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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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 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 competent and compassionate team. Our excellent customer support and patient-centric care, accessibly 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.
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.
Yes. Smartlipo can be used to treat several areas during the same procedure.
Yes. Smartlipo may be used before or after traditional liposuction, or it may be used alone to treat stubborn areas of fat.
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.
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.
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