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SmartLipo, which received FDA approval in 2006, uses a laser to zap unwanted pockets of adipose (fat) tissue, causing the fat to soften into a liquefied form so it can then either be suctioned out or naturally absorbed by the body. The cut made to the skin is quite small, usually so small no stitch is needed, and the laser neatly coagulates the blood vessels within the treated area. Thus, not only does SmartLipo result in fewer post-procedure stitches than standard liposuction surgery, it also causes less extensive bruising and swelling.
Its latest version, SmartLipo MPX, is already making an impact on the field of cellulite and fat. “SmartLipo MPX is the greatest advancement in laser lipolysis. It delivers an improved product with great safety and versatility,” said Dr. Jeffrey Schafer. SmartLipo MPX combines two lasers in one treatment with a 1064nm laser and a a 1320nm laser for improved lipolysis (fat reduction), and skin rejuvenation.
Why SmartLipo?Liposuction is the most popular cosmetic surgery performed today, according to the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Over 403,000 people had liposuction in the US in 2006.
With Americans gaining more and more weight each year, over two-thirds of Americans being overweight according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the need to reduce fat and cellulite is greater than ever. The problem with traditional liposuction is that it is not safe for areas where there a great number of blood vessels, such as the neck or underarms
These are the areas where laser-assisted lipolysis, such as SmartLipo, is highly effective. During the treatment blood vessels are coagulated to prevent and minimize bleeding and swelling. This makes it a great stand-alone procedure as well as an adjunct to traditional liposuction
Physician and Patient FeedbackPhysicians and patients are remarking about the effectiveness of Smart Lipo. “Many patients were put off by the surgery involved with traditional liposuction. Those same patients are very interested in Smart Lipo because its minimally invasive and doesn’t involve the scalpels that sometimes intimidate patients.” says Dr. Robert Gotkin."With Smartlipo the incision is only 1 millimeter for most areas, and causes little tissue trauma, so the patients heal quickly and painlessly, but the results never fade."
Dr. Bruce Katz from New York comments "Many of my patients used to require two surgeries: the liposuction and then a face lift; but because of the Smart Lipo laser tightens the overlying tissue only one surgery is needed."
Cost of SmartLipoPricing for SmartLipo is highly dependent on the area of the body you are treating. It may range between $1,500 and $7,500. If you are having a larger area treated or multiple areas treated, it may cost more. Also, the part of the country you live in may also play a role in the cost.
What Does it Treat?Smart Lipo can be effective for reducing fat and cellulite in the following areas:
- Hips (Saddlebags)
- Thighs
- Buttocks
- Male Breast (Gynecomastia)
- Upper Abdomen
- Lower Abdomen
- Inner Arms
- As an adjunct to traditional liposuction
Does SmartLipo Treat Cellulite?By removing the pockets of fat which are the causes of the dippling in cellulite as well as providing collagen generation and contraction, SmartLipo smoothes and tightens the skin, thus helping to rid treated areas of cellulite dimpling. “SmartLipo MPX offers improved results. Our studies are also very impressive in terms of cellulite improvement,” comments Dr. Alberto Goldman, a Brazilian plastic surgeon.
Treatment with SmartLipoYou may have a SmartLipo treatment in your physician’s office with local and/or tumescent anesthesia. You’ll be awake throughout. A tiny tube, called a cannula, will be introduced into your skin through a small incision. Inside the tube is a thin laser fiber, which sends heat into the areas of fat. Once the heat has dissolved the fat, the remaining liquid will be suctioned away.
Recovery Period Your physician will probably recommend that you take it easy at home for 24 to 48 hours, after which you can go back to most of your regular activities. Expect your incision to remain bandaged, however, for 1 to 2 weeks.
Unless you put on a lot of weight after the procedure, the results from the SmartLipo procedure will be permanent. |