If I remove these fat deposits, will my skin sag? Especially if I already have loose skin or a predisposition to it. There is an alternative to this risk…combining laser assisted liposuction with radiofrequency. Is it effective? Let me explain.
Can laser assisted liposuction be combined with radiofrequency?
Targeting localized fat and sagging skin at the same time
Quick answer to the question: of course.
In fact, we almost always combine lipolaser and radiofrequency (RF).And I’m not talking about radiofrequency-assisted lipolysis, a technology that is applied during liposuction. I’m referring to the two techniques used separately: first laser assisted liposuction then RF.
Why is this combination effective?
Suppose that you order a tailored suit. The most common outcome after choosing fabrics and designs is that they take you to the next step,to run tests to adjust it. Once it’s perfect, they add [something] before giving it to you.Little details. They finish it off and iron it. The icing on the cake.
Let’s say this is the same thing.
Laser assisted liposucton. It would be like tailoring and altering a suit to fit like a glove. Minimally invasive Body surgery. We safely and precisely remove that stubborn fat deposit while simultaneously firming the skin.
Radiofrequency would be that final touch given to the garment. It produces a warming in the dermis that contracts the collagen fibers (they get tightened), induces collagen synthesis (as does the laser energy ) and helps to destroy fat cells.
Performing both procedures involves a synergy hat:
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- Enhances firmness and smoothness. Both promote tissue stretching, thus preventing residual post-surgical sagging.
- It further defines the silhouette and contours. If you’re looking to define your abs, arms, curves, and achieve a more youthful figure… This combination gives you an extra boost.
- Minimizes the risk of skin irregularities, like waves, bumps, or depressions that may affect results.
- Improves the appearance and quality of the skin. RF therapy helps the skin adapt better after fat deposits are removed, resulting in a more even, smooth, and youthful appearance. It also reduces cellulite, especially when performed on the legs.
And couldn’t that increase sagging?
These techniques share some benefits.
Among them, both attack fat subcutaneously. With the laser-assisted liposuction we melt fat and extract it directly. Radiofrequency promotes its destruction through the thermal effect.
That’s why some people are hesitant… If both procedures will reduce volume and support my skin, won’t that make my skin sag more?
The reality is that is not, because we intervene in a very controlled manner. Specifically, we adjust the RF setting primarily to improve firmness. It doesn’t worsen the result; it improves it considerably.
When is radiofrequency indicated and what are the results?
Indication and areas that can be treated
I return to the example of the tailored suit.
If before giving it to you, they can finalize details and iron it so that it would be better on the cover, why wouldn’t they do it?
The same applies to radiofrequency. We at Cànons Clinics associate it with almost all laser assisted liposuction patients, who will benefit from this treatment because it provides that final “finish”. To a greater or lesser extent, it helps improve skin quality, firm the skin, and prevent irregularities.
Especially in these cases:
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- Stubborn fat and mild-moderate sagging that does not disappear anyway. Due to genetics, age, hormones, or other factors beyond lifestyle control.
- Significant weight loss. When you lose a lot of weight, the skin can become loose. These techniques allow us to finish reshaping your figure and correct that sagging if it’s not too severe, or prevent it.
- After one or more pregnancies. Mothers who return to their normal weight, but who have been left with more or less fat tissue and laxity after childbirth. These two can be good examples for treatments to eliminate abdominal fat and regain firmness.
- Men and women aged 40-50 and over with skin that is already more damaged or aged. Laser assisted liposuction alone gives good results, but with RF we achieve greater smoothness and a noticeable rejuvenating effect.
- People seeking maximum body definition. For example, fitness athletes or bodybuilders who want to get as defined as possible.
Which areas can be treated?
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- Abdomen to reduce volume and achieve a flat stomach.
- Flanks, waist and saddlebags for a slimmer silhouette.
- Buttocks and thighs for a smoother, more toned lower body. Radiofrequency also improves cellulite on the legs.
- Chest and back for a more athletic and slimmer torso.
- Arms to reshape them and prevent the skin from sagging.
- Submental fat and correction the double chin and redefine the facial oval shape.
When is radiofrequency done after laser liposuction?
The procedure consists of 2 phases.
First, laser lipolysis, surgery very simple for the patient. At Cànons Clinics we perform it in our outpatient operating room. Is Just like the one at the hospital, but much calmer. Less stressful.
The postoperative period is very tolerable.
There may be minor bruising, swelling, muscle soreness, and fatigue, but with proper care, it’s manageable. It’s better than traditional liposuction because the laser facilitates fat removal and reduces bleeding. It’s a less invasive procedure.
You need to wear a compression garment for about a month to allow the tissues to heal and settle properly. But within 24-48 hours, with minimal exercise, you can resume any activity.
Then we applied radiofrequency, 4-6 sessions from the 4th week. It’s non-invasive and painless. You only feel a slight warmth. And the equipment we have EndyMed 3DEEP is very powerful but super gentle on the skin. It doesn’t interrupt your routine at all.
Are there any contraindications or risks?
Very occasionally, but there are some contraindications:
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- The usual ones, ative skin infections, certain pathologies, unrealistic expectations…
- Overweight and obesity.Laser assisted liposuction and radiofrequency treatments are not suitable as weight loss methods. They are not.
- If you have a very high degree of sagging, you might need another procedure to remove that excess tissue and reposition it. Or, for example, if you’ve had a pregnancy and have diastasis recti, you might need an abdominoplasty.
We assess all of this during the consultation (Schedule an appointment and we’ll take a look).
On the other hand, both techniques are very safe. Poor execution, excessive intensity, an inadequate protocol… these can indeed pose a danger. But in the hands of qualified medical professionals, the risks are minimal.
Results: When will they be seen? A real case
The effects are progressive.
After laser lipolysis, the treated area gradually recovers and the skin adapts to the new shape. The incisions we make are tiny, so the scars end up becoming almost invisible.
Radiofrequency treatment works by triggering a healing response. There is some immediate improvement due to the contraction of collagen fibers, but further progress is seen over the following days as new collagen is synthesized.
You will get final results from the third month onwards. You have to be patient, but it’s well worth it.
This patient we had at our clinic is a perfect example.
Middle-aged man. He wanted to eliminate fat deposits in his abdomen and flanks.causedA rounded contour and loss of definition. We apply RF starting from the 1st month post-liposuction to improve skin retraction.
Before and after:
A general reduction in abdominal volume
is observed without signs of residual loose skin.
What else can be done to improve the results?
We’re talking about fat and sagging skin.
Both depend heavily on lifestyle. It depends on your diet, the amount and type of exercise you do, your rest, and your emotional management. It also depends on whether you smoke, drink, overexpose yourself to the sun without protection, etc.
The better you take care of yourself, the better the results of laser assisted lipolysis and radiofrequency will be. And the longer they will last. We insist a lot and this is what we offer our patients. That’s why at Cànons Clinics we offer nutritional counseling, habits and oral supplements.
Then, depending on the case, we use different techniques. Concept of 360 approach. treat the contours globally.
For example, for the abdomen, thighs, and inner arms, we usually do:
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- Lases assisted liposuction plus Argo Plasma in the same intervention to reaffirm and define further.
- Lymphatic drainage.The first month to reduce postoperative inflammation. They help minimize discomfort and speed up recovery.
- Radiofrequency, from the second month to further enhance smoothness and improve skin texture.
- Selective muscle electrostimulation on the third month is for toning. For example, the abdominal muscles become tighter and more toned.
Check out our website definetusilueta.es. If you want more information about these treatments and to see results.
In the next patient we performed all 4 steps:
Just three months later, the stomach
already looks flatter, smoother, and more defined. The skin is free of irregularities.
Are laser assisted liposuction and radiofrequency the best options for you?
There are dozens of possibilities.
If you have localized fat in any part of your body and think that a radiofrequency lipolaser could help you,come to the clinic. These are procedures we perform frequently, but in the end each person is a world.
What does that storage unit look like and where is it located?
The accumulations vary greatly depending on whether you are male or female.
And what is your skin quality and degree of sagging? What is the condition of your muscles? What habits and expectations do you have?
I need to see you in the consultation to tell you what would be best for you.
We are in Barcelona and Granollers. You can request information or book your appointment by calling 683 27 07 09 or, if you prefer, you can write to us on WhatsApp at that number or fill out the form that we link to you in the following button.
I’d be happy to help you.
References
If you’d like to investigate further…
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- Manzano-Finol A et al. Laser-Assisted Lipolysis: A Promising Alternative to Traditional Liposuction. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2025 Oct;49(19):5522-5531. Source.
- Theodorou SJV, Chia CT, Dayan E. Laser-assisted liposuction. In: Emerging Technologies in Face and Body Contouring. Avance Plastic Surgery Institute; 2022. p. 357–368. Source.
- Araújo AR et al. Radiofrequency for the treatment of skin laxity: myth or truth. An Bras Dermatol. 2015 Sep-Oct;90(5):707-21. Source.
- Harth Y. Painless, safe, and efficacious noninvasive skin tightening, body contouring, and cellulite reduction using multisource 3DEEP radiofrequency. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015; 14(1):70-5. Source.
- American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. Non-surgical skin tightening [Internet]. ABCS; 2024 [cited 18 mar 2026]. Source.
Dr. Víctor Hernàndez Machado.
Medical Director of Cànons Clinics
Plastic surgeon specializing in facial surgery and body contouring, with experience in the private sector since 2001. I advocate for honest aesthetic surgery and medicine in which results improve, not change.
Registered doctor in Barcelona number 30493, member of the SECPRE and general secretary of the Spanish Society of Surgical Medical Lasers (SELMQ).



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