SmartLipo Facts
Developed by Cynosure, SmartLipo is a revolution in fat removal - giving realistic meaning to the phrase "it melts fat away." SmartLipo uses a low-pain, highly efficient process instead of the bulky tubes and uncomfortable office visits required of traditional liposuction. SmartLipo utilizes smaller instruments and specialized technology to zap fat cells for contouring and reshaping areas of the body including the abdomen, love handles, backs, thighs, hips, knees, arms, neck, and chin.
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 less bleeding, bruising and swelling. FDA approved, SmartLipo research has shown that little, if any, fat is reabsorbed into the body.
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 for the SmartLipo and your expectations. You will also need to share your medical history and other relevant information. The physician will 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 takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour. 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 SmartLipo are back to work within 1-2 days and bandages can come off in 1-2 weeks.
What Are The Risks Of SmartLipo?
It is important to recognize that though SmartLipo is highly effective, it is only appropriate for patients wishing to lose small amounts of fat, or up to about 8 pounds. SmartLipo will not provide satisfactory results for persons needing to lose significant amounts of body fat - such patients require traditional liposuction or alternate methods for weight loss.
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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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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:
Back to TopVideo: ABC News, The "New Lipo" Uses Lasers Article: People Magazine
Though a balanced diet paired with regular exercise works for many, still others see little results despite large amounts of stress and frustration. Until now, the best solution for removing such fat was liposuction - a cosmetic procedure that literally sucks the fatty tissues out of the body and enables a person to effectively lose weight in a matter of minutes.
However, a new procedure is now available that is making traditional Liposuction lose its edge and become less desirable.
