Fat. It’s part of the human condition. It accumulates under our skin, especially as we get older, right where we don’t want it. Diet and exercise can really help, and they’re good for our general health, too, so they’re the first line of attack against overweight. But sometimes even the high-power gym types, the folks who work out all the time, simply can’t get rid of those lumpy, fatty areas. That’s why a lot of people are interested in a new treatment they’re hearing about called “Smart Lipo.”

SmartLipo is an extremely safe procedure. The SmartLipo procedure was approved by the FDA in November of 2006, and a serious life-threatening complication has never resulted from SmartLipo. That is because SmartLipo is performed under local anesthetic—not the much more risky general anesthesia. SmartLipo has been performed thousands of times since being brought to North America in 2005 and has shown itself to be one of the safest cosmetic surgeries available.

The SmartLipo procedure is safer than traditional liposuction because there is minimal bleeding and minimal invasion. 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. SmartLipo is an outpatient procedure that is one of the safest and fastest-growing cosmetic surgery options available today.

How SmartLipo™ Works

If you’re seeking a cutting-edge, highly effective method to significantly improve the safety and efficiency of many surgical techniques, then laser technology is definitely the technique you’ll want to consider. Routinely used in dental procedures, lasik eye surgery, reconstructive work and cosmetic procedures—including liposuction—laser technology is what sets SmartLipo apart from its competition. The word “laser” is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Precise and safe, today’s medical-grade lasers work by creating a powerful light beam that is adjusted to a specific frequency range. SmartLipo is different in that it 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. Because the patient is not completely unconscious, SmartLipo carries much fewer risks than traditional liposuction, and the recovery time is much shorter. SmartLipo…cutting-edge, safe and effective.

Is SmartLipo Right for You?

Almost anyone can be a good candidate for SmartLipo. In general, the ideal candidate:

1. Is in good health, exercises regularly, is within 25 lbs. of his or her ideal weight;
2. Has one or more areas of local body fat deposits that have responded poorly to diet and exercise; and
3. Is bothered by these fatty areas, and is motivated to get rid of them permanently.

Who is not a candidate for SmartLipo?

SmartLipo is not suited for individuals with:

• diabetes
• liver problems
• blood disorders
• kidney problems
• heart problems
• skin disorders

With SmartLipo, you will begin to recover as soon as the procedure is finished. You will first be escorted to a recovery room, where the doctor will review the procedure and give you instructions on how to take care of your wounds. You will generally be able to return home within two hours after the SmartLipo procedure. You will need to follow your doctor’s recovery instructions precisely, and he or she may prescribe minor pain medication. You will also receive compression bandages that are key to the recovery process. They encourage healing by preventing the affected tissues from shifting after the SmartLipo procedure. They can also help prevent your blood from clotting.

You will heal from SmartLipo in several stages. First, minor bruising and numbness may occur right after the SmartLipo procedure. These side effects should disappear within days, if not hours, of leaving the recovery room. The swelling will go down within a week. Once the swelling is gone, your recovery is finished and you will be able view the SmartLipo surgery’s final results.

After your SmartLipo procedure, your doctor will schedule recovery checkups. During these follow-up visits, he will examine you to make sure they are healing well. It is critical that you keep your appointments as you recover. Doing so will ensure that you heal without scarring and/or infection. Most patients’ skin is completely back to normal within three months of the SmartLipo procedure.

Find a SmartLipo surgeon in your area by taking advantage of our SmartLipo surgeon directory.

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Categories: HEALTH & BEAUTY