Shopping for Liposuction

In the past few years shopping for laser liposuction procedures has become more difficult due to droves of misleading information advertised all over the internet. As a result, we see many patients who have literally achieved “no improvement” from some of these procedures done at other facilities.   Dr. Kulkin provides every patient with honest and reasonable expectations about the results he can achieve with Smartlipo. We know that there are many liposuction techniques and procedures being offered at many facilities in Atlanta and we urge anyone considering this type of procedure to do their homework.  Here are a few things we believe you should consider before making your decision. 

 

1-Many excellent surgeons in Atlanta are simply not trained to use lasers and have become comfortable using older techniques.  As a result they will not offer these newer, more effective procedures.

 

2-In the “old days” only Plastic surgeons performed liposuction.  Today a new group of  physicians, trained to use lasers and perform surgery, are able to perform liposuction with the added benefit of the laser There is a concern that this procedure is being performed in some clinics by doctors who have not done a surgically based Residency and have no Board Certification in any specialty. Remember, you can evaluate any physician in Georgia at the web site of the Georgia Medical Board. 

 

3- NOT every laser liposuction procedure is Smartlipo. Smartlipo is actually a laser. The Smartlipo laser comes in several strengths.  The “old” lasers are 6-30 watts while we use the strongest one available at 46 Watts.   This is very significant as the increased power allows us to more efficiently melt fat and tighten skin. Smartlipo actually has medical research proving its ability to tighten skin. 

 

4-Some clinics use a laser as an “added touch” to what is really traditional liposuction.   At WIFH, Dr. Kulkin does extensive melting of the fat and tightening.  We are able to tell you approximately how much laser energy we will use to melt the area we are treating.  This is quite important as you are getting a better result when the fat is properly melted.  For example, when you go for a consultation, be sure to ask how many joules of energy will be used in the area to melt the fat.  While we recognize that abdomens do differ in size, we typically deliver 50,000-80,000 joules of energy to a full abdomen.   If you get an answer of 10,000 joules, we suggest you continue looking, as the laser is not being used to its potential.

 

5-Our fees include “everything”!  That means, labs, compression garment, pre and post procedure visits, OR fees, etc are included.  The only additional cost will be for your prescription drug medications. In addition, you will be given Dr. Kulkin’s cell phone number so you will have direct access to him for any questions following your procedure.