Rather than putting your body through aggressive liposuction procedures, SmartLipo is a far less evasive option. This procedure is not even a decade old and is gaining popularity quickly. The reason for this being is that the recovery time is much less and. Results vary from patient to patient with some requiring an additional procedure to be completed at a later date.
Explanation
SmartLipo is a way of performing liposuction using a less invasive approach. Essentially it is a laser assisted, mechanical way of melting fat from the body. The goal is to disrupt fat cells and break them down for easy removal. The skin tissue strengthens and coagulates to reduce additional fat growth.
History
This procedure was developed in 2006 by a company called Cynosure, Inc. It is an FDA approved procedure that requires a small amount of anesthetic to reduce discomfort during the procedure. The process was approved by the FDA in 2009.
Procedure
The procedure begins with a small amount of anesthetic being administered. A small incision is made on the body in the area that is going to be treated. A calibrated laser is used to liquefy the fat deposits in the body. This is only done for the top few layers of the skin.
The job of the laser is to rupture fat cells. This is how the cells become liquefied. Removal is completed by suctioning out the liquid through the small incision. To reduce swelling and bleeding following the procedure, the laser can be used to burn blood vessels to close them.
Some fat is expected to be reabsorbed back into the body. Following the procedure compression bandages are applied to help reduce pressure and edema. The other reason for the compression bandages is to prevent the treated tissues from shifting too much, reducing the effects of the procedure and lengthening the recovery time.
Reasons to Consider SmartLipo
If you should have a small amount of unwanted fat on the body, SmartLipo should be considered. This process will not work well for those with excessive amounts of fat on the body; traditional liposuction will be needed for that.
Body areas that are ideal for SmartLipo procedures:
- Thighs
- Upper arms
- Hips
- Ankles
- Chins areas
- Abdomen
This is ideal for those that have less than 10 pounds of excess fat on the body as a cosmetic weight loss procedure. Multiple areas can be treated at one time. Each area would require compression bandages. If the results expected are not achieved, the process can be completed again after the body is completely healed and the tissues return to normal.
Recovery Time
Recovery time for this procedure should not be more than a few days. It is not an invasive or major procedure. It is an outpatient process that requires a few days of taking it easy and watching how you move your body. It is best to refrain from straining, coughing or moving too much without proper rest while recovering.
Potential Risks/Side Effects
Potential risks include an adverse reaction to anesthesia, regaining of the fat removed and a minor infection. In some extreme cases, a bacterial or blood infection can occur. Severe swelling is another rare side effect that can affect blood flow. Some patients have experienced bruising, blistering or minor burns from the laser. It is important to examine the area worked on daily. If there are any changes within the skin, signs of a rash or infection at the incision site, you should contact your doctor immediately for further instructions. In most cases, a simple medication can be prescribed to alleviate the issue completely.
When you are considering this laser skin treatment, it is ideal to discuss any medications that you are on that can affect your recovery time. It is also important to bring up any chronic health problems that could affect the procedure or your recovery time. You must follow up with a good diet, exercise and any aftercare instructions given following the procedure. Maintaining a proper diet with exercise will help reduce the amount of fat that can be reabsorbed back into the body. Walking and bike riding are the ideal exercises to use in order to keep the fat removed from reforming on the body. Also do your best with lifestyle changes by reducing salt and fat intake. Eat as naturally as possible.
