Whether because of inactivity, less than fantastic dietary habits, or just as an unfortunate and often inescapable part of growing older, many people can find themselves developing a bit of extra, unwanted fat here and there. The invention of liposuction in the 1970s revolutionized our ability to fight off the effects of aging and change the way we look. If you’ve recently looked into having liposuction performed, you’ve probably heard of something called “smart lipo”, but what exactly is it and how is it different from regular liposuction?
Smart Lipo™, also called laser assisted liposuction, or laser lipolysis, is the latest method for removing unsightly fat deposits from beneath the skin – one that Goldberg Plastic Surgery is now proud to offer. In Smart Lipo™ a micro laser, housed in a tiny sheath called a cannula, is used to melt the fat cells so they can be easily removed.
Similar to other forms of liposuction, Smart Lipo™ is generally most effective for people who are not excessively overweight and who have maintained a stable weight for an extended period. Good skin elasticity is also important to reduce the amount of scarring, and lessen the chance of sagging after the procedure is performed.
The procedure usually takes between one and two hours to perform, depending on which, and how many areas are to be treated. It is ideally suited for smaller deposits of fatty tissue; love handles, double chins, and flabby arms in particular. The areas to be treated receive a local anesthetic, so discomfort during the procedure is minimal. Because laser assisted liposuction is less invasive than traditional methods, recovery times are generally quicker. You may experience some mild bruising and you may feel achy, as if you’d overdone it at the gym, but you will be more or less back to your regular routine within a couple of days.
Smart Lipo ™ has a number of benefits over traditional fat removal methods. Because the micro cannula housing the laser is so small, the incisions used in laser assisted liposuction are quite a bit smaller than the ones used in traditional liposuction, which uses a much larger, suction cannula. The smaller incisions result in much less scarring than with other methods. Also, the heat produced by the laser often causes the surrounding tissues to contract, which means that patients frequently benefit from tighter, smoother skin after the procedure has been performed. Cauterization caused by the laser also helps with preventing infection, and to reduce bleeding during the procedure.
In keeping with her dedication to providing the best and most up-to-date services to her patients, Dr. Goldberg is very pleased to be able to add Smart Lipo™ to the long list of procedures she performs. If you’re less than happy about the shape of your body, and you’ve been considering what to do, book a consultation with Dr. Goldberg. She’ll help you decide if liposuction – the traditional, or the laser assisted variety – is the right choice.
Your new body is waiting.