What is SmartLipo?
Smart Lipo fat
treatment is the latest method for
removing fat with a laser. The technique
was first discovered in Europe and has
recently become available in the USA.
The technique has been used extensively
in South America, Europe and Asia for
the past 10 years. The technique
involves the use of a laser to rapidly
dissolve the fat and tighten the
surrounding skin almost anywhere in the
body. The procedure is done in an office
and does not require the use of a
general anesthetic.
Who is a candidate for Smart Lipo?
Smart Lipo is an
excellent technique for removal of fat
from difficult areas of the body. It is
more efficient at removing fat from
localized pockets which have proven
resistant to conventional liposuction or
exercise. The ideal patient is one who
is in good health, not obese, has an
active lifestyle and has a pocket(s) of
fat they wish to remove.
Which area is Smart Lipo useful for?
SmartLipo has been
designed to treat localized pockets of
fat in the following areas:
- waist
- chin
(double or hanging chin)
- inner and
outer thighs
- hips
- buttocks
- upper arms
- face (not
around eyes)
- male with
breasts
- back of
neck
- pubic
mound
How much fat can be removed each time
with Smart Lipo?
The procedure is
excellent for removal of localized fat
and as much as 3500 mls of fat can be
melted away at a single session.
Who is not a candidate for SmartLipo?
SmartLipo is not
suited for individuals with:
- diabetes
- liver
problems
- blood
disorders
- kidney
problems
- heart
problems
- skin
disorders
Is the fat removal permanent?
The fat removal is
semi-permanent. If the individual gains
weight, the fat will come back in areas
treated and not treated with the laser.
Despite what the manufacturers claim,
there is no treatment which can
permanently remove all the fat cells.
The best way to rid of fat is to
continue exercise and watch one's diet.
How is the procedure done?
The procedure is
done in an office or clinic. Prior to
the procedure, the fatty areas are
marked and a local anesthetic is used to
numb the area. The laser is a pen held
device which is fired close to the skin.
As soon as the laser is fired, the fat
cells break up. The fluid release from
the fat cells is drained away by the
body's natural system (lymphatics). The
laser also causes small blood vessels to
coagulate (gel) immediately on contact,
resulting in less bleeding and swelling.
The laser also affects the collagen in
the skin which later causes the skin to
tighten and shrink. Each session take
about 30-45 mins.
What is the recovery like?
The majority of
individuals have minimal bruising and
are pain free. A pressure dressing or a
compression garment is used depending on
the location of the treated area. The
compression dressing or garment helps to
decrease the swelling. The bruising
disappears in 6-9 days and all
individuals are able to resume their
normal activities within 24 hours. The
mild ache can be relieved with over the
counter pain medications.
When do I see the results
Soon after the
procedure, the treated area will appear
tighter, compact and smaller. Within the
next 6-8 weeks, the skin and surrounding
area will remodel and adjust to the body
contour. The remodeling is a gradual
process and the best results are seen
after 2 months.
How many sessions can one have?
It all depends on
the area and location. Generally 1-3
sessions are more than adequate for most
individuals. Repeat sessions are only
done after an interval period of 3-6
months.
When can one return to work after Smart
Lipo?
One can return to
work within 24 hours.
Can Smart Lipo be used with liposuction?
Yes, SmartLipo is
designed to treat small and harder to
get areas of fat. After conventional
surgical liposuction is done and if
small amounts of remodeling are
required, Smart Lipo is an excellent
adjunct.
What are advantages of Smart Lipo over
other procedures?
- Smart Lipo
offers minimal discomfort during the
procedure
- There is
minimal pain which only lasts 24-48
hrs
- Majority
of individuals can return to work in
24 hrs
- There is
minimal bleeding or bruising
- There is
no loosening or hanging skin after
the procedure
- There are
no side effects of general
anesthesia
- There are
no incisions or suturing involved
Is Smart Lipo approved for use in USA?
The SmartLipo fat
reduction treatment received clearance
from the FDA (US Food and Drug
Administration) in November 2006.
Is Smart Lipo covered by insurance
companies?
No, it is strictly
a cosmetic procedure and not covered by
any insurance companies.
SmartLipo Cost
The average
cost for Smart Lipo treatment can be
between $2000 - $6000. |