Micro-Liposuction and SmartlipoTM
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tumescent Liposuction?
Tumescent liposuction is a procedure where tumescent local anesthesia is injected in large volumes under the skin in to the fat layer. The tumescent technique for liposuction totally by local anesthesia has eliminated the greatest dangers associated with the older forms of liposuction - general anesthesia. After the area(s) to be treated is well anesthestized a small access site is created to insert a cannula to remove the unwanted fat.
What is Micro Liposuction?
Micro liposuction is a liposuction procedure where extremely small cannulas are used to remove the unwanted fat. The diameter (size) of these cannulas will range from 2-4 mm. This is about the size of a pencil eraser.
How is a Tummy Tuck different from Liposuction?
A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is a major surgical procedure requiring general anesthesia. Besides removing the fat the doctor will also remove or excise a large section of skin. When the skin is re-attached often the patient will lose their belly button and a new fake one has to be created. Additionally, there will be a scar from hip bone to hip bone. In most patients liposuction is preferred because the patient can achieve the same or even better results than a tummy tuck, especially if SmartlipoTM is added to the procedure. Liposuction and SmartlipoTM are safer and causes almost no scarring compared to tummy tucks. Tummy tuck cannot do anything for love handles and often also leave a lot of fat in the upper abs untreated.
What is SmartlipoTM?
SmartlipoTM is a medical procedure usingthe Cynosure SmartlipoTM device designed exclusively to perform laser-assisted lipolysis, commonly referred to as laser liposuction. A very thin tube containing the SmartlipoTM laser fiber is inserted in targeted fatty areas through a small incision. The laser fiber delivers thermal energy directly to fat cells and disrupts the fatty tissue for easy removal. The laser literally melts the fat, which is removed with gentle suction. At the same time, tissue around the area tightens through coagulation, contributing to a smoother shape overall.
What makes SmartlipoTM so special?
SmartlipoTM is the most widely used and extensively studied, used and validated laser-assisted liposuction or lipolysis system available today. It was the first laser introduced for this purpose. With a decade of studies, Smartlipo has been shown to involve less pain, less bruising and swelling, and provide a faster recovery time than traditional liposuction. It melts fat, kills fat cells, AND TIGHTENS THE SKIN by up 57%!
What is the downtime? How fast will I recover?
With tumescent anesthesia micro-liposuction and SmartlipoTM the recovery is very fast. Patients will home the very same day from the surgical facility. There is no drug "hangover" and patients can shower the next day. Most patients can return to a desk-type job with 1-2 days; most fit patients can get back on a treadmill within 24-48 hours. Because of the significant decrease in swelling, inflammation and pain after tumescent micro-liposuction and SmartlipoTM, patients are able to return to normal physical activities within 1-2 weeks.
How soon will I see results?
Most patients will see results the very next day. Certainly by the end of the first week most patients can see the improvement. However, the results continue to improve into about 3 months. Dr. Robert sees patients for follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months all included with their treatment.