Is SmartLipo Better than Traditional Liposuction?

It’s not uncommon to have pockets of fat that settle on areas of the body and don’t respond to diet and exercise. Pockets of fat may appear due to genetics, the natural aging process, pregnancy, or fluctuations in weight. 

While maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help keep the body fit, sometimes outside assistance is necessary to achieve the look you want. SmartLipo is a less invasive form of liposuction that provides the benefits of fat reduction without the recovery period of traditional liposuction.

What Is SmartLipo Laser Liposuction?

SmartLipo is an FDA-approved laser liposuction technique effective for body contouring and fat reduction. It combines a laser and a minimally invasive cannula (tube) to melt fat and remove it from the body. During the procedure, the heat from the laser provides additional skin tightening benefits, resulting in a tighter, sleeker appearance to the body.

Patients who choose SmartLipo are typically pleased by the results and can see a significant reduction in fat in the treated areas. The reduced downtime, compared to traditional liposuction, is an additional benefit, as patients are usually able to return to work and light activity within a week following their procedure.

How Is SmartLipo Different from Traditional Liposuction?

Traditional liposuction involves creating several small incisions in the areas to be treated. A solution of salt water, local anesthesia, and epinephrine is injected into the tissues, which causes fat in the area to swell. 

The cannula is inserted into the incision site, and the fat is vacuumed from the body. The time to perform traditional liposuction varies. Small areas can be treated within an hour, while multiple treatment sites may require three to four hours to complete. 

Once the fat has been suctioned, the incision areas are closed with sutures. Drainage tubes remain attached to the body for several days to capture any additional fat. Depending on the number of areas treated and the amount of fat removed, recovery may last up to three weeks before patients can return to normal activities. 

There is no skin tightening benefit associated with traditional liposuction. Patients sometimes need a separate skin tightening procedure following traditional liposuction, especially if they have diminished skin elasticity.

SmartLipo is different from traditional liposuction. First, SmartLipo involves the use of a laser to liquefy fat. The liquefaction results in easier removal through the cannula. The laser also provides mild skin tightening benefits. The surrounding skin tissues are subjected to the laser’s heat, resulting in enhanced collagen production and skin firming. 

Following a laser lipo treatment, patients have a shorter recovery than traditional liposuction. Recovery may last up to a week before the patient can return to regular activities. Results become fully apparent as the skin heals, with optimal results appearing within six months after treatment.

Who Is a Good Candidate for SmartLipo?

Good candidates for laser liposuction are already within a healthy weight range but have stubborn pockets of fat they can’t get rid of. Potential patients should understand that laser lipo is not a solution for weight loss and that being at a healthy weight can improve the results of the procedure. 

Those with poor skin elasticity may want to consider other procedures besides liposuction. If fat is removed from individuals with skin laxity, it may make the condition appear worse. 

The skilled doctors at Medi-Slim Wellness can help determine whether you’re an appropriate candidate for SmartLipo by assessing the areas you want to treat and considering your medical history.

What Can I Expect During a SmartLipo Laser Lipo Procedure?

Before undergoing SmartLipo, you’ll meet with one of the knowledgeable doctors at Medi-Slim Wellness. Our doctors are highly skilled in obesity and metabolic wellness and will be with you every step of the way if you decide to try SmartlLipo. 

During the consultation, we’ll discuss the goals you’re seeking to achieve through laser liposuction and examine the areas to be treated. 

We’ll ask for your complete medical history and a list of medications you’re currently taking to ensure that there are no contraindications that can prevent you from undergoing SmartLipo. Our medical team can answer any questions you have related to the procedure and your recovery period and discuss aftercare instructions.

On the day of your SmartLipo procedure, you’ll receive either local or general anesthesia. A tiny incision, no larger than 1 mm, will be made to the treatment site, and a laser fiber will be inserted into the incision to target fat. As it heats the surrounding fat cells, they will liquefy, and the laser will help tighten and stimulate collagen production.

Once the laser is removed, a cannula will be inserted into the incision to remove the liquefied fat with a suctioning technique. The cannula will be removed once the fat has been vacuumed from the area. Due to the small size of the incision, no stitches are required. 

Following a brief recovery period, you’ll be able to return home. Our dedicated team will provide you with the aftercare instructions required to ensure that you have all of the information needed to continue your recovery. Of course, if questions arise following the procedure, you may reach out to us for assistance.

Are You Ready to Try SmartLipo?

If you have a few fat pockets that you can’t get rid of, SmartLipo may be the laser lipo treatment you’re looking for. This body contouring technique requires minimal downtime and has significant benefits. 

To schedule a consultation, reach out to the experienced team at Medi-Slim Wellness in Rancho Cucamonga, CA. We can help you determine whether SmartLipo is right for you.