Smart Lipo fat treatment is the latest method for removing fat with a
laser. The technique was first discovered in Europe and has recently
become available in the USA. The technique has been used extensively
in South America, Europe and Asia for the past 10 years. The technique
involves the use of a laser to rapidly dissolve the fat and tighten
the surrounding skin almost anywhere in the body. The procedure is
done in an office and does not require the use of a general
anesthetic.
Smart Lipo is an excellent technique for removal of fat from
difficult areas of the body. It is more efficient at removing fat from
localized pockets which have proven resistant to conventional
liposuction or exercise. The ideal patient is one who is in good
health, not obese, has an active lifestyle and has pockets of fat they
wish to remove.
Smart Lipo has been designed to treat localized pockets of fat in
the following areas:
- waist
- chin (double or hanging chin)
- inner and outer thighs
- hips
- buttocks
- upper arms
- face (not around eyes)
- male with breasts
- back of neck
- pubic mound
The procedure is excellent for removal of localized fat and as much
as 3500 mls of fat can be melted away at a single session.
SmartLipo is not suited for individuals with:
- diabetes
- liver problems
- blood disorders
- kidney problems
- heart problems
- skin disorders
The procedure is done in an office or clinic. Prior to the
procedure, the fatty areas are marked and a local anesthetic is used
to numb the area. The laser is a pen held device which is fired close
to the skin. As soon as the laser is fired, the fat cells break up.
The fluid release from the fat cells is drained away by the body’s
natural system (lymphatics). The laser also causes small blood vessels
to coagulate (gel) immediately on contact, resulting in less bleeding
and swelling. The laser also affects the collagen in the skin which
later causes the skin to tighten and shrink. Each session take about
30-45 mins.
The majority of individuals have minimal bruising and are pain
free. A pressure dressing or a compression is garment depending on the
location of the treated area. The compression dressing or garment
helps to decrease the swelling. The bruising disappears in 2-3 days
and all individuals are able to resume their normal activities within
24 hours. The mild ache can be relieved with over the counter pain
medications.
Soon after the laser treatment, the area will appear tighter,
compact and smaller. Within 6-8 weeks, the skin and surrounding area
will remodel and adjust to the body contour. The remodeling is a
gradual process and the best results are seen after 2 months.
The required sessions depend on the area and location. Generally
1-3 sessions are more than adequate for most individuals. Repeat
sessions are only done after an interval period of 3-6 months.
Can Smart Lipo be used with liposuction? Yes, SmartLipo is designed
to treat small and harder to get areas of fat. After conventional
surgical liposuction is done and if small amounts of remodeling are
required, Smart Lipo is an excellent adjunct.
Advantages of Smart Lipo include:
- Minimal discomfort during the procedure
- There is minimal pain which only lasts 24-48 hrs
- Majority of individuals can return to work in 24 hrs
- There is minimal bleeding or bruising
- There is no loosening or hanging skin after the procedure
- There are no side effects of general anesthesia
- There are no incisions or suturing involved
The SmartLipo fat reduction treatment received clearance from the
FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) in November 2006.
Is Smart Lipo is strictly a cosmetic procedure and as such is not
covered by any insurance companies.
