Smartlipo™ - Frequently Asked Questions
Smartlipo™ is the first laser system designed for laser body sculpting and for the disruption of fat cells. It is ideal for treating localized deposits of unwanted fat, fat tissue irregularities and for coagulating tissue leading to a tightening effect. Smartlipo™ is ideal for treating small areas of the face, neck, arms, male breasts (gynecomastia), and other areas of loose or lax skin (flabby skin).
How does the Smartlipo™ work?
Smartlipo™ laser lipolysis is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The
procedure disrupts the fat cells through a thermal and photodisruptive action – heating and shattering the fat cell membrane. The laser coagulates the underlying vessels due to the hemostatic properties of the laser, resulting in less bleeding, bruising, trauma as well as less down time. As an added benefit, laser assisted liposuction promotes tissue tightening through bulk thermal heating and tissue coagulation.
The procedure is commonly performed under local and tumescent anesthesia and our patients are able to have this procedure done comfortably without intravenous sedation or general anesthesia. Patients who avoid general anesthesia and intravenous sedation while undergoing liposuction are well documented to have extremely safe surgical conditions and the risks of complications are significantly reduced. For our patient comfort, our surgical facilities uses oral and intramuscular sedation which helps you relax during the entire procedure. A laser fiber is introduced through a hand piece and detachable cannula. The cannula is then inserted through a 1 to 2 mm incision in the skin and into fat pockets. The cannula, with the tip of the fiber exposed approximately 2 mm, is then moved in a “back and forth” fanning motion. The laser’s aiming beam can be visualized through the skin, allowing the physician to identify the treatment area. As the fiber tip comes in contact with the fat cells it ruptures the cell membranes and releases the fatty oil from the fat cells. This end product may then be aspirated from the site.
What are the benefits of Smartlipo™?
- Treats unwanted fat and fat tissue irregularities
- Promotes tissue coagulation resulting
- Treats flabby or lax skin and areas of high vascularity
- Minimal edema and bleeding due to the laser’s hemostatic properties
- Minimal bruising
- Causes less trauma and faster healing time than traditional liposuction
What type of system is used?
The Smartlipo MPX system™ is an Nd:YAG laser with high peak power and a high rep rate of 40Hz. The laser energy is delivered using a 600 micron fiber which is threaded through the handpiece and cannula.
Are there disposable costs or other fees associated with the surgery?
Laser lipolysis with the Smartlipo™ system has very few disposable costs associated with the procedure and all these costs are included in your surgical fee. There are no hidden fees or other fees that are additional to the surgical fee other than the preoperative lab fees. The preoperative clearance, EKG, blood draw fee, and administrative fees are all included.
What do you do to decrease infections associated with surgery?
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The steel handpiece and cannulas used in liposuction are sterilized after each and every surgical procedure. Our cosmetic surgical office uses our surgical suite only for clean liposuction cases and procedures. This means we do not bring in any potential bacteria or microorganisms that might cause an iatragenic wound infection. We want our patients during surgery to be safe and we take all precautions to accomplish our goals. |
Does this procedure have FDA Clearance?
Yes. Smartlipo™ has been cleared by the FDA for laser-assisted lipolysis. It is also cleared for incision, vaporization, ablation and coagulation of soft tissue. Laser assisted liposuction originally was used in Europe and South America with great success and demand by patients. Since its FDA approval and use in the United States in 2007, there has not been any fatalities or documented serious complications or hospitalizations.
Does laser-assisted lipolysis produce lasting results?
Yes! Smartlipo™ permanently destroys the treated fat cells. Adults do not create new fat cells. When a person gains weight, that person’s fat cells simply expand. Should you gain weight, that fat will most likely be deposited in areas where the procedure was not performed. Diet, weight loss, and a regular exercise program are the keys to your health and well-being. We observe that our patient use SmartLipo as a spring board or kick off for their weight loss program. There is nothing more exciting to have lost one to three dress sizes after a minimally invasive surgical procedure.
Who is a good candidate for the procedure?
Ideal candidates are in good health, close to normal body weight and have realistic expectations for the results. If the person has areas of fat that will not respond to diet and exercise, then that person is a candidate for laser-assisted lipolysis.
How many treatments are required?
For most patients, typically only one treatment is required. The session may last from 45 minutes to one hour for each area treated. Laser lipolysis is also an ideal choice for “touch ups” and revisions.
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| Patient Resources |
| What Is SmartLipo |
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| Ideal Liposuction Candidates |
| Liposuction Benefits |
| CONTACT INFORMATION |
| ADDRESS: |
| OC SmartLipo© &
Irvine Institute of Medicine and Cosmetic Surgery 15785 Laguna Canyon Road, Suite 390 Irvine, California 92618 |
| PHONE NUMBER: (949) 333-2999 |
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| OFFICE HOURS Monday-Friday 9am-5pm |
