What is SmartLipo?
SmartLipo is the next step in liposuction technologies, combining effective fat removal with skin tightening. It works by using a small, pen-sized laser which liquefies fat for easier removal using a power aspirator. While the laser generates gentle heat, it stimulates the deep layers of the skin and causes contraction. More precise and requiring smaller incisions than traditional liposuction, SmartLipo is one of the best options available for body contouring. SmartLipo can be used on virtually any area of the body where you have skin laxity or stubborn fat.
Liposuction is growing in popularity with our Austin-area patients. Experienced and board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Erella offers the technologically-advanced procedure that brings liposuction to the next level at his practice. The SmartLipo™ procedure removes stubborn, unwanted deposits of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise through the combination of using both the laser unique to SmartLipo™ and a small, power-assisted cannula. SmartLipo™ is especially optimal for patients who want to experience the added benefit of skin tightening this treatment offers.
What SmartLipo Can Do
SmartLipo is one of the best, most comprehensive options for body contouring. The use of laser technology comes with the benefits of reduced downtime and discomfort because it reduces trauma on the surrounding tissues. Additionally, it can be used on many different areas of the body for refined contours and effective, slimming results. Smartlipo can tighten the skin, along with removing fat, making SmartLipo an excellent way to put the finishing touches on your new body.
What are the Benefits of SmartLipo™
Reduced Trauma
The SmartLipo™ treatment provides reduced trauma to the surrounding tissues compared to traditional liposuction. Using a laser to break down the fat cells prior to removal means the cannula doesn’t need to be as impactful or invasive, and won’t lead to extensive bruising.
Reduced Recovery
Because there is less trauma to the surrounding tissues, there is also reduced recovery time, meaning your busy schedule won’t be interrupted for as long as a traditional procedure. It can even be performed in-office and with local anesthesia, so there’s no hospital stay.
Skin Tightening
The SmartLipo™ laser melts fat cells while also providing skin tightening benefits that are lacking in traditional liposuction, so you can enjoy sleek, tight body contouring without an additional, costly procedure. This all-in-one treatment is one easy step towards a newer you.
Which Areas Can Be Treated with SmartLipo™
Upper Body
Arms & Back
If you’ve tried and failed to get rid of the stubborn wings of fat on your upper arms and on your back, SmartLipo™ is the perfect solution for giving you the slim arms and sculpted upper body of your dreams. Another common upper body area SmartLipo™ can effectively treat is the buffalo hump, or area near the neck on the upper part of the back where stubborn fat deposits can accumulate.
Chest & Abdomen
If you have excess pockets of fat on your chest (commonly in men with gynecomastia) or abdomen, SmartLipo™ is the easy way to say goodbye to those pockets for good.
Chin & Jowls
The chin and jowl area can be difficult to sculpt, with even healthy individuals struggling to lose excess fat in this area. SmartLipo™ can gently and effectively treat these small, sensitive areas.
Lower Body
Hips, Love Handles & Mons Pubis
The hip and “love handle” area can be stubborn for many patients, including women who have gone through pregnancy. The mons pubis, or region of fatty tissue that lies above the pubic area, is another common area where both men and women experience stubborn fat. SmartLipo™ can sculpt and slim down these areas that store and carry fat no matter what you try.
Knees & Thighs
If diet and exercise aren’t enough to sculpt the thighs and knees that look full from excess fat, SmartLipo™ can quickly and efficiently contour it.
What Can I Expect During a Consultation for SmartLipo™?
During your SmartLipo consultation, Dr. Erella will evaluate your health and determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure. To accomplish this, he will likely examine the potential treatment area and may take measurements or photographs. You should be prepared to discuss your health history, including any conditions, medications, or previous medical treatments and surgeries. If Dr. Erella determines that you are a suitable candidate for SmartLipo, he will detail a treatment plan for you. This is also your chance to ask any questions you may have about the procedure or recovery period.
SmartLipo™ Concerns
Recovery
Most patients who are good candidates for liposuction are also candidates for SmartLipo™. You should be in good health, at or near your ideal body weight, and be looking to tighten skin with minimal downtime. While each patient’s results will vary, SmartLipo™ results are often apparent within a few weeks after the procedure, with full, final results emerging after a few months.
Scars
Since SmartLipo™ liquefies fat cells before they are removed by a small cannula, trauma to the treatment area is greatly decreased, therefore reducing your overall discomfort. A local anesthetic will be used to accomplish your SmartLipo™ treatment, and Dr. Erella will help ensure your utmost comfort during this procedure. The majority of patients will go back to their daily routines within 2-3 days.
Cost
The cost of a SmartLipo™ procedure varies based on the treatment area, practice, and technique used. A consultation with Dr. Erella is the best way to determine the cost of your SmartLipo™ procedure.
Pain
SmartLipo™ is completed with minimal incisions and careful consideration regarding scarring and visibility. Once your micro-incisions are healed and mature, they are hardly recognizable.
What questions should I ask my plastic surgeon about SmartLipo?
During your consultation for SmartLipo, you can ask Dr. Erella any questions that you may have. Some patients find it helpful to write their questions down before their appointment, so they do not forget to ask. Some things you may want to know include:
- What training and experience in SmartLipo do you have?
- Am I better suited to SmartLipo or traditional liposuction?
- Will my SmartLipo procedure be performed under local or general anesthesia?
- Where will my SmartLipo procedure take place?
- What is the Smart Lipo recovery process like?
- How does SmartLipo differ from a traditional Liposuction?
SmartLipo™ Frequently Asked Questions
Why would a patient choose SmartLipo™ over traditional liposuction?
Most patients choose SmartLipo™ because the laser helps precisely liquefy the fat cells so that they can be efficiently removed with the small cannula — with less trauma to the surrounding tissue. Patients also love that SmartLipo™ provides the benefit of skin tightening! Overall, SmartLipo™ is more technologically advanced, is less traumatic to the tissue in the treatment area, therefore providing a quicker recovery with less bruising, and also gives the additional benefit of skin tightening.
How many areas can be treated with liposuction at one time?
In general, the procedure is limited not by the number of treatment areas, but by how much fat is safely removed. Dr. Erella can help determine what treatment plan will be best for you.
What does SmartLipo™ Feel Like?
Because local anesthesia is used during the treatment, there is minimal to no discomfort. Patients may feel some pinching, but it is very mild in nature. Dr. Erella will do everything he can to make you feel comfortable during your visit.
Who is a good candidate for SmartLipo™?
Those who want to remove stubborn fat from areas of the body such as the abdomen, flanks, thighs, and upper arms can benefit from SmartLipo™. Patients who also experience moderate skin laxity can benefit from the skin-tightening benefits of SmartLipo™ as well. The procedure is an effective body contouring option for those who want to enhance their figure with an easier recovery period. The best candidates will already be within their healthy weight range prior to their procedure.
Is SmartLipo™ better than CoolSculpting?
SmartLipo™ and CoolSculpting are two popular, but very different body contouring methods. CoolSculpting can remove some fat without surgery, but cannot offer the precise sculpting that SmartLipo™ can. CoolSculpting also does not provide any skin tightening benefits. When it comes to sculpting your figure and removing stubborn fat, SmartLipo™ is a more effective solution for many.
How long is the recovery after SmartLipo™?
Recovery after SmartLipo™ will depend on the individual patient, the amount of fat removed, and the number of areas treated. Some patients might recover in just a few days, while others may need up to a week. Patients should plan for this time off work to properly recover at home. While SmartLipo™ typically results in a smoother recovery period than traditional liposuction, some recovery should still be expected.
How much does SmartLipo™ cost?
The cost of your SmartLipo™ procedure will depend on the medication you decide on, the size of your treatment area, and the number of areas you’re having treated. The cost of your procedure and your financing options will be gone over in more detail at the time of your consultation.
Schedule A Consultation
With SmartLipo™, Dr. Erella can use the small tip of the pen-sized laser to liquefy fat cells, easing their removal via the small power-assisted cannula. This minimizes trauma on the body and reduces both the pain and downtime you’ll experience. If you live in Austin or any of the nearby Texas communities and you want to learn more about SmartLipo™, please call Aspira Plastic Surgery & Med Spa today at (512) 730-3885 or contact us online for a free consultation.
