SmartLipo MPX - A Little Change Makes a Big Difference
Wednesday, August 19, 2009 12:12 PM
SmartLipo, the industry leader in laser lipolysis, now offers a 46-watt version of their MPX system. We spoke to Dr. Christine Petti for her take on the technology.
Laser Lipolysis procedures have been on the scene for a while now and are quickly becoming more and more popular, and it's no wonder. Patients report achieving the liposuction results they desire with the added benefit of skin tightening, without having to undergo general anesthesia. With only minimal incisions and the ability to return to normal activities within just a few days, laser lipolysis has attracted those who were turned off by the after effects of traditional liposuction. As patients look to their aesthetic provider for results in a hurry and without much downtime, providers are turning to the manufacturers to provide them with ever-improving technology. Enter Cynosure's SmartLipo MPX 46-Watt system.
SmartLipo MPX uses two separate wavelengths to target and melt the fat cells within the body and tighten the skin. The 1064nm and 1320nm wavelengths both do different jobs and work better in combination than alone. According to Dr. Christine Petti, the combination allows for a "greater amount of predictability and skin tightening."
Further, the MPX has the added benefit of the ThermaGuide. ThermaGuide allows the physician to constantly measure the temperature under the skin. To realize the skin tightening benefit of SmartLipo, the provider must heat the layer of collagen in the skin to 42 degrees Celsius in order to stimulate new collagen growth. However, as Dr. Petti points out, anytime the skin is being heated, there's concern about burns, so while the skin needs to get to 42 degrees, it shouldn't get hotter than 45 degrees. Previously, doctors had to take the temperature of the skin externally, which is not as accurate. Furthermore, the laser system is equipped to stop the laser if the temperature gets too high or if the surgeon stops moving the laser.
The SmartLipo procedure is a three step process. First, a small 3-5mm incision is made, then the laser melts the fat in the treatment area(s) while also pumping in a solution of saline, lidocaine, and epinephrin, which expands the fat and skin. Next, a separate cannula is used to suction out the melted fat which Dr. Petti describes as having a texture similar to "cottage cheese." Finally, the setting is changed on the SmartLipo MPX for skin tightening rather than fat melting and the cannula is inserted just under the dermis and heats the layer of collagen to 40-42 degrees Celsius, stimulating collagen growth which will continue for several weeks following the procedure.
Dr. Petti says she was not looking for a better way to perform liposuction when this technology came along, but was "blown away at how the small wire could predictably melt the fat." The precision of the SmartLipo MPX is one reason she likes using the machine; avoiding putting patients under general anesthesia is another.
Dr. Petti does warn that patients should not expect a perfectly smooth result. While the physician's ability does greatly affect the outcome, irregularities in the final product simply go along with the procedure. "When the tissues heal, edema occurs, and the fluid is expelled from the body through the natural process, but those areas will look and feel lumpy. SmartLipo does a better job of preventing the lumpy result than traditional lipo, but it does still occur." This is why compression garments are worn by the patient after the procedure. Also, there may be some loss of sensation in the treated area, and bruising especially at the incision area.
Dr. Christine Petti is a surgeon who is well known in the local and national medical communities. She has won local awards for Top Cosmetic Surgeon and national awards such as Top Doctor and Top Surgeon. Dr. Petti has also been featured on national and cable television. She has served Los Angeles, Torrance, and the South Bay area as an active plastic surgeon since 1988. She is a member of the medical staff of both Torrance Memorial Medical Center and Little Company of Mary Hospital, where she maintains full hospital privileges for all aspects of plastic and cosmetic surgery.
SmartLipo MPX approved in Korea, Affirm in China - Cynosure announced today that it has received approval to market the Smartlipo MPX in Korea and the AffirmAnti-Aging Workstation in the People's Republic of China.
SmartLipo MPX - A Little Change Makes a Big Difference - SmartLipo, the industry leader in laser lipolysis, now offers a 46-watt version of their MPX system. We spoke to Dr. Christine Petti for her take on the technology.
Procyte Skin Care Cosmeceuticals - Procyte is a combination of cosmetics and medicine known as a cosmeceutical. They have an extensive line of products for moisturizing, and anti-aging treatments.
Disclaimer:For general educational purposes only. Information contained in this Web site is general in nature, and should not be relied on for medical treatment. If you need advice or services, please contact the doctor directly. All photos are of models for decorative purposes unless they specifically mention they are actual before & after photographs.
