Procedure Basics
What to Expect with Smartlipo™
Smartlipo is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that is performed under local anesthesia in our Shrewsbury office. In general, it takes approximately one hour per treatment area and you will be able to leave our office immediately following your procedure and resume your normal routine.*
Most patients see results in the shape and contour of the body with a continued improvement for skin tightening in the weeks following the procedure.* Downtime with Smartlipo is very minimal and most patients return to work in about three to four days.*
How does Smartlipo™ Work?
For the Smartlipo procedure, our cosmetic doctors will make a small incision (1mm to 2mm) in the area to be treated. A very small cannula (tube) containing a laser fiber is gently inserted into the skin. The cannula is gently moved back and forth to deliver laser energy directly to fat cells.
The resulting melted fat is then gently suctioned out of the body. The heat emitted from the laser coagulates the underlying blood vessels – resulting in less bleeding, swelling, bruising, and a faster recovery time for the patient. Surrounding tissues are also tightened as part of the thermal heating and coagulation process.
*Disclaimer: results may vary person to person
FAQs
What is the difference between Smartlipo and traditional liposuction?
Smartlipo is a laser-assisted lipolysis that heats and melts fat cells so that they can be more easily suctioned from the body. Smartlipo allows for improved results with decreased recovery and side effects. By comparison, traditional liposuction uses a high powered vacuum and force to break up and remove fat cells. This tends to result in more bruising, swelling and longer recovery times.
Is Smartlipo right for me?
Smartlipo is ideal for men and women who have areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. Patients should be within 25lbs of their ideal weight. With any cosmetic procedure, it is important to have realistic expectations.
Is Smartlipo safe?
Yes. Smartlipo was FDA approved in November 2006. Compared to traditional liposuction, Smartlipo is safer because the procedure is performed under local anesthesia and there is less bleeding and swelling during the procedure.
What areas of the body can be treated?
Smartlipo is ideal for the abdomen, hips, thighs, knees, back, mons pubis, face, neck and areas of loose/flabby skin.
How many treatments will I need?
For most patients one treatment per body area taking 45 minutes to one hour per area is all that is needed.*
Can cellulite be treated with Smartlipo?
It may improve cellulite to a certain degree. Smartlipo not only improves the shape of the body but it will also tighten sagging skin.* We combine Smartlipo with a unique FDA approved technique to enhance the results.
What about the results?
Results can be seen immediately with continued improvement over a 3 to 6 month period of time.* Smartlipo removes fat cells. Your body has a finite number of fat cells. When you gain weight those fat cells expand. You do not produce more fat cells. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen following treatment will ensure that the results will be long lasting.
*Disclaimer: results may vary person to person
