Smartlipo Frequently Asked Questions

Smartlipo is laser assisted liposuction to treat unwanted fat and fat tissue irregularities. A laser is used in Smartlipo to break up the fat so that smaller cannulas are used to remove the emulsified fat. Using smaller cannulas allows more precise fat removal and is less traumatic leading to faster healing times than traditional liposuction. In addition, the use of a laser leads to less bleeding/bruising and swelling. The laser energy also interacts with the dermis resulting in some skin tightening not seen with traditional liposuction.

2. How does Smartlipo compare with traditional Liposuction?

Smartlipo is a minimally invasive procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia. The laser causes small blood vessels to coagulate immediately on contact resulting in less bleeding, swelling, and bruising which results in a quicker recovery time than conventional liposuction. Traditional liposuction is performed under general anesthesia without a laser and with the use of larger cannulas. Since Smartlipo is performed under local anesthesia, another benefit over traditional liposuction is that the patient can stand up prior to the end of the procedure which allows areas of fat that were not noticeable when lying down to be noticed and removed prior to the end of the procedure. Smartlipo can be used for revisions/”touch ups” after traditional liposuction.

3. What areas of the body can be treated?

The areas of the body that can be treated with Smartlipo are the face, neck, abdomen, flanks, breasts, back, arms, thighs, knees and buttocks. Smartlipo does not reduce fat hat is deep below the abdominal muscles or around your organs.

4. How long does the procedure take?

The procedure usually takes about 45 minutes to one hour for each area treated.

5. Do I have to stay in the hospital?

No, you do not need to stay in the hospital. Smartlipo is performed in the office or outpatient surgery center and patients go home after the procedure.

6. How many treatments are necessary?

For most patients, typically only one treatment is required. Although some patients may require additional treatments depending on their expectations.

7. How long before I see results?

Smartlipo results can be seen immediately but the results will continue to get better over six months as the swelling goes down and some tightening of the skin occurs.

8. How long do the results last?

Smartlipo permanently destroys the treated fat cells and as long as your weight is maintained, the results are permanent!

9. Will there be scarring?

Since the cannulas used in Smartlipo are small, the incisions made are very small which means you will have very small scars. Most of the time, the scars are healed so well that they are barely or not even noticeable.

10. What’s the recovery time?

Smartlipo is a minimally invasive procedure that has a quicker recovery time than traditional liposuction. Most patients go back to work in about four to seven days.

11. How Long Will I Have to Wear Compression Garment After Smartlipo?

A compression garment must be worn for 2 weeks after the procedure.

12. Smartlipo for Cellulite – Does It Work?

Smartlipo will improve the body’s shape and may improve cellulite to a certain degree. We do offer Cellulaze to reduce the appearance of cellulite.