SmartLipo is a form of liposuction that is used to remove body fat from the body. The SmartLipo procedure is used mainly for aesthetic purposes for individuals who want to get rid of unwanted fat on specific areas of their body.

The use of SmartLipo laser liposuction is employed where there are pockets of fat that prove difficult to remove using dieting or exercise. The fat is dislodged from within the body and then drained using cannulas.

The ultimate question among many curious individuals about SmartLipo is does it actually work? So below we take a closer look at SmartLipo laser liposuction and what the process entails.

SmartLipo Technology

The difference between SmartLipo and the dry liposuction is that SmartLipo uses laser technology to melt fat in the targeted place. Once the fat has been liquefied, it is then removed from the body using thin cannulas.

Another difference between SmartLipo and dry liposuction is that SmartLipo is not as invasive as the other procedure. In dry liposuction, the fat is broken down mechanically. The manner SmartLipo is designed makes it possible to continue with day to day activities soon after undergoing the procedure. The use of this technology also reduces the possibility of infections since the most a person is likely to suffer after going through the procedure is mild bruising.

The Laser Science Behind SmartLipo

SmartLipo laser technology employs three beams which operate at different wavelengths, 1064, 1340 and 1440 nm. The first beam (1064nm) ensures that the procedure leads to minimal bleeding and bruising by causing coagulation in the blood vessels. The 1320nm goes into the water molecules in the fat cells and heats the fat molecules. The 1440nm beam is purposed to break down the fat cells mechanically and through heat so that they can then be drained using a cannula.

When the laser beam falls on the skin, the skin responds with production of elastin, the substance that tightens skin. The production of elastin tightens the skin ensuring that the skin over the areas where fat has been reduced does not remain loose after the procedure.

Does SmartLipo Work?

The reason why people undergo the procedure is to ensure that they get rid of excess fat from the body and get firm skin. Thus, the procedure is meant to get rid of skin imperfections such as cellulite among others. The procedure does give customers the desired results in most instances. Many of the reviews show that the procedure lives up to the expectations of most customers.

Where there have been negative reviews, they are more about the surgeon who performed the procedure than the procedure itself. In a nutshell, SmartLipo provides a service that is at least equal to dry liposuction.

However, the procedure is much better due to the safeguards it brings with it. It works best when it is employed to remove excess fat from the abdomen, neck, buttocks, hips, buttocks and thighs. Other areas where it can be used include upper arms the face and breasts.

Conclusion

Over and above succeeding in removing fat from the body, the SmartLipo procedure also minimizes the possibility of side effects. Reduced side effects is owing to the fact that it reduces bleeding through coagulation of vessels and tightening of the skin. Over and above the possible health complications that would accompany related side effects, there is the attendant hospital bill for which most insurance companies don’t cover.

Each year, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS®) comes up with a list of statistics and trends about cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures. The reports of this year show the top five most popular plastic surgery procedures. Medical experts and plastic surgeons have noted an increased demand for procedures such as fat fretting, fillers and Botox, which are minimally invasive.

Below are the top five popular plastic surgery procedures for 2015, as provided by the ASPS®.

1. Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular plastic surgeries among women, and women of all ages seek it. Breast implants enhance the women’s silhouette and is given a high priority. In the last decade alone, there has been a high demand for breast mammoplasty and augmentation surgeons for these particular procedures.

During the procedure, women can either choose saline or silicone breast implants so as to achieve the look that they want. The difference between the two choices is that saline implants give a rounder and firmer experience while silicone gives a softer and natural look.

2. Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure where the nose is either aesthetically enhanced, restored, reconstructed or corrected. The procedure is also known as nose job or nose reshaping surgery. The nose is corrected by resolving congenital defect, nasal trauma, failed primary rhinoplasty or respiratory impediment. Rhinoplasty can reshape the tip or the bridge of the nose to restore facial harmony and thus create an attractive profile.

3. Liposuction

Women who are concerned about the extra inches around their thighs, buttocks, abdomen, hips and other body parts undergo liposuction to remove these extra inches and reshape their body. This procedure is common among women who are already in a healthy weight and shape but just want to correct a few problem areas.

The surgeons who use perform this type of surgery usually use minimally invasive techniques that require minimal incisions and have a faster recovery time. Examples of the less invasive liposuction procedures are Tickle Lipo and the SmartLipo procedure. This surgery procedure involves the use of a heat-free wand to get rid of excess body fat without subjecting the surrounding tissue to trauma.

4. Eyelid Surgery

The procedure is also known as blepharoplasty. It involves the removal of excess tissue and skin from the lower or upper eyelids so as to open up the eye area. The procedure is very effective for reducing the wrinkles around the eyes. To remove the wrinkles, the dark eye circles are removed, and any other puffiness that may interfere with vision is eliminated. The procedure creates a fresh appearance and wide-eyed look.

5. Facelift Surgery

This type of surgery is aggressive and is an anti-aging procedure. The procedure can take up to a decade or even more of the patient’s appearance. During the procedure, excess skin around the jawline and face is removed. Repositioning of facial tissues and removal of excess fat is also done to restore a youthful look on the patient. To achieve the result desired, some of the patients may have to go through a combination of plastic surgery procedures such as eyelid surgery and forehead lift.

The Negative Effects of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery at times can go wrong, or the body may react negatively to the surgery. Below are a few adverse effects of plastic surgery:

• Hematoma – This is a pocket of blood that forms in the body and resembles a big painful bruise. The complication may occur for those who undergo the procedure of breast augmentation and also a facelift.
• Nerve damage – Tingling and numbness are common complications of plastic surgery. This complication is found with patients who undergo breast augmentation.
• Infection – Infection remains one of the main negative effects of plastic surgery. It is common with those who undergo breast surgeries.
• Scarring – Scarring is sometimes common, but ultimately depends on how extensive and invasive the surgical procedure is.
• Organ damage – Common with liposuction procedures.
• General appearance dissatisfaction – Common with facial surgeries that did not turn out as desired.

To learn more about the risks, negative effects, and other information concerning plastic surgery, visit www.plasticsurgery.org/.

As the name would suggest laser-assisted liposuction uses a laser to melt the fat then suction is connected and fatty liquid is removed from your body. It’s often considered to be safe, gentler, and less invasive than traditional methods due to the use of local anesthesia and small instruments which makes the downtime virtually none.

Laser liposuction is considered best for people within twenty pounds of their ideal body weight who have problem areas. It’s often used to sculpt areas such as the thighs, abdomen, hips, waist, bra fat, flanks, chin and upper arms.

In a nut shell, laser energy is delivered through a laser fiber that is threaded through a narrow cannula. As the laser pulses, its energy is converted to heat energy which is absorbed by the fat cells, causing them the melt. This heat is also absorbed by the surrounding skin tissue to stimulate collagen production.

Collagen production equals skin tightening, which is an added benefit. This process also protects the skin from excess tissue trauma so you have less bruising and swelling than with traditional methods.

Treatment and recovery time of these methods are comparable. Most use local anesthesia, but some doctors use twilight sedation, but this is certainly not necessary and does introduce its own risks, so local anesthesia is preferred.

Depending on the area you are having treated the procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, and a few days recovering. Bruising and swelling will vary from person to person, but you should expect some swelling for several weeks post procedure, but it is mostly concealed with use of a compression garment.

Here are different types that may be available to you.

SmartLipo

SmartLipo Triplex from Cynosure is a body contouring process known to be especially effective at skin tightening. In fact it is the only technology on the market that has real clinical data supporting its skin tightening claim.

While Smartlipo has had several improvements since its inception and it was the first laser liposuction procedure to market after being approved by the FDA. It is still considered the gold standard when it comes to laser assisted liposuction procedures.

The Smartlipo Triplex machine utilizes three wavelengths of laser: 1064nm, 1320nm and the 1440nm. Each of these wavelengths has a different job. The Smartlipo Triplex also has built in safety features, like the thermaguide which is attached to the laser and measures the internal temperature as it’s pulsing, this virtually eliminates burns as it would automatically shut down if it reached a certain temperature. Again procedure time is anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours and recovery is 1-3 days.

CoolLipo

The cannula, once in place, emits short pulses of high-peak YAG laser energy at 1320 nm. CoolLipo offers a dual mode one for liposuction and the other for skin tightening. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and depending on the area this will determine the amount of time needed for the procedure but usually 30 minutes to 3 hours. Again downtime is minimal just a few days.

ProLipo Plus

Sciton’s version employs a dual wavelength capacity laser at 1064 nm and 1319 nm, which can be used individually or custom-combined for optimum results. The 1064 nm wavelength is chosen for breaking up fat; the 1319 nm tightens the skin. The procedure takes a few hours and recovery time is several days.

LipoLite

Like SmartLipo, Syneron’s LipoLite uses a 1064 nm wavelength YAG laser, but adds SelectPulse technology to deliver custom-controlled and timed energy pulses. This allows it to better treat areas that are fibrous or have more resistant tissue, and helps destroy fat cell membranes. The procedure lasts under an hour with local anesthetic and recovery time is just a few days.

LipoTherme/LipoControl

Osyris’ Lipotherme uses a 980 nm wavelength diode continuous-wave laser to liquefy the fat cells before removing them with suction. Like the others the procedure takes 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the size and number of areas being treated and the recovery is a few days.

Be sure to research all of your laser liposuction options and schedule consultations with several doctors. Not only do you have to feel comfortable and confident in the technology you choose, but most importantly you need to choose a good surgeon, so don’t forget to research them too.

You can visit the medical board for the state the doctor is practicing in and you should also read reviews from patients.