Q: What is liposuction and how does it work?
A: Everyone has a fixed number of fat cells present in their body. These fat cells get smaller or larger as we lose or gain weight, but the number of fat cells remains the same. Liposuction is a way to remove fat cells in a specific area, especially in areas that may be resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction is more about reducing inches than pounds – since fat doesn’t weigh that much.
A: In a word – YES. Your results will be enhanced when there is collaboration between you and the surgeon. He will reduce the number of your fat cells , but your remaining fat cells can enlarge if you don’t work at maintenance or even weight loss. Weight resistance exercises are also important to improve your lean body mass.
A: Traditional liposuction is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. After a sterile liquid solution in injected to reduce bleeding, a thin hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through small incisions where it is moved back and forth to loosen excess fat. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out using a surgical vacuum. Now with Smartlipo®, the procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia. The cannula, which is much smaller than the traditional liposuction cannula, delivers energy through a laser directly to the fat cells, liquefying them. The fat is then gently suctioned out. After the fat is suctioned out, new collagen is produced, resulting in tightening of the tissue. The incisions are so small, no sutures are required.
A: Because Smartlipo® is more gentle than traditional liposuction, the incisions are smaller and it is done under local anesthesia, the recovery time is less and the pain is minimal. Patients can return to most normal activities within a day or two after surgery with some limitations.
A: Depending on the number and size of the areas you choose to have treated, most procedures take between 30 minutes and 2 1/2 hours.
A: Some immediate improvement will be seen after surgery, but the majority of the improvement will come over the first three months as swelling resolves and collagen begins the tightening process.
A: Though Smartlipo® is relatively quick and simple, as with all surgeries there are potential risks associated with it. These are rare and will be discussed with you prior to the procedure.
A: Success in any procedure comes from experience. This is true with liposuction as well. It is a surgical procedure and a board certified plastic surgeon will likely have the most experience in liposuction and body contouring procedures. When choosing a surgeon, make sure they are board certified and that they have extensive experience in body contouring procedures.
A: Smartlipo® is a wonderful option for fat reduction and body contouring. It also induces some skin tightening. However, it does not produce the same level of skin tightening a facelift or tummy-tuck would. Feedback from our patients has shown a great level of satisfaction with this procedure.
A: Everyone has a fixed number of fat cells present in their body. These fat cells get smaller or larger as we lose or gain weight, but the number of fat cells remains the same. Liposuction is a way to remove fat cells in a specific area, especially in areas that may be resistant to diet and exercise. Liposuction is more about reducing inches than pounds – since fat doesn’t weigh that much.
Q: If I have liposuction, do I still have to diet and exercise?
A: In a word – YES. Your results will be enhanced when there is collaboration between you and the surgeon. He will reduce the number of your fat cells , but your remaining fat cells can enlarge if you don’t work at maintenance or even weight loss. Weight resistance exercises are also important to improve your lean body mass.
Q: How is Smartlipo® different from traditional liposuction?
A: Traditional liposuction is performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. After a sterile liquid solution in injected to reduce bleeding, a thin hollow tube called a cannula is inserted through small incisions where it is moved back and forth to loosen excess fat. The dislodged fat is then suctioned out using a surgical vacuum. Now with Smartlipo®, the procedure is performed in the office under local anesthesia. The cannula, which is much smaller than the traditional liposuction cannula, delivers energy through a laser directly to the fat cells, liquefying them. The fat is then gently suctioned out. After the fat is suctioned out, new collagen is produced, resulting in tightening of the tissue. The incisions are so small, no sutures are required.
Q: Is it painful? What is the recovery time like?
A: Because Smartlipo® is more gentle than traditional liposuction, the incisions are smaller and it is done under local anesthesia, the recovery time is less and the pain is minimal. Patients can return to most normal activities within a day or two after surgery with some limitations.
Q: How long does the procedure take?
A: Depending on the number and size of the areas you choose to have treated, most procedures take between 30 minutes and 2 1/2 hours.
Q: Are the results visible right away?
A: Some immediate improvement will be seen after surgery, but the majority of the improvement will come over the first three months as swelling resolves and collagen begins the tightening process.
Q: On which areas of the body can Smartlipo® be performed ?
A: Smartlipo® can be used on the neck, abdomen, flanks (hips), back and thighs.
Q: Are there risks involved?
A: Though Smartlipo® is relatively quick and simple, as with all surgeries there are potential risks associated with it. These are rare and will be discussed with you prior to the procedure.
Q: Does Smartlipo® have to be performed by a plastic surgeon?
A: Success in any procedure comes from experience. This is true with liposuction as well. It is a surgical procedure and a board certified plastic surgeon will likely have the most experience in liposuction and body contouring procedures. When choosing a surgeon, make sure they are board certified and that they have extensive experience in body contouring procedures.
Q: Does Smartlipo® replace the need for other surgical procedures?
A: Smartlipo® is a wonderful option for fat reduction and body contouring. It also induces some skin tightening. However, it does not produce the same level of skin tightening a facelift or tummy-tuck would. Feedback from our patients has shown a great level of satisfaction with this procedure.
Please contact our office for a free consultation to discuss Smartlipo® and how it can help you.
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