Blog

SmartLipo is a type of liposuction that uses a laser to assist in the removal of unwanted body fat. This laser-assisted liposuction device removes fat and reshapes areas of the body with precision and less downtime than traditional surgical liposuction. 

With SmartLipo, the laser targets fat cells and dissolves the cells on contact; a gentle suction then removes the dissolved fat. It can be used on many areas of the body, including the abdomen, back, thighs, hips, knees, arms, neck, and chin. 

Skin tightening is another benefit that has been attributed to laser liposuction; fat removal alone can’t correct poor skin elasticity in older patients. But while makers of laser liposuction platforms have claimed that their systems can produce noticeable skin tightening after liposuction, most of the time they don’t cite clinical evidence to back up their claims. 

New Jersey plastic surgeon Dr. Barry DiBernardo recently published a study that evaluates the skin tightening effects of laser liposuction, comparing SmartLipo to traditional liposuction. He enrolled ten subjects who had both unwanted abdominal fat and a mild to moderate degree of loose skin. Each subject underwent liposuction or laser-assisted liposuction on a randomly selected side of the body. 

Patients were evaluated one month and three months post-operatively, and a noticeable difference was documented in skin shrinkage and tightening. “The mean skin shrinkage ratios were significantly higher on the laser-treated side than on the suction side,” Dr. DiBernardo said.

Dr. Stacy is nationally known for her ability to achieve results with SmartLipo, and patients often travel to her Bellevue, Washington practice from Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, and from across Washington for their treatment. View SmartLipo before and after photos of Dr. Stacy’s patients to see the results.

Cynosure, the manufacturer of Smartlipo, has created a new website for potential patients. You can see it at www.cynosuresmartlipo.com. For your convenience, we picked out the best features of the new site.

Links

• Smartlipo versus Traditional Lipo: What’s the difference?
• Body Areas Sculpted With SmartLipo
• Smartlipo Before and After Pictures

Smart Lipo is a method of liposuction that uses a laser to assist in the removal of unwanted body fat. A small laser attached to the liposuction cannula is used to melt fat cells before removing them, effectively contouring and reshaping your body. Popular areas of treatment include the abdomen, love handles, backs, thighs, hips, knees, arms, neck, and chin.

Laser-assisted Smart Lipo may be just the right solution for that junk in your trunk.  Do you think you’re becoming pear-shaped rather than hourglass-shaped? Can you no longer distinguish where your butt ends and your leg begins?  Talk about a blow to the ego, with your confidence coming in close second.

At a certain age, a shift occurs regarding weight fluctuations.  It doesn’t matter if we run on the treadmill, use the elliptical, lift weights, or practice Yoga and Pilates, we still may have dimples, bumps and bulging areas that are unrelenting. They won’t go away! The saddlebags (big puffs on the outer thigh) often don’t respond to exercise or diet.  People who undergo liposuction aren’t necessarily overweight.  In fact, many are in good shape but have body areas that bother them.

Fortunately there are new minimally invasive Liposuction procedures available that require little downtime.

One Liposuction technique uses a cannula fitted with a fiber-optic laser that melts the fat cells as it’s moving back and forth, making them easier to suck out. The cannula is so tiny it reduces trauma to the area so there is less bruising and swelling than with traditional Lipo.

Generally patients take a day or two off after the procedure and go back to work after that.

The new versions of Lipo destroy the fat cells, so they can’t be taken and injected into your wrinkles or lips or anywhere. Tumescent Lipo is still considered the gold standard and many doctors still believe it is by far the gentlest, safest and least traumatic – and the fat can be can be recycled to fill out wrinkles or lips.  Both techniques are effective and have beautiful outcomes. If you are interested in smoothing out and reducing areas of your body that bother, discuss your options with Dr. Stacy.

Don’t forget that ultimately, the most important Liposuction tool is the operator.