Smartlipo FAQs
What is Smartlipo?
Smartlipo is the first laser assisted liposuction procedure that has FDA clearance. Our plastic surgeons are trained and skilled in the use of this FDA-approved procedure that is performed using Cynosure’s Smartlipo Triplex workstation, and perform over 1000 procedures annually. It is the latest in cutting edge laser technology and allows our plastic surgeon’s precise contouring capabilities with little to no downtime for the patient.
Cynosure offers three distinct Smartlipo Workstations, with technology and power tailored to your needs. Smartlipo Triplex and MPX technology provide unique wavelength options to deliver predictable and reproducible patient outcomes. The first MultiPlex™ triple wavelength lipolysis system from Cynosure, Smartlipo Triplex utilizes three laser wavelengths (1064 nm, 1320 nm and 1440 nm) to liquefy fat prior to extraction. This fast-paced treatment helps coagulate tissue and tighten the skin for smooth, seamless results. This laser workstation also features intelligent delivery systems that allow the surgeon to monitor skin temperature and regulate the flow of energy, thereby minimizing the risk of overtreatment.
How does Smartlipo work?
This laser-assisted lipolysis procedure is performed using a one millimeter cannula (or tube) inserted into the skin. A laser fiber inside of the cannula delivers energy directly to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and drain away as liquid allowing the plastic surgeon to suction it away with minimal effort. Simultaneously, tissue around the area coagulates, resulting in overall tighter skin tissue.
How is Smartlipo superior to conventional lipo treatment?
The treatment uses only local anesthesia, and comes with less procedural time and surgical trauma. It also allows effective reshaping of delicate and extensive areas as well as effective skin tightening.
Does Smartlipo treat cellulite?
Smartlipo is intended to improve the body’s shape and may reduce cellulite to a certain degree.
Is it true that if you remove fat from one area with SmartLipo it will come back in another?
No. Smartlipo results are intended to be permanent but have to be maintained with a healthy diet and exercise.
Can Smartlipo address the stubborn fats that are resisted to strenuous diet and exercises?
Even though Smartlipo is not a weight loss procedure, it is appropriate for these stubborn fat pockets. Allow yourself two to three weeks after the procedure before going back to working out.
Is Smartlipo painful?
Smartlipo is a safe and virtually painless procedure done under local anesthesia. After Smartlipo it feels like you went to the gym and worked for a couple hours more than you normally do. If you never worked out it will feel like the first time you got on a treadmill for a couple of hours. Bottom line you will feel sore but should be able to resume your daily routine shortly.
Do I have to stay in the hospital?
No, the procedure is performed at Park Avenue Smart Lipo’s outpatient surgical facility under local anesthesia. You won’t have to stay in a hospital since the recovery from Smartlipo works best within the comforts of your own home.
What are the main advantages of Smartlipo?
- It offers the smoothest, best body contouring results.
- It entails only a short recovery time, patients are back to regular activities quickly.
- It’s safer than traditional liposuction.
- It tightens the skin around the treatment area.
- Performed under local anesthesia only
- The results are permanent.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Smartlipo?
Like all liposuction, Smartlipo is not a method of weight control. Rather, it is a procedure designed to remove stubborn pockets of fat that will not respond to diet and exercise. Good candidates for this laser liposuction treatment would meet the following conditions:
- Healthy adults within 30% of their ideal weight: It is important that body weight has remained stable for at least six months
- Have fat deposits that are resistant to diet and exercise: These deposits may be in one or more areas such as the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen, waist, upper arms, back, inner knee, chest area, cheeks, chin, neck, calves and ankles.
- Have good muscle tone
- Have good skin tone with only mild to moderate laxity
- Have realistic expectations, a positive outlook and specific body contouring goals
- Do not smoke
What areas of the body can Smartlipo treat?
Smartlipo laser liposuction has been designed to treat localized pockets of fat in the following areas:
- Waist or love handles
- Chin
- Inner and outer thighs
- Hips
- Abdomen
- Upper arms
- Knees
- Male breasts
How long does the procedure take?
On an average, the procedure will take 11/2 – 2 hours. This is dependent on the number of areas to be treated and the size of the areas.
What is the recovery time for Smartlipo?
One main advantage of Smartlipo laser liposuction is the fact that it is performed under local anesthesia, so there is no need to recover from general sedation. Patients who have the procedure on a Friday are back to work and most activities by Monday. Most of our patients report little to no discomfort whatsoever. Expect to see initial results within 2 weeks and final results with optimal skin tightening effect within 6 months.
How many treatment sessions are needed to produce a good outcome?
When performed by the right surgeon, women can experience the desired results in a single treatment.