SmartLipo™ FAQs
How does the SmartLipo™ procedure work?
A very small cannula, or tube, approximately 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm in diameter containing a laser fiber is inserted into the skin. The cannula is moved back and forth delivering the laser's energy to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and easily drain away. The laser energy also interacts with the dermis resulting in collagen shrinkage.
Due to the cannula's small size, SmartLipo™ is a minimally invasive procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia. The laser causes small blood vessels to coagulate immediately on contact, resulting in less bleeding, swelling and bruising — and a quicker recovery time than conventional liposuction. Because general anesthesia is unnecessary, the procedure is very safe with only minimal side effects.
Who is a good candidate for the SmartLipo™ procedure?
If you have areas of fat that will not respond to diet and exercise, then you're a candidate for SmartLipo™. Ideal candidates are in good health, of normal body weight and have realistic expectations for the results.
What body regions can be treated with SmartLipo™?
SmartLipo™ can be a great adjunct to traditional liposuction procedures and it is ideal for treating small areas of the face, neck, arms, knees, back, bra strap, mons pubis, breasts (gynecomastia), and areas of loose and flabby skin (floppy skin).
How many treatments will I need?
For most patients, typically only one treatment is required. The session may last from 45 minutes to one hour for each area treated.
Do I have to do anything post-treatment?
After the treatment you will have minimal pain or bruising. We recommend 1-2 days rest but most patients are able to return to work immediately "Lunch Hour Lipo"
Does SmartLipo™ treat cellulite?
The procedure will improve the body's shape and may improve cellulite to a certain degree and will tighten sagging skin.
When can I expect to see results?
Results can be seen immediately with continued improvement over several months.
Does laser-assisted liposuction produce lasting results?
Yes! Adults do not create new fat cells. When a person gains weight, the fat cells expand. The SmartLipo™ procedure permanently removes the fat cells. Should you gain weight, most fat will be deposited in areas where the procedure was not performed.
Smartlipo vs. Traditional Liposuction
Liposuction has long been the choice for people who just can't seem to get curves and definition on their bodies through exercise and healthy eating habits. Traditional liposuction can mean lengthy recovery times, scars, and less than ideal results. Smartlipo uses a laser fiber enclosed in a thin tube that is inserted through a 1-2 mm incision in the skin. The laser breaks down the walls of fat cells and liquefies the fat—allowing it to be removed from the area with minimal bleeding and damage to the underlying tissues. The laser allows the tissue to coagulate, often leaving skin firmer after the treatment. Traditional liposuction techniques can leave behind loose, unattractive skin.
Traditional liposuction procedures require doctors to make larger incisions, insert a metal tube, and vacuum out solid fat. This surgery can be traumatic to tissues and is less precise than Smartlipo. The Smartlipo laser has a light that can be seen from underneath the skin. This allows Dr. Atluri to guide the Smartlipo laser to the areas that are in need of treatment.
Advantages of SmartLipo™
Minimal downtime:
A few of our patients even return to work immediately, almost like a "Lunchtime Liposuction". Of course we normally advise a day or two of rest.
Minimal discomfort:
During the procedure, there is no pain. After the anesthesia has worn off, it only feels like the aches and pains that follow a vigorous workout. This is unlike in traditional liposuction where a patient feels as if a truck was driven over the body. The bruises too are much less with SmartLipo™.
Less traumatic:
The fiber-optic cannula is inserted through a small puncture in the skin usually along creases that conceal the scar. As the laser melts the fats, it also coagulates the loose ends of small blood vessels. Compression garments are optional as the area will not bleed very much after the laser is removed. The granulation tissue (healing-tissues) does the rest of the work in contracting the treated area as well as the overlying skin.
Almost "normal" skin after 3 months:
It would be very hard to find the insertion points or tell by looking at the skin that any liposuction has ever been done. Skin contracts with the healing-tissues that replace the melted fats.
Safety:
SmartLipo™ is safer than traditional liposuction because there is less bleeding and anesthetic drugs used. In fact, in doing the procedure under tumescent technique, we have eliminated a lot of risks normally associated with general anesthesia.
Vaser Shape FAQs
How does Vaser Shape work?
The Vaser Shape uses a handpiece with 2 low-frequency ultrasound heads to target the
unwanted fat directly underneath the skin. It only attacks the unwanted fat deposit, leaving the adjacent structures such as skin, blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue intact.
The ultrasound waves produce a "cavitational effect" over the tissue to promote fat loss. This
means that the variable pressure of the ultrasound produces microbubbles that disrupt the fat
cells.
How does the body get rid of the fat after a Vaser Shape treatment?
Vaser Shape's unique ultrasound treatment breaks the membranes of the fat cells and the fat cells burst. The content of the fat cells, mainly triglycerides, are then transported through the vascular and lymphatic system to the liver. Liver then processes this fat through the natural metabolic process to eliminate it from the body. This elimination is assisted by the lymphatic drainage handpiece on the Vaser Shape.
What makes the Vaser Shape treatment so unique?
It is not invasive and reduces the size of the treated areas without anesthesia and surgery. It is safe because the surrounding blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues are not damaged. The treatment has no unpleasant side-or after effects. It is effective because the fat reduction is visible immediately after a treatment and is measurable.
Who can undergo this method?
It was developed to help men and women who have a desire for a better body contour. The treatment is not a substitute for regular exercise and healthy eating.
What body areas can be treated?
The treatment can be performed on any area of the body, except for the face and neck. The most popular areas are:
- Upper and lower abdomen
- Flanks/Love Handles
- Outer thighs ("saddle bags")
- Inner Thighs
- Upper Arms
- Buttocks
How long is a treatment and how often should they be repeated?
One session lasts an average of 1-1.5 hours. The treatments are done approximately once a week for each treatment area. About 5 treatment series is usually recommended depending on the size of the treated area.
Are there any contraindications?
Yes. It is not recommended for people with active heart disease or vascular disease, heart pacemakers, thrombosis, patients requiring medical transplants, pregnancy and breastfeeding, individuals with metal prostheses or any serious illness, or for those who are taking lipid lowering drugs or anticoagulant drugs.
What kind of care is required after the treatment?
After the treatment, one can immediately return to his/her daily routine. There is no downtime. You should not have any pain or discomfort after the treatment. In addition to plenty of sleep and exercise, diet plays a major role. Please note the following: It is important that all short-chain carbohydrates need to be eliminated from the diet for three days. If the body is fed quickly utilizable carbohydrates, there is a risk that the released fats are stored at another location. Short-chain carbohydrates are simple sugars.