Smartlipo
Liposuction has always been a popular cosmetic surgery option for both men and women, because of its ability to smooth and contour problem areas that won’t respond to diet and exercise. There haven’t been many advances in liposuction techniques in the 40 years since it was first used, but as technology continues to change, liposuction is evolving as well.
Traditional liposuction involves placing an incision in the treatment area, and using a narrow tube known as a cannula, dislodges and suctions out excess fat. It’s a tried and true method, but there are a few downsides. Swelling and bruising, along with a recovery time of up to ten weeks can cause people to think twice about whether liposuction is the right choice for them. However, with the advent of SmartLipo, all of that has changed.
What is SmartLipo?
A much less invasive procedure than traditional liposuction, SmartLipo utilizes what is known as “laser-assisted lipolysis” to target and eliminate fat. During the procedure, a very narrow ward-the SmartLipo laser- is inserted into your body through a tiny incision, and uses thermal energy to destroy fat cells by disrupting the membranes and liquefying the fat inside. The melted fat is gently suctioned out, and as your body’s coagulation process kicks in, your skin is tightened naturally, leaving behind a more slender contour.
The SmartLipo laser uses three wavelengths for three different tasks: first, to destroy fat cells, then to cause coagulation in the blood vessels surrounding the treatment area. The final step in the process is the stimulation of collagen production, as collagen is a natural protein found in your body that is vital for keeping your skin firm and elastic. This means that SmartLipo not only gets rid of fat cells, but actually gives your skin a boost, leaving it stronger and more supple.
What to Expect
SmartLipo is performed as an in-office procedure – no hospital visit is necessary, and Dr. Terrasse uses local anesthesia to numb just the region targeted for treatment. You might feel a bit of tugging or light pressure, but it is mild, as the local anesthesia makes it a painless procedure. The treatment typically lasts no more than two hours, although that will depend on the size and number of spots he is treating. SmartLipo is FDA approved to treat the following areas:
- Abdomen
- Bra fat areas
- Buttocks
- Arms
- Legs
- Face
- Neck
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Recovery and Results
You may have some minor swelling and bruising once you’ve completed your SmartLipo treatment, but they are temporary and can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication. The incision used for the procedure is only about 3mm wide, so unlike traditional liposuction, there are no sutures or drains, and very minimal scarring. Dr. Terrasse may have you wear compression garments for the first few days, to reduce swelling and provide additional support to the treatment areas, and most patients can return to their normal activities and tasks in just a day or two after the procedure.
Within the first week, you will begin to see your svelte new shape, and you will continue to see your results improve over the next three to six months. Because it is such an effective procedure, patients typically only need one treatment to see the change in their body they were looking for. Since SmartLipo destroys the fat cells in the treatment area, the results of the procedure are permanent, as long as you maintain a healthy weight.
If you’ve been struggling with unsightly pockets of fat on your otherwise slender shape, SmartLipo may be the answer for you. Call Terrasse Aesthetic Surgery today at 847-234-2400 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Terrasse. Let us help you put the finishing touch on the slim contour you’ve worked so hard to achieve through the use of this very minimally invasive treatment.