Smartlipo™ (laser assisted lipolysis) is an exciting, effective, and safe option for patients who wish to improve localized fat deposits that refuse to improve with diet and exercise while minimizing downtime. Patients and surgeons are excited about this procedure because for the first time, one modality both liquefies fat and coagulates tissue resulting in skin tightening.
Smartlipo MPX™ is the newest generation of laser-assisted lipolysis devices. It uses a combination of two laser wavelengths in a blend that allows the melting of fat and the heating of soft tissue to stimulate collagen formation and therefore, tighten the overlying skin.
Smartlipo™ is great for men or women. A good candidate for this procedure is in good general health and of normal weight and has localized areas of fat that are difficult to reduce with diet and exercise. The abdomen, hips, waist, thighs, upper arms, back, chest, and lower face/neck (see Smartlift™ or Laser Facelift) are popular areas treated. However, it can be used almost anywhere.
Tumescent microcannula liposuction has been a very popular, safe procedure performed by Dr. McMenamin for many years. A greater amount of fat can be removed with tumescent liposuction so if you are heavier, it may be the best option for you. Smartlipo™ complements what tumescent microcannula liposuction can attain or may be the best single treatment for your body type. Dr. McMenamin will suggest your best options at your initial consultation.
The same tumescent local anesthetic is used to numb the areas treated for Smartlipo™ as for tumescent liposuction. This can be done using very minimal to no sedation and with minimal discomfort. Once the area is numbed, a tiny, 1mm cannula (tube) with a laser probe inside is passed through the deeper layer of fat. The laser energy liquefies the fat (lypolysis) into an emulsion that is then gently suctioned out. Next, a second type of laser energy is used to heat the underlying tissue. This stimulates collagen formation and assists in tightening the skin. The amount of tightening depends greatly on skin type and integrity.
Smartlipo™ is off done in combination with tumescent microcannula liposuction when more skin tightening is needed. In certain instances, the combination treatment can reduce the need for skin removal as in an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck).
Typically, only one treatment per area is required to obtain optimal results. Initial results can be seen within one week, with continued improvement over the next 3 to 4 months as tissues continue to tighten and heal.
After Smartlipo™, you will be required to wear some type of compression depending on the area(s) treated. You will be in compression for 6 weeks or more for larger areas. Facial tightening with Smartlift™ can be 3 to 4 days of compression followed by nightly use only. Compression helps to push out swelling, decrease scar tissue formation, and promote smoothness of the treated tissues.
The risks of Smartlipo™ are the same as other surgical procedures including scarring, infection, bleeding, and allergic reactions to medications. Risks specific to Smartlipo™ incude: skin contour irregularities, asymmetry, seroma (fluid collection under the skin), hematoma (blood collection under the skin), skin loss, and skin burn. Rarely, blood clots in the legs or lungs, and other anesthesia complications have been reported as well as other very rare events. These risks will be discussed with you by Dr. McMenamin. While these risks sound scary, it is important to remember that they are unusual events.
Laser body sculpting with Smartlipo™ is minimally invasive and less traumatic to tissues than tumescent liposuction. Therefore, there is less downtime for recovery. Most patients are be able to resume work in 3 or 4 days and return to all usual activity, including vigorous exercise, within 2 weeks. Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort in the initial post operative period with gradual resolution of discomfort in the following days to weeks.
We are very excited to offer this new technology to our patients. We feel that it has much to offer that segment of patients who qualify for this technology. Please feel free to call the office for a consultation to see if Smartlipo™ is right for you.(916)564-8888
