Smart Liposuction

What is Smart Liposuction?

Smart Liposuction was a major innovation in office based liposuction procedures.

A tiny spaghetti thin laser fiberoptic cable is inserted via tiny skin puncture into the targeted fat. The laser energy causes thermal damage to the fat cells, which can either be left for the body to absorb or gently suctioned out. The heat from the laser also helps induce skin collagen formation, hence skin tightening. This procedure is best for small areas or where extra skin tightening is sought. We use it often in conjunction with Vaser Liposuction when indicated.*

Liposuction is one of the most frequently-performed cosmetic procedures in the U.S. Once an individual makes the decision to have excess fat treated for one or more “trouble spots” on their body through liposuction, we suggest that they visit us at The Dermatology Laser and Vein Center for an evaluation. During this initial assessment, our experienced team of specialists will determine what the best, most effective mode of treatment will be for that patient.*

From traditional liposuction to Vaser liposuction to laser lipo, there are a fairly wide range of liposuction and fat reduction methods from which cosmetic surgeons can choose. Although these techniques all have their advantages in certain situations, liposuction using laser technology has become increasingly popular over the years and has streamlined liposuction procedures on a number of levels.*

The Advantages of Laser Lipo

Until the arrival of laser technology, the healing process after a traditional liposuction procedure took longer, and smaller, more delicate areas of the body such as the face and neck were very difficult, if not impossible, to address. Though there are a variety of approaches to lipolaser procedures, generally, these are used mainly on “targeted” areas of the body where increased precision is required.*

A lipo laser system is often used in conjunction with a traditional liposuction procedure. In cases such as these, doctors will use the traditional method to address fat treatment from a larger area of the body, and laser lipo to address areas that cannot or should not be treated using traditional lipo.*

A traditional liposuction procedure requires a degree of force and agitation in order to loosen and break up fat cells in a particular area of the body. This is done using a small tube called a “cannula,” which can also be used to suction the fat from the body. Because of the more forceful nature of traditional liposuction, surrounding tissue and nerves are subjected to a degree of trauma, which results in some soreness and possible bruising for the patient and will inevitably make for longer recovery periods.*

Laser liposuction is much gentler than traditional liposuction for a number of reasons. Not only are lipolaser tools much smaller and therefore much less intrusive than those used in traditional lipo procedures, the incisions into which the tools are inserted are also very tiny.*

In a laser liposuction procedure, after the doctor makes incisions into a particular area of a patient’s body, they will insert a small laser apparatus into that area which should treat targeted fat cells. The liquefied fat should then drain from the body through the incisions, or is extracted from the body through gentle suction.*

A local anesthetic will almost always be used in a lipolaser procedure, and these are just about always performed on an outpatient basis. Recovery times depend on the extent of the procedure, but usually, due to the limited size of the area targeted for laser lipo, the patient should be capable of resuming normal activities almost immediately. This quick recovery time is in distinct contrast with traditional liposuction, where recovery periods can often last several months or longer.*

The Smart Liposuction Factor

Laser lipo and Smart Lipo are terms that are often used interchangeably, and they are indeed closely-knit members of the same family. But like any family, each member has characteristics of their own, and for a lipolaser procedure there are a number of different brands and designs that each have their own unique capabilities.*

Like most lipo laser procedures, the SmartLipo technique consists of inserting a tiny cannula with a fiber-optic laser running through it into the targeted area. The heat from the laser should melt down the fat cells in that area, and then the fat is either suctioned out of the body or absorbed into the body, depending on the extent of the procedure.*

SmartLipo works very well on small pockets of fat or in sensitive areas where traditional liposuction or a more involved procedure is not practical. For example, due to its minimally invasive nature and the fact that no stitches are used to close incision points, SmartLipo is frequently used around the face and neck areas. Scarring is usually minute after a Smart Liposuction procedure, and because the heat from the laser treatment stimulates collagen production, the skin in the vicinity of the treatment will become more firm.*

Smart Lipo is ideal for individuals who desire to re-shape or achieve a more natural contour in a particular area that contains a relatively small amount of excess fat. And what makes Smart Liposuction even more effective in situations like these is its thermal flexibility. Depending on a patient’s fat content and the condition of that patient’s skin, a SmartLipo system can be adjusted to various heat levels in order to optimize the results of their treatment. This capability can be very beneficial to patients who require some tightening and toning of loose skin.*

Different wattages are available within Smart Lipo systems, each having its own advantage in the treatment of various skin and body fat issues. For instance, a higher wattage setting will generate more intense laser wavelengths which may be better suited to rejuvenate the skin on a particular patient. Whereas another patient with minimal skin issues may require a lower setting in order to focus exclusively on treating fat from a certain area.*

Consult with the Laser Lipo Experts at The Dermatology Laser and Vein Center

Among all of the fat reduction treatments available, laser lipo—and more specifically, Smart Liposuction—has proven to be just about the most effective mode of treatment. For those who are considering fat reduction and body contouring in order to realize their best possible look, consult with Dr. Shalini Gupta and her expert team at The Dermatology Laser and Vein Center, the most experienced providers of laser and Smart Liposuction surgery in the area. At the time of an initial meeting with a patient at The Dermatology Laser and Vein Center, Dr. Gupta, one of the premier cosmetic dermatology physicians in the region, will advise the patient as to which route would be best for them to take in order to achieve the appearance that they envision.*