FYI Cosmetics

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The number one fastest growing cosmetic procedure in the United States is SmartLipo™. This is one of the first laser assisted liposuction procedures that effectively destroys and permanently eliminates fat cells. Manufactured by Cynosure, the device has been FDA approved since November 2006. SmartLipo™ uses 1064 Nd: YAG laser light to melt fat and destroy fat cells, making it far less invasive than traditional liposuction.

While anyone can be a candidate for SmartLipo™ the ideal candidate is within 25 lbs of their ideal weight and exercises regularly. SmartLipo™ works best on small areas of localized fat deposits, especially areas that have not or do not responded to diet and exercise. Those who need to lose a significant amount of fat will not achieve satisfactory results and will have a more effective treatment with traditional liposuction. Since SmartLipo™ best treats small areas, the total surgery time is decreased. Minimal bruising, minimal pain, and quicker recovery times add to the benefits of the laser assisted treatment.

Similar to traditional liposuction, a tumescent solution is injected under the skin in the area to be treated. Tumescent fluid is a special solution of saline, anesthetic and epinephrine used to assist in numbing the site, minimize bleeding, decrease bruising and aide in the removal of the liquefied fat. Once the skin is infused with the solution, an optical fiber attached to a very small cannula (wand-like tube), is then inserted under the skin. The tip of the cannula or probe is then touched to the fat cells causing them to rupture and liquefy. The fat is then easily suctioned away with minimal effort. The laser energy will help coagulate blood vessels and the concentrated heat generated by the laser will stimulate the collagen to contract and tighten the skin. Since smaller areas are treated as well as smaller probes the treatment is considered minimally invasive and therefore can be done under local anesthesia or IV sedation. A minimally invasive procedure also means faster results with fewer complications. SmartLipo™ reports faster healing times and most patients can be back to work within 2 days and have bandages off in 2 weeks or less.

Treatment with SmartLipo™ generally results in less swelling and bleeding as compared to traditional liposuction methods. Usually only one 45 minute session is needed. After the procedure, a pressure garment may be applied to help decrease swelling. Most normal activities can be resumed in as little as 24 hours. Results can be seen soon after the procedure, with treated areas appearing tighter and smaller, however the best results are usually seen in 6-8 weeks. SmartLipo™ is ideal for localized pockets of fat or areas that have been resistant to traditional liposuction. The dimpling, rippling, bumps and pockets that have often been associated with traditional liposuction outcomes are generally not seen with SmartLipo. The results when performed by a skilled surgeon can be nearly perfect.

Additionally it should be noted that liposuction in any form will not improve cellulite or other skin surface irregularities, including stretch marks. It is also is not a method of weight loss.
It is important to establish realistic expectations with your doctor. As with any surgical procedure, a consultation with your certified cosmetic surgeon will be able to answer all of your questions regarding SmartLipo and liposuction. Costs can range nationally from $3000- $4000 for one area.

The most commonly asked question by men and women alike when they first hear about this revolutionary new liposuction procedure is: what exactly is Smart Lipo? Traditional liposuction treatments are known by all to be very successful for removing excess, unwanted fat, but they are also known to be invasive, painful and somewhat risky. Liposuction is a procedure that effectively removes fat deposits from beneath the skin using a hollow tube called a cannula in conjunction with a highly powerful vacuum suction; during the traditional treatment fat deposits are literally sucked out of the body. When fat is removed using this traditional technique, other body areas are affected which is why the procedure is so risky, But Smart Lipo has revolutionized the way patients remove unwanted fat.

A continual progression in aesthetic technology has brought about new medical procedures that have been designed to replace their more traditional counterparts; Smart Lipo is one of those treatments. Traditional liposuction has been known to be very effective, but is has many downsides as well: pain, bruising, downtime and risk. All of these downsides are because of the way the treatment is performed. When the vacuum suction is used to remove unwanted fat cells, blood vessels, nerves and tissue in the treatment area is also affected. Surrounding tissue damage can lead to excessive bleeding and pronounced bruising which can be very painful and can require a significant amount of downtime to fully heal. All of these components make this treatment risky to undergo. Smart Lipo laser lipolysis is a technologically advanced form of liposuction that provides the same fat reduction results without damaging surrounding tissue—this means a contoured shape without the excessive risk, pain and downtime.

So how does the Smart Lipo treatment actually work? Similar to traditional liposuction, the Smart Lipo procedure begins with a tiny incision (usually 1 to 2 mm) in the treatment area; this allows access to the fatty pockets. Through the incision the laser fiber is introduced via a handpiece and a detachable cannula. Once inserted, the laser is then passed in a fanning motion over the treatment area and the light energy works to effectively liquefy unwanted fact cells for easy removal. Once liquefied, mild suction is used to remove the excess waste, so all patients are left with is a smooth, contoured shape that lasts.

Now the reason this fat reduction procedure is so revolutionary, is because unlike traditional liposuction, Smart Lipo does minimal damage to the tissue and other vital components that are in and around the treated area. The laser energy not only liquefies fat, but it also effectively cauterizes the blood vessels and other essential tissues in the treatment area which drastically reduces bleeding and bruising, thus reducing the overall downtime needed. This also reduces the overall risk involved with the procedure which makes it overall a much better fat reduction option. For men and women who are looking for an innovative new way to remove excess fat for a more contoured shape, consider Smart Lipo laser lipolysis.