Smartlipo in Sarasota

While there’s no magic solution to melt away fat, science has come a very long way with highly advanced procedures. If you’re struggling with stubborn fat on your thighs, buttocks, hips, arms, or stomach that just won’t respond to diet and exercise, Smartlipo™ laser body sculpting can help you get rid of this extra fat by liquefying and removing the fat cells.

woman in black underwear with her hands on her hips

How Smartlipo works

Smartlipo is a type of laser-assisted lipolysis, or liposuction, that was approved by the FDA in 2006. Unlike traditional liposuction, this treatment liquefies fat cells instantly. The laser ruptures fat cells, and the liquid is then removed through a tiny incision. In addition, as the Smartlipo laser cuts through and ruptures fat cells, it also seals the blood vessels, which helps reduce bleeding, as well as bruising and swelling.

woman in grey athletic attire leaning against a beam

Why choose Smartlipo?

This laser body sculpting treatment offers several advantages when compared to traditional liposuction. The procedure is minimally invasive, and the Smartlipo laser results in less trauma to the body and faster healing. Most patients have only minor discomfort after the procedure and are able to return to work in one or two days rather than a week.

What areas can be treated with Smartlipo?

Flanks: Love handles are notoriously difficult to remove, and typically don’t respond to diet and exercise. These fat deposits can be easily removed with laser liposuction.
Abdomen: This is a problem area for men and women. Smartlipo may be used to remove fat above the muscle.
Back: Many women are uncomfortable with stubborn fatty deposits around the bra straps.
Arms: Smartlipo can be used to create slimmer and more toned-looking arms that are proportionate with the body.
Buttocks: Smartlipo can reduce the size and bulk of the backside to produce a more proportional appearance.
Breasts: Women may use this procedure for a mild breast reduction in some cases, while it can also be used to treat mild or moderate cases of gynecomastia (male breasts) in men.
Neck and chin: This procedure can remove excess fat along the jawline and neck, including a double chin.
Inner and outer thighs: Smartlipo can produce a more pleasing contour to the legs.
Knees: Smartlipo for the knees has a very high satisfaction rate with excellent results.
Calves: Many patients turn to Smartlipo to get rid of “cankles” to achieve a pleasing tapering of the calves.

Smartlipo treatment details

The Smartlipo procedure always begins with a consultation. Your medical history will be reviewed to determine if you are a good candidate, and your areas of concern will be evaluated. Prior to the procedure, the area will be numbed with a local anesthetic. A very small incision will then be made (about 1 to 2 millimeters long). A cannula, or thin tube with a laser fiber, will be inserted just under the surface of the skin. This cannula is then moved back and forth through the fat.

As the Smartlipo laser comes into contact with fat, the heat causes cell membranes to swell — much like a bubble — before bursting into oil. If the treatment area is somewhat large, this liquid fat is removed with a suction device. For small areas, the body will absorb the liquid and remove it as waste. Along with destroying fat cells, the procedure triggers the body’s natural production of collagen, which keeps skin strong and firm. This tightens the treatment area, which is something that traditional liposuction cannot do.

Patient Testimonials

It is without saying that Dr. Holcomb's staff is par excellence. You are greeted with respect and professionalism. Personally of utmost importance was to trust my face to a Doct...

I am 2 1/2 weeks post op and could not be happier!! From consultation to post op appointments the staff and Dr. Kreithen have been amazing. Staff is always available to speak to...

I have had an astounding experience with Dr.Kreithen! From the beginning, he was very knowledgeable and informative. Throughout the entire process, they were easily available to...

Dr. Kreithen gave me an arm lift in June. I am so pleased with the results. The surgery went well and was almost pain free. The office staff is wonderful and caring. I highly re...

Dr. Kreithen and everyone on his staff was amazing throughout my entire process. I had a lower body lift and LOVE the results. I did have some minor issues being allergic to med...

Dr. Kreithen had a great bedside manner. He is great at what he does. My BA was beautifully done and his team was awesome.

Dr Kreithen did a fantastic job on my breasts. I am an older woman that had implants from 10 years ago. It was embarrassing for me at my current age to request new ones. I'm so ...

Dr Kreithen spotted something from a prior MRI done in 2017 & 2019. He basically has saved my life. Having had breast implants for 32 years and suffering fibromyalgia for th...

Dr. Holcomb is a gifted surgeon who will make you look your best. I've had 3 procedures and am delighted with all 3. I especially have to commend his staff... Lauren and Leslie ...

Doctor Kreithen and his staff are the absolute BEST. Caring, friendly, efficient, and my surgery outcome is the best. After surgery I had ZERO pain, recovery was easy, follow up...

If I could give a 10 star rating i sure would. I had both Dr Kreithan and Dr Holcolm did procedures on me in march. Dr Kreithen LISTENED TO my husband and me and HEARD us. This ...

They say breast reduction patients are among the happiest of plastic surgery patients. I am very happy with my decision to go with Holcomb Plastic Surgery. I am pleased with the...

My daughter who had her breast done by Dr. Kreithen told me to go to him for the type of surgeries I was wanting to have done. He did a beautiful job with her breast implants. I...

Had BA in 12/2017 and decided on Dr Kreithen. I had been planning on BA for 7-8yrs , had a couple of consultations with others , but just did not feel 100% about the surgeons I ...

I found all the staff very professional, kind, and helpful which is a big plus . I have no negative feedback which is why I give 5+ stars

Dr. Holcomb is an incredible rhinoplasty surgeon. I'm at about 9 months post op, so pretty much all of the swelling is gone, and I could not be more happy. I'm sure most people ...

I have only had positive experiences within this office, having utilized all the different services that they offer. Dr. Kreithen is a very skilled and caring surgeon. I first s...

Dr. Holcomb is the only one I let do my Botox. I have a short forehead, which can be difficult to do with an untrained provider. The entire office is professional and polite. Wo...

Truly the most professional and skilled plastic surgery practice in the area! Truly everything you would ever want in a doctor. I had a tummy tuck with Dr. Kreithen and LOVE my ...

I recently had eyelid surgery and laser treatment under my eyes done by Dr. Holcomb. Dr. Holcomb is very professional and friendly. He always asked if there were any questions o...

Dr Kreithen has been doing my Botox for about five years, I would never ever consider going to see another doctor. He is masterful at what he does! Always uses only a limited am...

I had a breast reduction completed by Dr. Kreithen, in January. Before surgery I stopped drinking heavily on coffee. I cut back to drinking 1/2 cup to a cup of coffee a day for ...

Dr Holcomb is an excellent surgeon I had a facelift and laser skin resurfacing. I feel 10 years younger and am very pleased with the result

Dr Kreithen gets my best recommendation for anyone looking for a talented plastic surgeon. Very happy with the results of my procedure. He knows what he is doing and I am a happ...

My experience with Dr. Kreithen was amazing. I originally made two consultation appointments with different doctors to shop around but after my first appointment with Holcomb &a...

Dr. Kreithen is amazing. I saw him for Botox and he did a great job. He is an artist with the needles so I felt no pain. I had no bruising and all my wrinkles were blurred away....

Dr. Holcomb and his staff are the best. I had a very positive experience and I'm thrilled with the results of my procedures.

Dr Kreithen did an amazing job on my tummy tuck! I absolutely love the results. The office is clean and beautiful, all the staff have been so kind and respectful, and follow up ...

I am so thrilled with the results. it helps with The helium plasma laser procedure took away years of smoking and sun, damage, The staff and everybody in the office went beyond ...

After contemplating breast augmentation for years, I couldn't be more happier with my decision to choose the best Doctor in the Sarasota area, Dr. Kreithen. My new gals are perf...

Dr. Kreithen is an incredible surgeon and the staff that work along side him are just as incredible. I went to him to see if he could fix some awful scars on my breasts from a p...

My original breast augmentation was performed by Dr. Kreithen approximate 12 years ago. I wanted to increase my size and also get the newest implants. I am beyond happy with my ...

I would highly recommend Dr. Kreithen to anyone who is considering cosmetic surgery he is very knowledgeable and takes the time to listen to your concerns I had a great experien...

Dr Holcomb is AWESOME! I was very afraid to have anything done to my face, but, Dr Holcomb not only reassured me, his results are amazing!! I couldn't be more pleased and I woul...

Dr. Kreithen is the BEST! I had a Panniculectomy because I lost over 300lbs and am so impressed with the surgery. Dr. Kreithen always answers all of my questions and always make...

I can't say enough about my experience with Dr. Kreithen. Him himself all the office staff were absolutely amazing! Everyone was very thorough with explaining my procedures. Any...

I went in for a consultation to see what my options were for reducing the fat under my chin. I did not want anything injected, and I did not want to go under the knife. Kimberly...

Kim Daily performed both Ultherapy and Halo laser treatment for me last month. At age 45, I was looking for something other than fillers to freshen up my look. Kim Daily took th...

After an abundant amount of research & asking around, a friend referred me to this facility to find out more about a procedure. The staff made me feel at home, and made sure...

I have only had positive experiences within this office, having utilized all the different services that they offer. Dr. Kreithen is a very skilled and caring surgeon. I first s...

This was my second surgical procedure with this office & again I want to say thank you to the entire staff especially the front desk, the nurses & of course Dr. Holcomb....

I had a lower face/neck lift with a full face CO2 laser and I couldn’t be happier with the results! I look like myself only more refreshed and younger! The of...

I recently underwent a facelift at Holcomb & Kreithen Plastic Surgery and MedSpa, and I couldn't be happier with the results and overall experience. The professionalism and ...

I went in, feeling pretty discouraged. I can say that, from the beginning of my experience, through the surgery, and the end of my experience, which is now has been almost 6 mon...

Fortunately, I have had the pleasure to have procedures done by both Dr. Kreithen and Dr. Holcomb. Their office staff and nurses are considerate and caring. They sho...

I had a breast implant replacement done by Dr Kreithen. I did my research on all the Sarasota Plastic surgeons and Dr Holcomb and Dr Kreithen and their clinic ...

I had procedures done by both holcomb and kreithen. I cant sing their praises enough. The office staff and nurses are incredibly kind and helpful. The doctors are amazing. I was...

The entire staff at this place went above and beyond for the entire process! I had abdominoplasty with hernia and abdominal wall repair and I was a nervous wreck at first; but t...

Dr. Kreithen is the BEST! I had a Panniculectomy because I lost over 300lbs and am so impressed with the surgery. Dr. Kreithen always answers all of my questions and always make...

View All Reviews

Recovery from Smartlipo

Laser liposuction is a less invasive procedure than traditional liposuction, with reduced post-operative pain and discomfort. While patients must still wear a compression garment after this procedure — as with standard liposuction — the length of time it must be worn is reduced. The typical amount of time that the garment should be worn is about two weeks.

We recommend recovering at home for about two days after your Smartlipo procedure. The most common side effects include mild, temporary bruising, swelling, and discomfort. Rare complications include infection, scarring, blisters, burns, and fat necrosis. It’s important to avoid strenuous activity or exercise for two weeks.

Meet Your Surgeons 75 Years of Combined Experience

J. David Holcomb, MD Face, Nose & Laser Surgery

J. David Holcomb, MD is a double board-certified Facial Plastic and Cosmetic Laser Surgeon (American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, American Board of Otolaryngology) who has practiced in Sarasota since 2000. His expertise includes advanced procedures such as rhinoplasty and laser resurfacing, and he has participated in groundbreaking clinical research trials (principal investigator in several helium plasma dermal resurfacing studies and BLESS II Letybo neurotoxin non-inferiority study).

Meet Dr. Holcomb

Joshua C. Kreithen, MD Breast & Body Surgery

Joshua C. Kreithen, MD is an Aesthetic Breast & Contouring Body Specialist who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Kreithen has practiced in Sarasota, Florida since 2004.

Meet Dr. Kreithen

Marc J. Salzman, MD Face, Breast & Body Surgery

Marc J. Salzman, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in face and body procedures. A recognized educator and innovator, he's known for advancing techniques and contributing to FDA studies on breast implants.

Meet Dr. Salzman

Smartlipo Results

Most patients see results within one week, although it may take up to six months to see the final results. Most patients need just one Smartlipo treatment, although minor touch-ups may be performed. The same area may be treated again, with four months between procedures.

Candidates for Smartlipo

If you’re in the Sarasota and Tampa area and you are interested in Smartlipo to get rid of your stubborn pockets of fat, it may be the perfect procedure for you. The best candidates for Smartlipo:

Have one or more areas of fat that do not respond to diet or exercise
Are bothered by this fat and want to get rid of it permanently
Are in good physical health
Are within 25 pounds of their ideal weight
Understand that Smartlipo is not a weight loss method

Our Office

Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & MedSpa for Smartlipo in Sarasota and Tampa

Dr. Holcomb and Dr. Kreithen merged their two separate practices in 2014 to establish Holcomb - Kreithen Plastic Surgery & MedSpa. Both are specialists and have nearly 40 years of combined experience between them.

As a one-stop-shop for all things aesthetic, we are proud to provide patients with an extremely sophisticated, comprehensive practice with a competent and compassionate team. Our excellent customer support and patient-centric care, accessibility to the best treatments, and multiple locations is what makes us stand out. If you’re in the Sarasota and Tampa area and you’re interested in Smartlipo laser body sculpting, please contact us for a consultation.

SmartlipoFrequently Asked Questions

Are Smartlipo results permanent?

Yes and no. This depends on the patient. This procedure removes small pockets of fat cells, but patients who do not maintain a healthy diet or exercise regularly may lose their results because the remaining fat cells will become larger.

Can I have more than one area treated at once?

Yes. Smartlipo can be used to treat several areas during the same procedure.

Can I have Smartlipo done after regular liposuction?

Yes. Smartlipo may be used before or after traditional liposuction, or it may be used alone to treat stubborn areas of fat.

How long does a Smartlipo procedure take?

A typical Smartlipo treatment takes 1 to 2 hours, but the exact amount of time will depend on how many areas are being treated, and how large they are.

Is Smartlipo safe?

Smartlipo was the first laser designed specifically for the purpose of laser assisted liposuction, and has been studied for over a decade. These studies have proven that Smartlipo is very safe, involving less pain, less bruising and swelling, and less recovery time than traditional liposuction.