What Is SmartLipo?

Developed by Cynosure, the laser lipolysis device is a revolution in fat removal - giving realistic meaning to the phrase "it melts fat away." As an alternative to traditional liposuction, the "smart lipo" utilizes a laser to zap fat cells for body contouring and reshaping areas including the abdomen, love handles, backs, thighs, hips, knees, arms, neck, and chin.

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How Does SmartLipo Work?

Utilizing laser technology, a precise and powerful light beam is created and specifically calibrated to liquefy fat deposits through the top layers of the skin. A small incision is made and the laser is inserted into the body via a small cannula, or tube. The laser ruptures the fat cells and is then removed through the same incision. Since the laser seals blood vessels as it is liquefying the fat deposits, there is typically less bleeding, bruising and swelling.

Prior to your actual procedure visit you will need to schedule a consultation appointment with the physician. During this visit you will discuss your goals and your expectations. You will also need to share your medical history and other relevant information. The doctor should inform you of the realistic expectations you can achieve based on your initial body state.

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. A small incision is made and a tiny fiber optic cannula, or tube, is inserted into the top layers of the skin. Moving back and forth, the laser ruptures the fat cell membranes and is aspirated through the original incision. Treatment depends on the size of the area and the amount of fat to be removed. Afterward, compression garments are optional because while the laser is working on the fat, it is simultaneously cauterizing blood vessels so there is less bleeding, bruising and swelling. Patients who have had the procedure are often back to work within 1-3 days and bandages can come off in 1-2 weeks. The downtime can vary dramatically based on the quantity of fat removed and the body area. Discuss this with your doctor prior to having any procedure performed.

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Why Should I Choose SmartLipo Over Traditional Liposuction?

Many features set SmartLipo apart from traditional liposuction such as length of visits, comfort, recovery time, and reduced scarring and bruising. Traditional liposuction requires about seven days of down time post-procedure, general anesthesia, additional surgical procedures to touch up what the liposuction cannot achieve, stitches, six week compression garment, and an unpleasant tube to facilitate fluid drainage. SmartLipo, on the other hand, uses local anesthesia, small lasers and cannulas for fat removal, leaves little to no scarring and requires no stitches, only two days of down time and compression garments are optional. SmartLipo also eliminates "skin droop" that is associated with traditional liposuction since the laser reconstructs the skin by pulling it inwards during the procedure.
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How Much Does SmartLipo Cost?

SmartLipo is not for everyone and only a discussion with a qualified physician will enable you to decide whether you want to have SmartLipo done. Average cost is in the range of $2,500 to $5,000 per area and can usually be performed in one in-office visit.
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What Are SmartLipo Alternatives? There are several laser lipolysis alternatives, some of which include:

• Laser Lipolysis
• SlimLipo
• Liposuction