How does Smartlipo work differently from traditional liposuction?
A paperclip-thin fiberoptic probe, 1mm in diameter, is inserted beneath the skin which delivers laser wavelengths. The probe is gently moved back and forth over the outlined area delivering the laser’s heat energy to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and turn into a liquid. The liquid can then be suctioned out or allowed to be absorbed naturally.The heat from the laser energy also helps the overlying skin to shrink and contract.
Smartlipo, while often called minimally invasive, still requires the insertion of probes and suction cannulas under the skin. Small to moderate fat areas can be performed under local anesthesia or light sedation. Larger treated areas, particularly when done with other plastic surgery procedures requires general anesthesia. The real benefit to the use of the laser is that it removes fat with less trauma to the tissues, causing small blood vessels and lymphatics to be coagulated immediately on contact. This results in less bruising, swelling, and pain than after traditional liposuction.
Am I a good candidate for Smartlipo?
Like any form of liposuction, anyone that has areas of fat that has not responded to diet and exercise can be treated. The most ideal candidates are those who have areas of fat that they have always wanted to remove but have not due to fear of anesthesia or a significant recovery time. Smartlipo is perfect for removing small areas of fat on the neck, arms, chest, stomach, waistline, flanks, hips, thighs, and knees. In addition, fat areas that have mildly loose skin or cellulite may be treated with Smartlipo due to its skin tightening effect.
How long do Smartlipo treatments take to do?
That will depend on how many areas and the size of the areas to be treated. Small areas, such as the neck or knees, can be done in an hour or less. Larger areas, such as the stomach, flanks, or thighs, will take several hours to complete.
What can I expect after a Smartlipo procedure?
After the procedure, the treated area will be wrapped or a garment applied for compression. This should be worn for about a week after the procedure. Some swelling and bruising is to be expected for the first few days or week after the procedure. You can shower the next day (take off the compression garment and reapply after) and resume any activity that does not make you feel too uncomfortable. There is nothing that you can disrupt, tear, or shift after a liposuction procedure.
How soon will I see the results from my Smartlipo procedure?
Many can see results as soon as the next day when the wraps are removed. Because of some swelling and mild bruising, the full results will take longer to appear. Most see good improvement within a few weeks but minor amounts of swelling continue to go down over months with even better contouring of the treated area appearing.
How long do the results from Smartlipo last?
Results from any liposuction procedure are dependent on the stability of one’s weight. If you gain significant weight after the procedure (greater than 10 lbs), fat will accumulate somewhere on your body. For some, it will go back from where it was removed. For others, it will go to completely different body areas. This is no way to predict in anyone where excess fat will appear after a liposuction procedure.
Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana