Five Fat Fighters
Cellulite & Fat Reduction Treatment

Laser Liposuction … Something New

There’s something new on the beauty horizon and it’s huge! It’s a procedure that actually melts away fat.  This procedure is marketed under many names, laser liposuction, laser lipolysis or better yet, ‘SmartLipo.’ It’s been around Europe, Asia, and South America for a few years now, and just last November, the FDA here, gave the SmartLipo machine the thumbs up.

 The Smartlipo machine came to America after Dr. Byrd, while traveling in Italy a year ago, happened to see a procedure with the new machine and took some training while there. Later, the manufacturer called to ask if she would like to have one of the first devices earmarked for the United States. Since early December 2006, Dr. Byrd has done about 75 Smartlipo procedures.

 "The laser on the Smartlipo is one we surgeons have been using for years to remove hair and veins from skin," Dr. Byrd says. "I now use tumescent liposuction to remove large amounts of weight and then Smartlipo afterwards to tighten the skin. That usually means no return trips to the cosmetic surgeon for touch-ups.

In tumescent liposuction, saline, pain killers and other medications are injected into the fatty area being treated.
 
‘People Magazine’ reported that, “SmartLipo may be as close as humans can come to that fat-melting fantasy.”

Almost anyone can be a good candidate for SmartLipo. In general, the ideal candidate:  is in good health, exercises regularly, is within 25 lbs. of his or her ideal weight; has one or more areas of local body fat deposits that have responded poorly to diet and exercise; and is bothered by these fatty areas, and is motivated to get rid of them permanently. One article did indicate that contraindications for this procedure would include individuals with:  diabetes, liver problems, blood disorders, kidney problems, heart problems and skin disorders.

The Procedure:  The newest generation of liposuction machines uses lasers to melt fat as opposed to using suction to remove the fat. Some experts predict laser-based liposuction machines will entirely replace current technology.   SmartLipo uses a carefully calibrated laser to liquefy fat deposits through the top layers of the patient's skin. The laser actually ruptures fat cells, and the resulting oily, liquid substance is then removed through a tiny incision in the skin by the surgeon. The small laser can also seal blood vessels as it zaps fat, so there is less swelling, bleeding and bruising than with traditional liposuction. Research has shown that little, if any, fat is reabsorbed back into the body. The minimal invasiveness of the procedure allows patients to see faster results and to experience fewer complications. In addition, SmartLipo’s patients need only a local anesthetic for this procedure, whereas liposuction requires general anesthesia.

SmartLipo Informational VIDEO

Recovery:  SmartLipo carries much fewer risks than traditional liposuction, and the recovery time is much shorter.  Experts attribute this to the exceptionally thin, laser-tipped tube, or cannula, which seals blood vessels while dissolving fat cells. 

SmartLipo versus Traditional Liposuction

Traditional liposuction can remove large quantities of fat. However, it can also produce scarring, bruising and bleeding, sometimes lumpy results, and a longer recovery time.

With SmartLipo, the cannula used is extremely thin. In fact, its thickness is said to be equal to two pencil lines drawn next to each other.  And what’s incredible about this device is the laser-tipped cannula that actually seals the blood vessels while destroying the fat cells permanently.  In addition, only local anesthetic drugs are used in the SmartLipo procedure. There are no extensive stitches or incisions to possibly get infected, and no lengthy hospital stays are required.  Find a SmartLipo Location  near you.