If you’re hoping to remove excess fat on your body and want a simple procedure with a short recovery time, you might want to consider SmartLipo. This is a type of laser liposuction known for not only removing fat but also firming up loose skin for a younger and slimmer look. Here are the details you need to know before you decide if SmartLipo is the plastic surgery procedure for you.
HOW SMARTLIPO WORKS
SmartLipo is a newer twist on traditional liposuction. With the traditional procedure that’s been used for years, a cannula has to suction the fat from beneath the skin. But with SmartLipo, the laser heats up the fat until it melts. This way, it’s softer and easier to remove with the cannula. There are many benefits of this method that you might not get with traditional liposuction, which is why it’s becoming increasingly more popular.
“Smart lipo is a combination of laser with liposuction…the laser does three things. It zaps some of the fat cells, it cauterizes some of the blood vessels so there’s less bruising and less bleeding, and it heats the undersurface of the skin and …tightens the skin.” Robert A. Jacobs, M.D., F.A.C.S., Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon from Cosmetic Surgery of NY.
SMARTLIPO BENEFITS
The main advantage of getting SmartLipo is that since the fat is first softened with the laser, the cannula used for this surgery doesn’t have to work as hard to suction out the fat. This means there is very little bruising in the affected area, while traditional liposuction often leaves bruising and swelling where the cannula removed the fat.
In addition, traditional liposuction does not tighten the skin, but, thanks to the laser, SmartLipo does. This is important to consider because after extra fat is removed via liposuction, you might notice some saggy or dimpled skin, which is why it’s helpful to have the laser tighten it. Finally, the recovery process is much shorter when you get SmartLipo. In fact, it usually only takes a few days for patients to feel fully recovered, compared to weeks for other types of fat removal surgery. And you can see the results right away, though the affected areas will look their best a couple of months after the procedure.
HOW TO KNOW IF IT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
While SmartLipo is popular for its many benefits, it’s not right for everyone. This is why it’s so important to talk to a plastic surgeon to make sure you’re a good candidate before you plan to get this procedure done. In general, SmartLipo is best for people who are less than 20 percent overweight and have some muscle tone, since this will help support the healing tissues.
Another detail to consider is how lax your skin is. If it’s mildly or moderately lax, SmartLipo can help tighten it up after getting rid of excess fat, which is why many patients over the age of 35 opt for this technique over traditional liposuction. And note that this procedure is perfect for removing fat from most parts of the body, such as the abdomen, thighs, knees, upper arms, back and face. So regardless of where you have excess fat, SmartLipo can likely help.
In general, most people who are candidates for traditional liposuction are also good candidates for SmartLipo. One of the only reasons a patient might opt for other techniques over SmartLipo may be cost, as in some markets it is slightly more expensive than other techniques. Your doctor might have other reasons that SmartLipo may not be right for you, so set up an appointment with an experienced surgeon today to find out more.
