New Procedure 'Slim Lipo' Melts Away Fat

MINNEAPOLIS (CBS) -- Summer is the time of year many people are conscious about having a few extra pounds. Now a medical procedure that can help you melt away the fat.

One woman had always been in good shape, but after giving birth to twins she couldn't get rid of her tummy.

"It made me uncomfortable and very self-conscious and very frustrating for someone who runs and is otherwise very healthy and health conscious," said Jessica DiPalo.

So last October, she decided to try a new procedure called "Slim Lipo." Doctors have said it's a laser procedure that can melt away unwanted fat.

The laser uses dual wavelength energy to break down fat cells. Doctors then suction out the melted fat. Because it's minimally invasive, patients are awake during the procedure, the recovery is less painful and the results can be better than regular liposuction.

"We're able to stand the patient up, we're able to turn them and that really helps us to get the result we want," said Dr. Mitchell Chasen with the Reflections Center for Skin and Body.

DiPalo said she saw immediate results.

"I actually got up during the procedure and could see already when I looked down that so much of it was gone," she said.

But the procedure isn't cheap. In fact, it can cost up to $6,000. It can also burn the skin and cause some bruising. Doctors said it isn't for people who are very overweight.

DiPalo said it was the best option for her as she likes to wear a two-piece bikini during the summer time, and now she's much more comfortable doing that. And "Slim Lipo" gave her back the body she had before she had kids.

The Slim Lipo device has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.