LipoSelection and SmartLipo

LipoSelection

LipoSelection is an ultrasonic liposuction procedure, meaning it uses ultrasonic energy as a means of fat removal. The ultrasound technology breaks up and softens the fat that is to be removed. Unlike other fat removal methods, LipoSelection leaves the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and tissue virtually unharmed. After a local anesthetic is applied, the surgeon will fill the area to be treated with a saline wetting solution to numb the site and shrink blood vessels. This helps minimize post-surgical bruising and swelling. A small probe emitting high frequency sound energy is used to break up fat on contact with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Fat may then be easily extracted with liposuction tubes.

LipoSelection allows physicians to sculpt and shape delicate areas of the body, such as the arms, chin, neck, and inner thighs. It can remove fat from any area treatable with traditional liposuction techniques: abdomen, thighs, buttocks, knees, hips, back, arms, male breasts, love handles, chin, and neck areas.

The risks of LipoSelection are very similar to other methods of liposuction. However, because it minimizes damage to other body tissues, patients typically experience less pain and fewer side effects than with other forms of liposuction. Serious liposuction complications are quite rare. Fat clots or blood clots may form, and there is a chance these will migrate to the lungs and cause serious illness. The fluid loss that results from liposuction will be anticipated by a qualified doctor, as it can cause low blood pressure, friction burns, or fluid buildup.

The LipoSelection probe’s ultrasound energy may injure the skin or deeper tissues; although in most cases the benefits of the ultrasound system make it safer than traditional liposuction. If a doctor inexperienced with the LipoSelection procedure applies too much fluid, the wetting solution may collect in the lungs. If there is too much lidocaine in the liposuction solution, lidocaine toxicity may develop.

SmartLipo

SmartLipo is different in that it uses a carefully standardized laser to melt fat deposits through the top layers of the patient's skin. The laser actually shatters fat cells, and the resulting oily, liquid substance is then removed through a tiny incision in the skin by the surgeon. The small laser can also seal blood vessels as it zaps fat, so there is less swelling, bleeding and bruising than with traditional liposuction. Research has shown that little, if any, fat is reabsorbed back into the body. The minimal invasiveness of the procedure allows patients to see faster results and to experience fewer complications.

In addition, SmartLipo’s patients need only a local anesthetic for this procedure, whereas liposuction requires general anesthesia. Because the patient is not completely unconscious, SmartLipo carries much fewer risks than traditional liposuction, and the recovery time is much shorter.

Almost anyone is a candidate for SmartLipo. In general, the ideal candidate is in good health and within 25lbs of their ideal weight, has one or more areas of body fat deposits that do not respond to diet and exercise and would like to get rid of them permanently.

A few of our patients even return to work immediately, almost like a "lunchtime Liposuction". Of course we normally advise a day or two of rest. During the procedure, there is no pain. After the anesthesia has worn off, it only feels like the aches and pains that follow a vigorous workout. This is unlike in traditional liposuction where a patient feels as if a truck was driven over the body. The bruises too are much less with Smartlipo.

The fiber-optic cannula is inserted through a small puncture in the skin usually along creases that conceal the scar. As the laser melts the fats, it also coagulates the loose ends of small blood vessels. Compression garments are optional as the area will not bleed very much after the laser is removed. The granulation tissue (healing-tissues) does the rest of the work in contracting the treated area as well as the overlying skin.

Almost "normal" skin after 3 months It would be very hard to find the insertion points or tell by looking at the skin that any liposuction has ever been done. Skin contracts with the healing-tissues that replace the melted fats. Smartlipo is safer than traditional liposuction because there is less bleeding and anesthetic drugs used. In fact, in doing the procedure under tumescent technique, we have eliminated a lot of risks normally associated with general anesthesia.