What Is The Difference Between Smart Lipo and Liposuction?
Liposuction is by far one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the U.S. with thousands of procedures being performed every year. It is ideal for people with specific areas of unwanted fat who cannot treat them through traditional diet or exercise. Now modern liposuction technologies are far more advanced from their initial beginnings, allowing patients to have gorgeous, contoured results they can enjoy for years to come.
At Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery, double board-certified and fellowship-trained plastic surgeon Dr. Marisa Lawrence performs this advanced technique, also known as Smart Lipo. While Smart Lipo and traditional liposuction are both effective at removing stubborn fat, there are some key differences. Learn more about Smart Lipo versus liposuction by scheduling your consultation at our plastic surgery clinic in Atlanta, GA.
What is Smart Lipo?
In 2006, Smart Lipo was approved by the FDA as a method of fat removal and has been widely used since then. Smart Lipo is a less invasive form of liposuction that uses laser energy to liquefy tissue before being suctioned out. As a result, the fat is easier to remove and there is less trauma to the surrounding area. In addition to removing fat, Smart Lipo also stimulates collagen production to tighten the skin and boost elasticity. During the consultation process, Dr. Lawrence discusses each patient’s goals and expectations before creating a personalized surgical plan. An ideal candidate for Smart Lipo wants to reduce fat in certain areas but doesn’t have excessively loose skin.
On the day of the procedure, patients are given local anesthesia to make the treatment areas numb. Dr. Lawrence will then make a small incision and insert a laser fiber. The laser works by using different wavelengths to target and liquefy fat cell membranes. Certain wavelengths are also used to achieve the desired skin tightening effect. Once this is completed, we then gently suction out the fat using a tiny cannula. Based on the areas being treated, the entire process only takes a couple of hours or less. The staff at Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery will then offer helpful instructions for recovery.
Smart Lipo vs. liposuction
Smart Lipo works similarly to liposuction in that fatty tissue is suctioned out of the body to achieve a slimmer appearance. One of the major advantages of choosing Smart Lipo, however, is that it is also a skin tightening procedure. Since traditional liposuction only removes fat, patients may end up with deflated or loose areas.
The laser fiber used in Smart Lipo is also only 1mm, so the incision is much smaller when compared to the 3 – 5mm cannula used in liposuction. Experts agree that since the incision site is smaller and the fat is liquefied instead of being broken up by a cannula, recovery is much easier for patients. The process leads to less pain and discomfort, swelling, and bruising during healing in Atlanta, GA.
Another key difference is in the areas that can be treated. Since the laser fiber is so tiny, Smart Lipo is excellent for smaller areas of the body that need to be contoured, such as the upper arms. For larger areas such as the thighs or for multiple body parts, we usually recommend traditional liposuction so patients can see the best results.
Liposuction recovery
While liposuction recovery is easier with Smart Lipo, patients should still expect some post-procedure side effects such as soreness or numbness. You may want to take some time off from work if these effects prevent you from performing your job in a safe or comfortable manner. Patients are usually back to their normal routines in one week or less. It is important to get clearance from Dr. Lawrence before participating in strenuous activity or exercise to prevent further inflammation or complications. Since Smart Lipo is a skin tightening procedure that removes fat cells permanently, results will last as long as patients maintain a stable weight. It is important to exercise regularly and keep eating a healthy diet to stay fit and keep the body looking proportionate.
Schedule your Smart Lipo today
So what is Smart Lipo, and how will this skin tightening procedure help you feel confident in how you look? At Marisa Lawrence Plastic Surgery, men and women alike have the opportunity to get rid of fat for good with just one simple appointment. People who get Smart Lipo will be able to see phenomenal results in the face, arms, and body. Dr. Marisa Lawrence offers Smart Lipo as an excellent alternative to more invasive surgery. Learn more about Smart Lipo versus liposuction and liposuction recovery by contacting our practice and scheduling your one-on-one consultation in Atlanta, GA.