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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.

The Drawbacks of Traditional Liposuction

Traditional liposuction involves placing an incision in the treatment area and using a narrow tube known as a cannula to dislodge and suction 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 10 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 this body contouring procedure, a very narrow wand — the Smartlipo laser — is inserted into your body through a tiny incision. This laser uses thermal energy to destroy fat cells by disrupting the membranes and liquefying the fat inside. The melted fat is then gently suctioned out. 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.
  • Second, to cause coagulation in the blood vessels surrounding the treatment area. This helps reduce bleeding during the procedure and swelling afterward.
  • The final step in the process is the stimulation of collagen production. 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.

How Much Fat Does Smartlipo® Remove?

Smartlipo can remove up to five liters of fat. While this volume does not translate directly to pounds, some patients lose up to 12 pounds. The amount of fat removed during your procedure will depend on the amount of fat you have to begin with, your body composition and various other factors.

What Areas Can Smartlipo® Treat?

Smartlipo is FDA approved to treat the following areas:

  • Abdomen
  • Bra fat areas
  • Buttocks
  • Arms
  • Legs
  • Face
  • Neck
  • Chest

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Am I a Good Candidate for Smartlipo®?

Men and women with troublesome fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise are potential candidates for Smartlipo. You should be in good general health without any medical conditions or diseases that might interfere with surgery or healing before considering Smartlipo. Patients at a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI) tend to achieve the best and most noticeable Smartlipo results.

What to Expect From Your Smartlipo® Procedure

Smartlipo is performed as an in-office procedure — no hospital visit is necessary. The treatment typically lasts no more than two hours, although that will depend on the size and number of spots Dr. Terrasse is treating.

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used for Smartlipo®?

This minimally invasive procedure does not require general anesthesia like most traditional liposuction procedures. Dr. Terrasse uses local anesthesia to numb just the region targeted for treatment.

Is Smartlipo® Painful?

Local anesthesia makes Smartlipo a painless procedure. You might feel a bit of tugging or light pressure, but it is mild.

How Big Are the Incisions for Smartlipo®?

The incisions needed for this procedure are very small, measuring about ⅛ inch long. Most incisions heal inconspicuously without any visible scarring.

How Is Smartlipo® Performed?

Dr. Terrasse carefully inserts the Smartlipo cannula through the incisions into the treatment area. This specialized cannula delivers laser energy to liquefy fat, constrict blood vessels and stimulate collagen production. Dr. Terrasse then removes the melted fat from the body through the cannula using a suctioning device. The incisions are closed with sutures and covered with bandages.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Smartlipo®?

The majority of patients only require a few days to recover from Smartlipo before returning to work and most of their usual routine. However, patients should avoid vigorous activities like exercise, sitting in hot tubs or saunas, and taking blood thinners for approximately 10 days. Wearing a compression garment throughout your Smartlipo recovery can speed up the healing process and reduce swelling.

How Long After Smartlipo® Does Swelling Go Down?

Because of the gentle technique and technology used for Smartlipo, patients don’t experience significant swelling, and most of it resolves within a few days to a week. We recommend avoiding high-sodium foods during this time to reduce the chances of unnecessary bloating and swelling.

How Long After Smartlipo® Will I See Results?

Most patients see noticeable body contouring results about one week after their Smartlipo procedure, with results continuing to improve over the following three to six months. While you can enjoy your more slender body contours right away, your skin may not begin to tighten for three to four weeks, as it takes time for the collagen to build.

How Long Do Smartlipo® Results Last?

The results of Smartlipo are generally permanent; the fat removed during the procedure cannot come back. However, gaining weight can cause the remaining fat cells in the treated area to increase in size, which will affect your body contours.

To maintain the best Smartlipo results, we recommend following a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a nutritious diet.

Learn More About Minimally Invasive Fat Removal With Smartlipo® in Lake Forest, IL

Smartlipo offers a gentle, minimally invasive way to eliminate unwanted body fat. Whether you suffer from a double chin, belly pooch, love handles or saddlebags, Smartlipo can help trim and tighten these areas and more for slim, attractive body contours.

Call us today at 847-234-2400 or fill out our contact form to schedule your personalized Smartlipo consultation with Dr. Terrasse in Lake Forest, IL.

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