Smart Lipo - Safer Fat Removal

Smart Lipo, or smart liposuction, also referred to as  'smartlipo', is modified liposuction done while the patient is under a local anesthetic. Small incisions are made  so that a laser fiber can be inserted underneath the skin and actually melt the fat into liquid form. It is then suctioned away by a vacuum device, or in some cases allowed to be drained away by the patients' own bodily process.  This is an ideal procedure for isolated problem areas.

Added benefits of smart liposuction include a permanent destruction of the targeted fat cells, while at the same time promoting the development of collagen from the laser heat which tightens up the loose skin around the area once the procedure is complete. The laser also helps to seal the small blood vessels which helps to reduce bleeding. Smart lipo is minimally invasive with a small amount of downtime for the patient.

This type of local procedure is for those individuals who find that diet and exercise is not working on their trouble areas which may include the belly, chin, thighs, waist/love handles, hips, upper arms, back of the neck, facial area and those embarrassing man breasts. These pockets of fat are safely and easily eliminated with smartlipo, unlike the traditional liposuction techniques which have been found to occasionally be evasive in these isolated areas.

Once you have made the decision that this process is safe for you and you have made the proper arrangements, the procedure itself goes relatively quickly. In most cases only 1 to 3 sessions are required to achieve the results sought, and the patient can usually return to work within 24 hours after each visit. The exception would be if the patient is undergoing a more extensive procedure in which traditional liposuction is also used for added results.

Prior to the procedure, the area involved will be numbed with a local anesthetic after which a small hand-held laser fiber tube is then inserted just under the skin's surface. A minimal red laser light is visible through the skin to help the doctor rotate the laser over the fatty area.

As the laser energy begins to take effect, the fatty cell membranes swell and turn to fatty oil. Depending on the amount of surgery, the physician will either proceed with a vacuuming of the area or simply let the body naturally eliminate the liquefied fatty tissue through the liver.

Once initial swelling begins to recede, you will begin to see the results. The swelling will continue to improve over a period of about 6 weeks to a possible 8 weeks, depending on the areas involved. This gives the skin enough time to adapt to the new changes in the body's reduced contours.

Although smart lipo has been proven to be safe for permanent fat removal in problem areas, it is still recommended that you confer with your family doctor before looking into this procedure. If you are found to have diabetes, liver or kidney disorders, a heart condition, blood disorder, or an auto-immune disorder, this procedure isn't for you. Your personal specialist will be able to go over the pros and cons of any medical enhancement.

Although smartlipo is approved by the FDA to be used in the USA, it is not covered by medical insurance due to the fact that it is a cosmetic procedure. As with any other important decisions you make, you need to do your research and make sure that the specialist you choose to perform this procedure on you comes with the very best credentials possible. Your family doctor may be able to assist you in this area as he may have recommendations. Cost usually ranges from $2,000.00 to $6,000.00, and some specialists can set a patient up on a payment plan.

The advantages of this new procedure is the most persuasive argument over regular liposuction: Effective treatment for hard-to-treat fatty deposits, minimal discomfort during the procedure, quick recovery and virtually no down-time, small discomfort and bruising after the procedure is complete, local instead of a general anesthetic, laser heals blood vessels and promotes collagen growth for tight, toned skin.

The biggest disadvantage of this procedure is that the patient may need to wear a compression garment for a small period of time due to swelling and soreness.