SmartLipo

Do you have stubborn pockets of unwanted fat in your abdomen, flanks, or thighs that have not gone away with diet and exercise? One of the ways to get rid of them is with traditional liposuction. This is a surgical procedure that is performed to remove fat from localized areas. SmartLipo is a new-age alternative to traditional liposuction. It is a type of laser assisted liposuction that can be done with local anesthesia. Continue reading to learn more about laser liposuction and how it can help you get rid of excess fat.

What is SmartLipo?

SmartLipo is cosmetic fat removal procedure that can effectively address stubborn pockets of fat in various parts of the body. During the treatment, laser energy is used to liquefy and loosen fat cells so that they can be removed quickly, easily, and efficiently. The treatment also addresses skin laxity and gives you a more defined, tighter, smoother appearance in the target area.

How is it performed?

During the SmartLipo procedure, your doctor will make a very small incision in the area being treated. A very thin tube called a cannula is inserted through this incision. A special probe that emits laser energy is then placed into the treatment area. The laser energy melts the fatty deposits and makes it easier for your doctor to remove them.

In other words, the SmartLipo procedure is a type of lipo surgery. But unlike traditional liposuction, it uses a laser probe to melt the fat. Some doctors use laser before the fat removal while others use it afterward to perform fine-tuning or sculpting of the area.

Where can SmartLipo be used?

Common areas of treatment include the abdomen (muffin top), flanks (love handles), upper back (bra rolls), lower back, inner and outer thighs (saddle bags), hips, buttocks, knees, chin, and neck. Your cosmetic provider will discuss your concerns at the time of your initial consultation and offer you a SmartLipo treatment plan to best address them.

Does SmartLipo really work?

SmartLipo is an FDA-approved cosmetic treatment that allows excess fat to be safely and effectively removed from stubborn areas. It is a laser assisted liposuction in which the fat removed is first liquefied with laser energy. The laser melts the fat and makes it easier to remove. As a result, there is less trauma to the surrounding tissues and recovery is faster. This makes laser liposuction an easier procedure to undergo while also offering natural looking results with a faster recovery process. As noted above, SmartLipo also results in skin tightening by promoting collagen production. So, yes, SmartLipo is a comfortable, effective, and safe way for fat removal.

How many SmartLipo sessions do you need?

Some patients see results after 2-3 sessions. However, most patients require 6-8 SmartLipo treatments for optimal results and defined body contours.

What is it like to get SmartLipo?

Consultation

During your consultation, your aesthetic provider will discuss the various liposuction options with you. You will be presented with the pros and cons of SmartLipo vs traditional liposuction. The doctor will take pictures of the target area for comparison purposes before and after the procedure. At this time, you should inform the doctor about your health conditions and medications. Some medicines, such as blood thinning medications need to be stopped in preparation for the SmartLipo procedure as they can result in excess bleeding.

Procedure

SmartLipo is done with local anesthesia. At the start of the procedure, you will lay comfortably on the operating table. The skin in the treatment area will be cleaned. Next, the doctor will inject a tumescent fluid into the area. This tumescent fluid contains local anesthetic (numbing medicine) as well as other ingredients that narrow the blood vessels in the area and make it easier to break down the fat cells.

Laser assisted lipolysis

The laser device is then inserted into the skin through a tiny incision. As noted, the laser causes the loose skin to become tighter along with the fat removal, so it is like having two procedures in one. You get better definition and smoother skin in the treated area after the procedure as well as more appealing body contour.

Following the insertion of the laser probe, the actual process of removing the fat begins. As noted, SmartLipo is a type of laser assisted lipolysis. The heat from the laser energy causes the fat cells to liquefy and break down. They are then suctioned out through a narrow hollow tube called a cannula. How much fat is removed depends on the area being treated and your aesthetic goals.

The SmartLipo recovery process

The recovery process from this minimally invasive procedure is much easier and faster than a surgical procedure.

The most common side effects of the SmartLipo cosmetic procedure are swelling, bruising, and discomfort. You will need to wear compression garments in the treatment area for at least two weeks to keep the swelling at the incision sites down. Most of the swelling subsides in about two to four weeks although some swelling can persist for up to six weeks. Wearing the compression garment can help minimize the swelling.

You should plan to eat light meals and avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks. You can return to most normal activities after a day or two except strenuous exercise.

What to expect immediately after SmartLipo?

You will notice immediate improvement in the area after your SmartLipo treatment. The results will continue to improve over the next couple of weeks as the swelling goes down. The final results of your SmartLipo procedure will be evident 3-6 months later once your body settles into its new form.

It is worth remembering that SmartLipo is not a method for losing weight. It is not a weight loss procedure. Rather, it is a body contouring treatment. Plastic surgeons offer it to people who are in good health and are at or near their ideal weight. You are a good candidate for SmartLipo if you lead a healthy lifestyle and would like fat removal and skin tightening in trouble spots.

Pros and cons of SmartLipo

The key advantages of Smart Liposuction are that it is safer, more comfortable, and less traumatizing than traditional lipo, resulting in a shorter recovery period. A SmartLipo procedure can be done under local anesthesia, so there are no associated risks of general anesthesia. It is a minimally invasive procedure so there are no large scars and the risk of bleeding and infection is low. What's more, the laser energy also results in skin tightening by promoting the formation of collagen in the treatment area.

Is SmartLipo permanent? How long do the results last?

You should have realistic expectations from the treatment. Be sure to attend all follow up appointments as advised. The results of your SmartLipo procedure are permanent as long as you maintain a stable weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Wearing the compression garment along with loose clothing in the weeks following surgery can help reduce swelling at the incision sites and optimize your results as well as make recovery quicker.

How is SmartLipo different from traditional liposuction?

Liposuction SmartLipo is a more efficient way of removing unwanted fat. This is because in laser assisted lipolysis the fat cells are broken down by the heat of the laser, which makes it easier to remove them. In short, SmartLipo is a more advanced form of liposuction. As noted above, it can be performed under local anesthesia as opposed to general anesthesia for traditional lipo. The risk of complications is lower with SmartLipo. There is less bruising and swelling. The recovery period is shorter. If you have the procedure done on Friday, you can be back at work on Monday. Also, the results are more immediately visible after laser liposuction compared to traditional liposuction.

Is SmartLipo better than CoolSculpting?

Both SmartLipo and CoolSculpting are highly effective treatments for removing unwanted fat from problem areas. However, a key advantage of SmartLipo is that more fat can be removed compared to CoolSculpting. This may be an important consideration if you are having a part of the body treated where there is a large amount of extra fat.

How do I know if SmartLipo is right for me?

If you have not been able to achieve the body you want with diet and exercise, liposuction SmartLipo can help you get further. It is a safe and effective minimally invasive procedure that also results in skin tightening, giving you a more sculpted appearance and definition in areas such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, and arms. The final decision about whether SmartLipo is right for you will rest with your cosmetic surgeon.

The MeTime app makes it easy to find and connect with leading aesthetic providers in your hometown. You can chat with experts, send pictures, schedule a video consult, and have suggestions sent directly to you. Find out more about SmartLipo laser assisted liposuction - download the MeTime app today!