Smarlipo Description & Benefits

SmartLipo is a laser-assisted liposuction technology that melts and liquefies the at withint the fat cells.  Although traditional tumescent liposuction is still an effective procedure for the removal of large fat deposits, one of the disadvantages of this procedure is its tendency to leave behind unattractive, loose skin. This is where Smartlipo enters the playing field by smoothing and tightening the skin to decrease the loose skin that is experienced following tumescent liposuction.  It is also one of the reasons Smartlipo rapidly becoming the gold standard for the removal of unwanted body fat. In some cases, Smartlipo, also known as laser lipolysis, is being used as a viable substitute for tumescent liposuction. In other cases, where larger amounts of body fat are involved, Smartlipo is being effectively employed as a complement to traditional liposuction by helping surgeons tighten the loose skin left behind from a tumescent liposuction procedure.

Typically, areas treated effectively through Smart Lipo technology include the chin and neck areas, inner and outer thighs, knees, abdomen, upper arms, hips, “bra fat”, “love handles“, and male breasts.

Smartlipo uses a low-pain, highly efficient process instead of the bulky tubes and uncomfortable office visits required of traditional liposuction. SmartLipo utilizes smaller instruments and specialized technology to zap fat cells for contouring and reshaping areas.

Smartlipo Procedure Steps

Board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Alan Kisner, explains how Smart Lipo works:

“Normally the patient is injected with a local anesthesia before the lipolysis procedure. Treatment begins when the surgeon inserts a micro-cannula (tiny tube) about the size of a thick syringe needle into the skin. The tiny incision made for the entrance of the cannula is so small that no stitches are required after the procedure.“

“A three hundred to six hundred micron optical fiber is placed within this micro-cannula, which is approximately 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm in diameter. This optical fiber extends two mm beyond the cannula. Because the aiming beam is very bright, it is visible through the skin, enabling the surgeon to see exactly where he is working. The laser causes small blood vessels to coagulate immediately, keeping bleeding, swelling and bruising normally associated with traditional fat removal techniques to a minimum.“

“As the surgeon moves this cannula in a slow, fan-like motion through various depths of fat tissue, the optic fiber delivers laser energy in short pulses, which heat the targeted fat cells in the top layers of the patient’s skin. These fat cells rupture and liquefy. The resultant oily liquid substance is then removed with another micro-cannula.“

Of particular significance with any fat melting technique lies a concern for what happens to that fat as it is melted within the body. With Smartlipo, research has shown that little if any fat is reabsorbed into the body.

Further benefits of Smartlipo include both its potential for stimulating the formation of new collagen and for its reduction of cellulite.

During treatment, controlled wounding results in stimulation of new cells under the patient’s skin, which is thought to produce new collagen. Furthermore, the thermal energy within the dermis causes shrinkage of the fat cells residing between the collagen fibers (the bands that keep our skin tight and in place). When fat cells are removed from between these bands, it may result in reduction of cellulite.

Smartlipo Recovery

The recovery period after a Smartlipo procedure is brief and relatively painless. Patients are typically sent home within one hour after the completion of the procedure with compression bandages to prevent affected tissues from shifting. In some cases, surgeons recommend that the patient wear a compression garment for a short period of time during recovery. Minor bruising and numbness occur after the procedure, but disappear within days after leaving the recovery room. Swelling is normally observable for the first week and gradually tapers off thereafter. Normally one is able to return to work within two to three days and is able to resume exercise and full activities after two weeks. Results become visible within one week, with continued improvement noted over a three to six month period.

Smartlipo Costs

Smartlipo costs will vary from $2000-$6000 per treatment depending upon the surgeon performing the procedure, the surgeon’s experience and location as well as the size of the areas to be treated. Although costs for Smartlipo tend to be a slightly higher than those of other modern liposuction techniques, other factors likely to reduce the overall cost need to be considered, including lower anesthesia and recovery charges. Another factor worth considering is the shortened recovery time following Smartlipo due to minimal tissue trauma, which spells less time lost from work.