What is SmartLipo? SmartLipo is a revolutionary new procedure that uses a laser to melt away localized fat--a safe, minimally invasive alternative to liposuction. The laser is introduced through a tiny incision into the treatment area. As a result, there is minimal scarring. The laser vaporizes and liquefies the fat on contact. In the end, less fat is present. The laser also allows careful shaping of the treatment area. The result, a better contour and appearance to the body area treated. [top]
How do we avoid loose skin, a hazard of traditional liposuction?
SmartLipo uses a 1032 nm laser introduced into the subcutaneous fat. The 1032 laser is one of the best tools for skin tightening when used on the surface of the skin. When the laser is introduced into the subcutaneous fat the results are even more impressive. The laser heats the supporting connective tissue producing tightening of the collagen supporting the skin and fat.
Eventually new collagen is laid down and healthier, thicker skin results. The skin and connective is also tightened as the new collagen is laid down. The tissue tightening results in less loose skin after the procedure than with previous liposuction techniques.
[top]
What areas can be treated with SmartLipo? SmartLipo can be used on almost any area of the body, including the chin, neck and face. SmartLipo’s ability to perform detailed contouring in small areas make it ideal for treating areas that previously have been difficult or impossible to treat with liposuction. Additionally, the skin tightening that occurs enhances the results in any area treated. SmartLipo makes an excellent combination with Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) and Thermage® for treating skin dimpling and looseness. Some common treatments areas are:
Face and chin
Neck
Upper and lower abdomen
Inner and outer thighs
Upper and lower back
“Saddlebags”
Arms
SmartLipo is ideal for small fatty deposits in any area. It also adds an important tool to treat slender persons who previously were difficult to treat with standard liposuction techniques. SmartLipo is greatly superior to mesotherapy and other techniques used to address small fatty areas. The Vaser technique is more appropriate for larger fatty areas that require the removal of greater amounts of fat. SmartLipo can then be added afterwards to tighten the skin after the removal of large fat deposits.
[top]
Does SmartLipo require anesthesia? SmartLipo is performed using a type of local anesthesia known as Tissue Infusion Anesthesia (TIA). When using TIA a special fluid is injected into the treatment area. The fluid contains a local anesthetic along with other medicines to decrease bleeding. Medicine is also added to decrease swelling and pain after the procedure. Some minor pain does occur during the infusion process. The SmartLipo procedure itself has little or no pain.
After the procedure you will probably be given a mild prescription pain medication. However, many patients require only ibuprofen or Tylenol for pain control. Post procedure pain tends to be the worst on the second day after surgery. Most persons experience some soreness but little or no post procedure pain.
[top]
What are the side effects of SmartLipo?
In addition to the soreness mentioned above, there are a few side effects with the procedure. It is quite common for the treatment areas to drain after the procedure. The fluid that drains contains small amounts of fat that did not vaporize during the procedure. In order to allow the drainage and prevent infection (a rare side effect), the tiny incisions used for the procedure are allowed to close on their own. Bruising is another potential side effect.
Swelling is common after the procedure and can last for up to 2-3 weeks. Usually the swelling is gone after a few days. When performed on the face or neck, it is not uncommon to have some mild slurred speech from the anesthetic. This can also last 2-3 weeks, but usually is less. Other side effects are listed on your consent form and are rare. [top]
What are the pre procedure instructions? It is recommended that you eat only a light meal before your procedure. If the procedure is in the afternoon, a normal breakfast and a light lunch is best. Patients are given an antibiotic to take before the procedure and the day afterwards. Sometimes, you may be given a mild sedative or pain medication to take before you arrive at the office. When pre-medication is given, it is important to have someone else to drive you. It is better if you do not loose a lot of weight before the procedure. This can lead to loose skin and make tightening the skin more difficult. In order to avoid excess bruising, it is best to avoid aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs for one week prior to the procedure.
[top]
What are the post procedure instructions? After the procedure you will be given compression garments to wear in the treatment area for 3 weeks post procedure. This includes a chin and neck support (worn for one week) when that area is treated. You will be asked to return to the office the day after the procedure to change your dressings and check the drainage.
You will be asked to return again in 3-4 weeks to recheck the treatment areas and repeat pictures. It is also possible that “touch-up” treatments will be recommended at that time. Instructions will be given for managing and changing your dressings at home. Finally, it is important that you eat a healthy diet to maintain the improved body shape. We recommend anti-oxidants be added as vegetables or a supplement.
[top]
Who can have SmartLipo? Although almost anyone can have SmartLipo, there are a few persons who cannot. Persons on anti-coagulants (blood thinners) such as coumadin should not have the procedure. The procedure should not be done on someone who has an infection in the treatment area. Patients with heart failure or severe kidney or liver disease should not have the procedure.
The best patients are those with small to medium sized localized fatty areas. Larger fatty areas can be treated, but it is usually best to use other technologies such as Vaser for larger fatty areas. Thin patients are ideal for the procedure. SmartLipo is excellent at eliminating those areas like “love handles” or lower tummy that just don’t seem to go away, no matter how hard you work at it. Heavier persons also benefit in selected areas or after Vaser or standard liposuction to help tighten the skin. SmartLipo is an excellent combination with AWT and Thermage®. Combined with AWT it can help the legs, arms, buttocks or abdomen to achieve a smooth, well contoured appearance. Combined with Thermage®, it can improve the contour of the face, arms, abdomen or buttocks to achieve a fresh, young appearance.
[top]
VASER®
In combination with the SmartLipo procedure, VASER® technology allows Dr. Johnson to remove fat and tighten the skin in very little time. Click here for more information about VASER®.
Please click on the blue box at right to see a short, informational video on SmartLipo™, a revolutionary new procedure that uses a laser to melt away localized fat.
