SmartLipo
SmartLipo is performed by plastic surgeon Dr. Thomas Pane to rapidly dissolve fat and tighten the surrounding skin almost anywhere in the body.
Everyone knows that no matter how much you diet and exercise, there are always stubborn, localized pockets of fat that will not go away. Your reason for choosing liposuction may be as simple as just wanting to look better in your clothes. While liposuction is not a replacement for a healthy lifestyle, it can make you look and feel better.
What is SmartLipo™?
It is a FDA-approved, minimally invasive procedure that offers less bleeding, swelling and bruising and a quicker recovery time than conventional liposuction.
Using local anesthesia, the procedure is performed with a small cannula that contains a laser fiber that when moved back and forth the laser energy dissolves fat and stimulates the tightening of surrounding skin.
How does SmartLipo differ from liposuction?
SmartLipo adds a “skin tightening” element to a liposuction procedure. It stimulates the production of elastin and breaks up dimples. SmartLipo is often combined with traditional liposuction. In most instances this is a two-step procedure that only requires local anesthesia.
SmartLipo uses smaller instruments and laser technology. It is a more efficient method of removing fat from small areas of the face, neck, arms, abdomen and areas where the skin is lax. SmartLipo can cause less bleeding, bruising and swelling, which results in a faster recovery.
How many SmartLipo treatments are required?
SmartLipo can take 15 minutes on the neck and several hours on larger areas. Most patients have only one treatment. However, a touch up treatment may be required by our physician in some patients.
How will my figure look after SmartLipo surgery?
Shortly after the procedure, the treated area will appear tighter, compact and smaller. The skin tightening is a gradual process and with continual improvement best results are seen after several months.
What will my recovery from SmartLipo be like?
Patients who receive SmartLipo are back to work in only a few days. You will go home after the procedure and rest for a few hours, after which you may gradually increase your activity as tolerated. A pressure garment may be placed over the procedure area for several days to several weeks depending on the body area treated. Patients refrain from strenuous exercise for several weeks.
What are the advantages of SmartLipo over other procedures?
- Quicker recovery time
- Minimal scarring, bleeding or bruising
- Smaller incisions
- May treat cellulite and other surface irregularities
- Minimal discomfort
- Local anesthesia
- Often provides skin tissue tightening
The best candidates for SmartLipo:
- Have tried to eliminate bulges through diet, exercise and weight loss
- Have distinct areas of localized fat that are disproportionate to the rest of their bodies
- Have realistic expectations, are only slightly overweight and have mild skin laxity
- Understand that SmartLipo is not a substitute for weight loss
How are the benefits of SmartLipo measured?
Cosmetically speaking, successful treatment is measured in inches rather than pounds. The weight removed is not as important as the improvement in your body’s contour. Most important is your improved self-image and self acceptance.
Is the fat removal from SmartLipo permanent?
After Dr. Pane performs your SmartLipo treatment, the fat removal is permanent. Should you gain weight, the fat will return to the areas not treated with the laser. For best results, maintain a healthy diet and exercise program.