Smart Lipo is a less invasive form of liposuction that uses laser energy to liquefy tissue before being vacuumed out, as a result, the fat is easier to remove and there is less trauma in the surrounding areas. This procedure was approved by the FDA in 2006 as a method of fat removal and has been widely used since then.
On top of removing fat, smart lipo also stimulates collagen production to help tighten the skin and boost elasticity. The ideal candidate for smart lipo, however, wants to reduce fat in certain areas but does not have excessively loose skin.
Smart Lipo vs. Liposuction
Smart lipo is similar to liposuction as the fat is suctioned out with a tube. However, smart lipo uses laser energy to kill and liquify fat before suctioning, whereas liposuction just removes the fat, causing more trauma. Smart lipo also has a skin tightening effect due to its stimulation of collagen production.
The laser fiber for smart lipo is very small at 1mm, so the incisions are much smaller than that of traditional liposuction, which uses a 3mm to 5mm tube. The difference in processes makes recovery of smart lipo much easier and less painful than traditional, more invasive liposuction.
Since the laser fiber is so small, smart lipo is perfect for smaller areas of the body, making it possible to treat many more areas of the body.
Smart Lipo Side Effects
Although smart lipo is less invasive than traditional liposuction, it is still a surgery that is performed over local anesthesia. This means it can carry the same risks as most surgeries and some specific to the procedure itself. The most common risks and side effects include but are not limited to:
- Bruising
- Infection
- Hematoma
- Scarring
- Pain
- Numbness
- Soreness
Some of the less common side effects include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Shock
- Burns of the skin or underlying tissues
Smart Lipo Recovery
Although recovery from Smart Lipo is easier than traditional liposuction, patients will still experience some pain, discomfort, soreness, and/or numbness. Due to these side effects, you may want to take some time off work if these may affect how you do your job. Most patients go back to all normal activities after about a week of recovery.
After your procedure, you may receive a compression garment to help with the swelling of the treated areas. This will not only help with inflammation but also conform your skin to your new body shape. You will want to wear this compression garment for 1 to 2 weeks, however, this may vary depending on the areas treated and how much fat was removed.
Since Smart Lipo recovery may include some inflammation, you should check with your doctor before doing any strenuous exercise to prevent any further inflammation or complications. As long as patients maintain a stable weight after this procedure, results will last since Smart Lipo is a skin tightening procedure on top of fat reduction. It is important to exercise regularly and keep a healthy diet to stay fit and prolong the results of this procedure.
What is Smart Lipo 360?
Smart Lipo 360 is a liposuction procedure for the midsection of the body, which includes the flanks, abdomen, and lower back areas. Completing this procedure 360 degrees around can help create a more natural-looking and balanced appearance. Smart Lipo, also known as Laser Liposuction is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses heat from lasers to melt away fat as well as stimulate the growth of collagen, which helps tighten the skin.
During the procedure, the treatment area is injected with a saline solution that contains a local anesthetic to help numb the area. A very small incision is made to allow a tube, or cannula, containing a fiber to be inserted directly into the fat cells to deliver the laser energy and cause the fat cells to burst; the liquified fat is then suctioned out of the body. Different size cannulas can be used depending on the size of the area being treated. Once the swelling begins to fade after treatment, patients will start to see results within a week and full results are expected between 4 to 6 months.
In general, liposuction is a cosmetic procedure that removes fat cells from certain areas of the body. The most significant difference between Liposuction and Smart Lipo 360 is that Lipo 360 can target multiple regions of the abdomen area at once, while Liposuction focuses on a single area at one time. Smart Lipo 360 uses 360-degree liposuction, which results in a more effective and efficient procedure.
Smart Lipo and Lipo 360 are two procedures that are conducted in the same way. However, Smart Lipo is generally used in different areas one by one, whereas Lipo 360 is used in multiple areas at once. With Smart Lipo, one can expect a quick recovery, but would require numerous procedures if different areas of the body are requested to be treated; on the other hand with Lipo 360, all of the desired treatment areas can be done in one procedure. This will require a longer recovery time and possibly more time off from work until the patient feels up to their job requirements depending on what they do.
The Takeaway
Smart Lipo seems to be the go-to procedure for those who want to target problem areas when it comes to losing weight and body shaping. This procedure should not be used by itself for weight loss, as it delivers the best results when used after significant weight loss. This procedure allows the option to have different areas worked on at different times to help with costs, as well as recovery.
Set up your first appointment today! You will not be disappointed in the results. Your weight loss journey will be rewarded with the body shape goal you’ve been working so hard to achieve.
