SmartLipo

The Difference Between Traditional Liposuction & SmartLipo

More than 240,000 liposuction procedures are performed in the United States every year, making it one of the most common cosmetic surgery treatments. Often referred to as “lipo”, it involves permanently getting rid of body fat by “sucking” it out of the body. Lipo is ideal for patients who have attempted unsuccessfully to get rid of localized fat deposits in certain parts of their bodies by diet, exercise, and weight loss.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, liposuction is routinely ranked as the second most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in the US.

Since the early days of liposuction, when Italian and French surgeons utilized suction to remove fat for the first time in 1974, lipo techniques have come a long way. Since then, there have been two notable improvements to liposuction surgery.

The change to tumescent liposuction, invented by California dermatologist Dr. Jeffrey Klein, where a smaller cannula is utilized for the treatment, was the first of these in 1985. The inclusion of laser light to the process, known as SmartLipo, is the other important development in liposuction. In 2006, the FDA approved SmartLipo.

In this article our Birmingham, MI cosmetic surgeons explain the improvements of SmartLipo over traditional liposuction.

What is Smart Lipo?

Smart Lipo, also known as laser lipolysis or laser liposuction, is a cosmetic procedure that uses laser energy to melt and remove unwanted fat from the body. The procedure is typically performed on the face, neck, arms, stomach, thighs, and buttocks. SmartLipo is done under local anesthesia, with a small laser fiber that is inserted through a tiny incision in the skin. The laser energy heats and melts the fat, which is then suctioned out of the body using a cannula.

Because the fat is melted or “liquified” before removal, Smart Lipo is less invasive than traditional liposuction and typically results in less pain and swelling.

Traditional Liposuction vs. “Smart” Lipo

While regular (non-laser) liposuction and SmartLipo are both successful in removing extra fat, there are several important distinctions to be aware of.

To remove fat from beneath the skin, traditional liposuction employs a cannula and manual manipulation. SmartLipo uses laser heat to liquefy or soften the fat, making it simpler to remove using the cannula. This usually causes the patient to have less bruising.

SmartLipo treatment offers the additional benefit of skin tightening thanks to the use of laser heat. There is a higher chance of dimpling or sagging following liposuction since it has no skin-tightening effects on its own, especially in older patients whose skin has lost more of its elasticity.

Traditional liposuction necessitates a lengthier recovery period and up to 6 weeks or more of compression clothing wear. The majority of SmartLipo patients see a complete recovery in only a few days and often only require compression clothing for a couple weeks.

Because Smart Lipo is less invasive than traditional liposuction, it typically results in less pain and swelling, and can be performed under local anesthesia, which may make it safer for some patients. The procedure is also associated with a lower risk of bleeding and bruising.

How Much Fat Can be Removed with SmartLipo

The amount of fat that can be removed with Smart Lipo can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the individual’s body type and the specific area being treated.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the maximum amount of fat that can be safely removed in one liposuction procedure is around 5 liters! That’s more than two 2-liter bottles of soda! Imagine removing that much fat from your belly or butt!

But remember, this is a general guideline and it’s not appropriate for every patient, as it depends on the individual’s overall health and safety.

The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) recommends that the amount of fat removed should not exceed 5% of the patient’s body weight. But it’s important to note that liposuction is not a weight loss procedure, and it’s not meant for individuals who are significantly overweight.

SmartLipo is best for individuals who are in good overall health and have localized areas of fat that are resistant to diet and exercise. It’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that the procedure is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle.

Is Smart Lipo Permanent?

Smart Lipo is a cosmetic procedure that permanently removes unwanted fat from the body in order to improve the contours of the treated area. The fat cells that are removed during the procedure do not grow back, so the results are considered to be permanent.

However, it’s important to note that the procedure is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Even though the fat cells are removed, the remaining (untreated) areas of fat cells can still grow if an individual does not maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. Therefore, it’s important for individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle after the procedure in order to maintain the results.

Where to Get SmartLipo in Birmingham, MI

It’s important to note that not all doctors who offer liposuction are qualified to do so, and many are not even actual trained surgeons. It’s crucial to choose a qualified and experienced surgeon, like the cosmetic surgeons at Aurora MediSpa in Birmingham, MI when considering any liposuction procedure, including SmartLipo.

If you would like to see a slimmer trimmer you in 2023, schedule a SmartLipo consultation at Aurora MediSpa in Birmingham, MI today!