Smart Lipo

Smart Lipo: What Happens during the procedure?

Up to three areas can be treated in one session, and you can return for treatment to the same area within four months if it is necessary.  Most people find that one procedure is enough to treat a given area.  Smart Lipo is ideal for larger pockets of stubborn fatty deposits such as those located on the buttocks.  The intervention is carried out under local anesthetic and in sterile conditions.  Once the area has been defined and is anesthetised, the surgeon inserts a 1mm cannula with a fibre optic cable under the skin through very small incisions (about the same size as you’d have with a normal blood test).

The surgeon then guides the cannula which delivers laser energy to melt the fat cells.  These liquid, fatty deposits are excreted naturally by your body’s metabolism.  This flushing-out takes place both during the intervention and also in the two to three months following when a further 30 to 40 per cent of the fat is excreted.  If you opt for Smart Lipo with Aspiration, the liquid fat is removed at the same time as the intervention. 

With Smart Lipo, you are less likely to find you have loose, baggy skin on the areas treated.  This is because the laser stimulates collagen production giving rise to firmer skin tone. 

Recovery / Convalescence

What to expect immediately

Most people find they have little discomfort with Smart Lipo.  Because Smart Lipo is carried out under local anesthetic, some do experience a slight tugging or pull as the cannula is manoeuvred during the procedure.  This is a temporary though.

After the procedure, you will need to wear a support bandage or garment for up to a week to compress the area and alleviate any minor swelling you may have.

In general, you will be able to get up and go within half an hour of the procedure after a cup of tea, some rest and quiet time. 

Long-term care

While the signs of Smart Lipo are fast, (and the intervention with Aspiration even more so), you may find that you continue to see improvements over the months following your treatment.  Fat is excreted for up to 2-3 months following the procedure, if you opted not to have aspiration.  Your skin will also take time to smooth to the new contours.

You can expect to get back to normal routine and even return to work within 24 – 48 hours of the procedure.  It has been known for people to fit Smart Lipo in during a break from work during the day.  You will need to see how you feel and not make firm plans as each individual recovers differently.

You are advised not to take up any strenuous exercise for around two to four weeks, and to avoid swimming, saunas and heavy massages for about a month.  You will have a check up after a week, and another at around a month.  You and your doctor can assess at these check-ups what exercise levels are best and when. 

Remember, any liposuction, even Smart Lipo, removes fat not excess skin, so you may need to consider further cosmetic surgery, such as tummy tuck, if you are bothered by any sagging skin after your liposuction.  This is far less likely to happen after Smart Lipo given the collagen-stimulating effects of the laser treatment.

Also, you are advised to avoid weight fluctuations as those too can rescind the some of the benefits of your liposuction. 

Safety

Liposuction is an extremely common procedure and has a very high safety record.  Smart Lipo is considered safer still as you are unlikely to have problems arising from the local anesthetic, or from the incisions or their healing.  Most of the complications are short term and related to pain, swelling and bruising. 

You may also experience a slight stinging or tingling during the intervention but nothing that should last after the procedure.

As with most cosmetic surgery, you may also feel that the results of your liposuction were as you intended.  There are no guarantees in cosmetic surgery, but rest assured that the majority of people find the benefits of Smart Lipo are long term and feel physically and psychologically better having opted for it. 

Other Liposuction techniques – risks & complications

There are safety issues relating to the various liposuction techniques.  It is best therefore to make an informed decision about which type of liposuction suits your needs. 

See risks and complications of other Liposuction techniques as well.