SmartLipo

The desire to rid unwanted fat is not a novel concept. Roman physican and philospher Galen classified overweight individuals as being either pachis (fat), efsarkos (overweight) or polysarkos (obese). One can only imagine that the ancient Romans lamented over excess fat as much as we do today.

The origins of liposuction can be traced back as far as the 1920s when French surgeon Charles Dujarier first introduced the concept of fat removal. But due to Dujarier’s poor outcomes, interest in liposuction was lost until the mid-1970’s when curiosity was reignited by several European surgeons. Liposuction became popular in 1982 after a French surgeon named Dr Yves-Gerard Illouz created the “Illouz Method”, a suction-assisted method for removing fat cells.

What Is Smartlipo?

The Illouz Method was the standard of care for liposuction until 2007 when Cynosure was FDA approved for SmartLipo, the first laser-assisted liposuction device. SmartLipo combines liposuction and laser technology, which yields superior outcomes over traditional liposuction.

SmartLipo offers distinct advantages over traditional liposuction:

The laser has the capability to coagulate the small blood vessels surrounding the fat, which essentially yields a result with minimal
The laser liquifies the fat before suctioning which allows the fat to be removed with very small cannulas. Small cannulas mean less trauma to the surrounding tissue.
Because of less trauma, SmartLipo can be done safely in a doctor’s office without general anesthesia.
The laser tightens the skin. Traditional liposuction can remove fat but does not have the capability to stimulate collagen production in the surrounding skin. Collagen improves the integrity of the skin and tightens it.

In removing fat around the abdomen, buttocks and thighs, the goal is to remove stubborn fat. You know— that fat that just won’t go away no matter how much diet or exercise you do. SmatLipo excels in removing tenacious fat that is not dissolved with other modalities of body contouring.

Is Cost Comparable To Traditional Liposuction?

SmartLipo can be done safely in the doctor’s office. Therefore, the cost of the procedure is manageable. There is no charge for an anesthesiologist or surgery center. The cost for SmartLipo generally is much less than traditional liposuction.

Am I A Good Candidate?

The best candidates for the procedure are women and men who are not severely overweight, but have some trouble spots around the abdomen, chest, thighs, buttocks and knees.

Are The Results Immediate?

Although there is an immediate reduction in fat tissue, the skin tightening is more gradual. Most patients will notice the maximum results developing between 3 to 6 months. Patients notice improvements in the tightness of their skin, as well as a smoother, leaner look.

What Are The Risks?

As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with SmartLipo, such as bruising, swelling, and infection. Rarely, will they result in long term effects.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

SmartLipo is a one-time treatment and provides lasting results. Results are maximized if the patient maintains good eating habits and exercise. Although fat cells have been permanently removed in the target area, other fat cells will be left to “pick up the slack” if overeating occurs.

Can Fat Come Back?

Unfortunately, yes.. It is possible for fat to return after liposuction… but only if post-procedure practices involve poor eating habits and lack of exercise. Fat will not return to the patient who maintains their post-SmartLipo weight.

For example, if a patient weighed 150 pounds prior to liposuction and had a total of 8 pounds removed through the procedure, fat will stay away if the patient maintains their weight at or below 142 pounds.

If the patient gains a small amount of weight after their procedure, fat cells throughout the body will get a little bigger. While this slight weight gain can diminish results, the overall improved body shape provided by SmartLipo will still be visible as treated areas have less fat cells compared to surrounding areas.

Finally, in cases of considerable weight gain new fat cells can develop in all areas of the body, including treated areas. However, fat often accumulates less in treated areas compared to untreated areas. Thus many liposuction patients who gain considerable post-procedure weight still tend to look better than if they did not undergo liposuction.

Bourget Medical Aesthetics and Wellness provides honest and realistic cosmetic recommendations to satisfied clients in Dana Point, San Clemente, Talega, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita and the surrounding areas.

If you would like to learn more about SmartLipo and to find out if this is the right treatment for you contact us today to set up your free consultation!