How does the Smartlipo procedure work?
A very small cannula, or tube, containing a laser fiber is inserted into the skin. The cannula is moved back and forth delivering the laser’s energy to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and easily drain away. The laser’s energy also interacts with the dermis, resulting in tighter skin. Due to the cannula’s small size, Smartlipo is a minimally invasive procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia. The laser causes small blood vessels to coagulate immediately on contact, resulting in less bleeding, swelling and bruising-and a quicker recovery time than conventional liposuction. Because general anesthesia is unnecessary, the procedure is very safe with only minimal side effects. The Smartlipo device was FDA approved in November of 2006, and today is one of the fastest growing, safest procedures in the cosmetic surgery field.
Who is a good candidate for the Smartlipo procedure?
If you have areas of fat that will not respond to diet and exercise, then you’re a candidate for Smartlipo. Ideal candidates are in good health, of normal body weight, and have realistic expectations. At your consultation, the doctor will assess whether you are a good candidate with respect to your medical health, and will clarify what Smartlipo can do for you.
What body regions can be treated with Smartlipo?
Smartlipo is ideal for treating areas of the neck, arms, knees, back, bra strap, abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs and areas of loose skin.
How many treatments will I need?
For most patients, typically only one treatment is needed. The session may last from 1-3 hours per area treated.
Does Smartlipo treat cellulite?
Smartlipo will improve the body’s shape and may improve cellulite to a certain degree; it will also tighten sagging skin.
What are the main advantages of Smartlipo?
We have chosen Smartlipo after studying the pros and cons of various methods of liposuction. Here are some key advantages of the Smartlipo procedure:
- Smooth, body-contouring results
- Short recovery time
- Minimal discomfort
- Safer than traditional liposuction
- Tightens the skin around the area treated
- More affordable than traditional liposuction
- Permanent results
- Les traumatic to body and inconspicuous incision sites
- Benefit from both fat reduction and skin tightening
Do I have to do anything post-treatment?
After the treatment you will have minimal pain or bruising, and 2-3 days is recommended for recovery. In order to allow the treated area to heal properly, we recommend no heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for 2 weeks post-op. You will need to be seen for post-operative follow-ups at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months.
Can Smartlipo work on areas that traditional liposuction can’t?
Yes. Since the doctor knows exactly where the laser is at all times it makes the procedure very precise. Because of this, it is very effective on areas of the body that can’t be treated with traditional liposuction.
What kind of Downtime is there with Smartlipo?
Smartlipo recovery time is fast and relatively painless. It used to take several weeks and even months, with limited mobility to recover from traditional liposuction. Typically, Smartlipo patients can return to work within 2-3 days after their Smartlipo procedure. After your procedure is finished, you are escorted to a recovery room where the local anesthesia starts wearing off. With Smartlipo you avoid the nauseating, disorienting recovery most patients have with general anesthesia. Patients are generally sent home within an hour of their procedure.
You are given specific instructions on how to care for yourself after your surgery and what to expect during your recovery period. Bruising and swelling can be expected and may cause some discomfort. Pain medication and homeopathic supplements are given to help minimize pain, swelling, and the minor bruising that occurs. A compression garment, or bandage, is also used after your procedure and is a key part of your recovery. The garment is worn for at least 2-3 weeks to keep swelling down, prevent blood clots and encourage healing by preventing the shifting of bodily tissues. Infection is always a possibility with any surgery- it is important to continue proper wound care on your incision sites and to follow up with your doctor as advised. Professional monitoring improves your chances of smooth, healthy, scar-free results.
When can I expect to see results?
Results can be seen immediately with continued improvement over the next 6 months. Immediately after the procedure you will be visibly smaller in size, however swelling will occur. The majority of swelling subsides after one month, and completely subsides after six months. You can expect to see the skin return to normal within three months. As with traditional liposuction, it is necessary to be patient. The full Smartlipo result can sometimes take up to a year to be visible. When a large amount of fat is removed from the body it requires more time to heal. Your body has to adapt to a large shape change before you can achieve maximum results.
Does Smartlipo produce lasting results?
Yes! Adults do not create new fat cells. When a person gains weight, the fat cells expand. Smartlipo permanently destroys the fat cells. Should you gain weight, fat will be deposited in areas that were not treated (i.e. thighs, arms, breasts, etc.).