Smart Lipo Vs. Liposuction
Liposuction treatments remove unwanted fat from nearly any part of the body. It's often performed as part of another cosmetic procedure, such as a facelift, tummy tuck, or breast augmentation, but it can be done on its own as a stand-alone procedure as well.
Many patients opt for Smart Lipo instead of traditional liposuction, as the Smart Lipo procedure offers many benefits.
Procedure
Traditional liposuction is an invasive procedure that involves the cosmetic surgeon inserting thin tubes under the skin to suction fat from unwanted areas. Liposuction is a surgical procedure that requires the patient to go under general anesthesia.
Most traditional liposuction involves a surgeon injecting a saltwater, lidocaine, and epinephrine mixture into the treatment area, which causes it to swell and harden so that the tubes can be inserted and the fat can be removed through them.
Smart Lipo is typically done with a local anesthetic to numb the area. Smart Lipo uses a laser to liquify unwanted fat pockets. A surgeon makes a small incision in the skin in the area being treated — smaller than the incisions needed for the tubes for traditional liposuction. A laser fiber is then inserted under the skin and activated at different wavelengths to liquefy the cell membranes of the fat cells.
The Smart Lipo procedure typically only takes a couple of hours and can often be done in the surgeon's office. Because the fat is melted with the laser before it's removed, there is typically less post-surgical pain and swelling than with traditional liposuction.
Recovery
One of the biggest reasons many people choose Smart Lipo instead of traditional liposuction is the reduction in recovery time. Most traditional liposuction patients have a recovery period of at least six weeks and many experience significant bruising and soreness that lasts for multiple weeks.
Smart Lipo patients typically recover more quickly than traditional liposuction patients. Smart Lipo patients are often able to go back to work within a week. Both traditional lipo and Smart Lipo require patients to wear compression garments for up to six weeks to get the best results.
Results
Because Smart Lipo results in less bruising and swelling, the full results are typically noticeable sooner than with traditional liposuction. The lasers used in the Smart Lipo procedure also stimulate collagen production in the skin, which leads to skin tightening.
Traditional liposuction can leave patients with areas of sagging skin since the procedure only removes fat and does not tighten the surrounding skin like Smart Lipo.
Discuss your goals and any questions you have with your surgeon to help decide if Smart Lipo is a good option for you.