Smartlipo is a type of laser-assisted, non-invasive liposuction treatment invented by an American company called Cynosure, Inc., in the year 2006. It has been widely recognized that laser-assisted lipolysis systems are very efficient in destroying fat cells and in tightening of tissues via coagulation as one of the parts of a liposuction process.
In November 2009, after the completion of all essential tests, Smartlipo was approved by the Food and Drug Administration or FDA of the United States for use in varied treatment procedures that involved surgical excision, incision, coagulation, ablation, and vaporization of soft tissue.
Smartlipo: The procedure
Traditional liposuction involves the use of a tiny tube referred to as a cannula, to eliminate fat from those areas of the body which cannot be removed via exercise and diet changes. Smartlipo comes with an improved feature that includes the addition of a laser to the cannula. This results in unmatched precision and remarkable results.
The energy emitted by the laser plays a vital role in two major functions of Smartlipo. Firstly, it helps in elimination of fat cells which get liquefied by the laser, thereby facilitating their easier removal. It also aids in an easier and more rapid recovery from Smartlipo surgery as compared to traditional liposuction. Secondly, the laser just sufficiently heats up the skin that is undergoing treatment so as to trigger a response of healing.The healing reaction promotes the generation of additional collagen by the skin, thereby helping it reshape in a tighter manner. This results in smoother and better outcomes than other kinds of liposuction.
Smartlipo is a flexible liposuction method which can be used on almost any part of the body with excess fat that needs to be eliminated. Smartlipo procedures can be used on:
- The upper back
- The lower back
- Arms
- Neck and chin
- Bra rolls
- The chest, which includes reduction of male breast, i.e. gynecomastia
- The stomach or abdominal area
- Flanks, i.e. muffin tops or love handles
- Calves
- Buttocks
- Knees
- Thighs
- Ankles
A Smartlipo procedure is performed in the below discussed manner:
- Use of local anesthesia, which means that the patient is awake during a Smartlipo procedure.
- Making a tiny incision which is approximately the size of a pen tip
- Insertion of the Smartlipo laser fiber via a very tiny tube into the body
- The fat cell membranes are burst by the laser
- The fat cells get permanently destroyed
- Gentle suctioning out of the liquefied fat
- Production of new collagen which causes coagulation of skin and eventual tightening
As per the number of body areas that need to be treated, doctors will usually carry out the procedures in one sitting. The Smartlipo results may differ, but are usually evident after a week. There is continued improvement over a course of 3 to 6 months.
Smartlipo is less invasive and results in high levels of satisfaction among patients. Normal activities can be resumed a lot sooner as opposed to traditional liposuction procedures.
Advantages of Smartlipo
As compared to traditional liposuction procedures, Smartlipo comes with considerably reduced swelling, bleeding, and bruising leading tofaster recovery. The use of local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia also aids in easier and quicker recovery.
A few advantages of Smartlipo are listed below:
- Negligibly-invasive, safe procedure
- Aids coagulation of tissue thereby facilitating tissue tightening
- Treatments for regions with skin laxity and undesirable fat. Ideal for small regions like the neck and face, as also for axillary sweat glands.
- Reduced bleeding and trauma
- Quicker healing times
- Easy treatment of highly fibrotic parts of the body
- Rapid return on the investment
- Consistent results that can be reproduced.
Safety and Smartlipo
The many claims of Smartlipo procedure have been supported by varied clinical studies conducted over a period of more than nine years. The Smartlipo Intelligent Delivery Systems are distinctive systems that are so intelligent that it can help prevent excessive treatment as well as help ascertain the endpoint via integrated motion sensing and temperature.
A 2009 study that was printed in Clinics in Plastic Surgery indicated that Smartlipo has been proven to be a more efficient and safer technique of body contouring. The many histological findings from varied clinical studies signify the advantages of Smartlipo as opposed to traditional liposuction, which includes enhancements in final clinical outcomes and recovery period.
Another study printed in 2006 in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine noted Smartlipo to be a great tool for treating local accumulation of fat. It also indicated that the procedure was ideal for new collagen formation which led to skin tightening via coagulation.
Side effects and risks
Just like any other medical procedure, Smartlipo also comes with certain side effects and risks. Some of the most common adverse effects include temporary and minor swelling, bruising, and discomfort. Patients may also be at risk to scars, infections, possible fat necrosis, and burns or blister formation.
Smartlipo – Cost
Since it is a cosmetic procedure, it is not generally covered by health insurance. The price depends on the number of procedures and the size of the area, treated. A smartlipo procedure on the abdomen may cost $5500 while the one on the neck may set you back by $3000.
Smartlipo – Pictures (Before and After)
