How is SmartLipo different from other liposuction surgeries?
SmartLipoâ„¢ differs in that it uses a laser to liquefy fat before removing it. No other liposuction procedures use a laser. The laser creates other differences:
- Very small incisions that need no suturing
- No need for general anesthetic
- Less bleeding, bruising, and swelling
- Typically no drains needed during recovery
These differences are all advantageous for you because they make recovery time shorter and easier than it is in other types of liposuction.
Is SmartLipo Painful?
The surgery itself is not painful because of the local anesthetic. When the anesthetic wears off you might notice an ache as if you had just finished a vigorous workout at the gym. You can treat it effectively with an over-the-counter painkiller, but in any case it lasts for just one or two days.
Am I a good candidate for SmartLipo?
If you are over age 18, are in good general health, and have successfully lost most of your extra weight with diet and exercise, you could well be a good SmartLipo candidate.
There are some things you would need to NOT be:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding;
- Suffering from any skin infection in the planned treatment area(s);
- Taking any blood-thinning medication. SmartLipo causes minimal bleeding but no quality cosmetic surgeon would want to take any unneeded risks.
How many SmartLipo treatments are necessary for good results?
You would probably need just one treatment on each area. In rare cases, two or three treatments are done. If you are having SmartLipo in several areas, they would probably be treated in separate procedures.
How long is it before SmartLipo results are visible?
You will see immediate results, and more as the slight swelling subsides. Over six to eight weeks, you will see further improvement as the skin shrinks to fit your new contours. One of the benefits of SmartLipo is that the laser shrinks the skin’s collagen when it removes unwanted fat. Part of the skin’s continual activity is discarding cells from the surface and replacing them with new ones from deeper down. After your SmartLipo the skin produces tighter cells to replace old ones.
Is it possible to gain the weight back?
As children and adolescents, we develop all the fat cells we will ever have. So after SmartLipo removes your unwanted fat cells from particular areas, they will not regrow. However, if you take in too many calories and do too little exercise, you will gain weight in other areas.
You may also have a slight weight gain the treated areas because the remaining fat cells may expand to hold more fat. If you keep your caloric intake moderate and engage in some type of exercise, you will be able to keep your slim shape for many years.
If you live in the Denver, Colorado area, please contact Dr. Broadway’s cosmetic surgery office today for a personal consultation.
