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SmartLipo ®

  • What is SmartLipo?
  • Why should I use SmartLipo?
  • What do physicians think about SmartLipo?
  • What Does SmartLipo Treat?
  • Is SmartLipo an effective treatment for cellulite?
  • What is the procedure like?
  • How long is the recovery period?
  • Reviews
  • What is SmartLipo?

    SmartLipo is an FDA-approved technique that uses laser light to dissolve unwanted pockets of adipose (fat) tissue into a liquid form. The softened adipose produced by this technique can then be suctioned out of the body or left to by absorbed by the body's lympathic system. SmartLipo begins with a very small cut in the skin -- so small that stitches are rarely needed -- before a laser is used to coagulate blood vessels in that area. This minimally-invasive technique results in fewer stitches and reduces the bruising and swelling common with standard liposuction procedures.

    Why should I consider SmartLipo?

    The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery lists liposuction as the most popular cosmetic surgery being performed today. In 2006 alone, liposuction treatments were provided to over 400,000 people.

    The popularity of liposuction treatments has also increased in recent years, with Americans putting on more weight as time goes by. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 66% of Americans are currently overweight. Traditional liposuction can assist in removing some of the excess weight that most people carry, but is limited in areas where there is a high concentration of blood vessels, like under the arms or “double chin”.

    In these areas, SmartLipo and other laser-assisted lipolysis treatments are a safer and more effective choice. The laser that dissolves unwanted adipose fat is also able to coagulate the blood cells in those areas, minimizing bleeding and swelling. It can thus function as a stand-alone procedure for problem areas or as a complement to traditional liposuction.

    What do physicians think about SmartLipo?

    Some patients are not open to the idea of invasive surgery involved with traditional liposuction, but SmartLipo offers a minimally-invasive alternative. "With SmartLipo, the incision is tiny -- one millimeter for most areas -- and causes little trauma to the tissue," says Dr. Robert Gotkin, "Patients are able to heal quickly, they have little or no scarring, and the results don't fade over time."

    Dr. Bruce Katz of New York says, “It is a laser-assisted technology, so it tightens the overlying tissue. Many of my patients used to require a face lift in addition to the liposuction, but SmartLipo eliminates that need.”

    What Does SmartLipo Treat?

    SmartLipo has been shown to reduce fat and cellulite in the following areas:
    • Hips (Saddlebags)
    • Upper Abdomen
    • Lower Abdomen
    • Buttocks
    • Thighs
    • Male Breast (Gynecomastia)
    • Inner Arms
    • As an adjunct to traditional liposuction

    Is SmartLipo an effective treatment for cellulite?

    For some patients SmartLipo has been shown to be effective in treating cellulite, though it is primarily used for body contouring. It works by removing pockets of fat that cause the dimpling or "orange-peel" texture common with cellulite. It also promotes collagen generation and contraction, so that skin in treated areas is smoother and tighter. “SmartLipo offers improved results," says Dr. Alberto Goldman, "Our studies have had very impressive results in terms of cellulite improvement.”

    What is the procedure like?

    SmartLipo is available as an outpatient procedure, which means that it can be done in your doctor's office with just a local and/or tumescent anesthesia. You will be awake and alert through the duration of the procedure. After the initial incision is made, a tiny tube will be introduced through the skin. Heat is then sent through this tube (a thin laser fiber) to the areas of cellulite, where it dissolves the fat that causes dimpling. Any remaining fat is then suctioned out.

    How long is the recovery period?

    Most patients should expect a 24 to 48 hour initial recovery time during which they should take it easy at home. A return to normal activity can take place after 48 hours. The incision will, however, need to stay bandaged for up to two weeks while healing takes place.

    SmartLipo provides permanent results, but heavy weight gain after the procedure can negate or diminish results.

    SmartLipo Reviews

    Write a Review

     I am so Much Happier!

    I had Smartlipo done about 5 months ago and I am so happy with the results. I had a post baby pooch [more]
    Boston, MA   Oct 05, 2009

     Success With Smartlipo MPX

    I had smartlipo MPX around 6 months ago and I couldn't be happier with the results. It was the best [more]
    Cleveland, OH   Aug 17, 2009

     SmartLipo- 3 Days Post Op

    I just had smartlipo done to tone up my love handles (the only thing that they loved to do was hang [more]
    Birmingham, AL   Jun 29, 2009

     SmartLipo Amazing!

    I tried everything under the sun to tighten up my stomach after I had my 2 kids. I worked out every [more]
    Boise, ID   Jun 03, 2009

     Only Thing That Worked

    I had horrible cellulite on my butt and thighs. It was so embarrassing that I would never go out in [more]
    Columbus, OH   Apr 07, 2009

     Smart Lipo Sent From Above

    I had a pooch on my stomach that I could never seem to get rid of. I don't know how I got it, I eat [more]
    Boulder, CO   Mar 31, 2009

     I am so Much Happier With Myself

    I have never ever liked the way that my butt and thighs look. They are the place where I tend to [more]
    New York, NY   Mar 30, 2009

     Love Love Love Smartlipo!

    All I can say is I LOVE SmartLipo!!! I have always carried my weight in my butt and thighs and of [more]
    Albequerque, NM   Mar 01, 2009

     Say Goodbye to Cellulite!

    All I can say is, "WOW!". I have lived with cellulite on my legs for years, and I can finally wear [more]
    Washington, DC   Feb 26, 2009
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