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Liposuction Improved with “SmartLipo”

By C. Benjamin Dunkley, D.O.

As cosmetic surgery becomes increasingly common, more and more people are considering liposuction. According to reports by the American Society of Plastic Surgery, the two cosmetic surgeries most often performed are breast augmentation and liposuction. Why is liposuction in such high demand? Simple, liposuction offers amazing benefits. No other surgery allows such dramatic changes with so little evidence left behind. Troublesome spots can disappear with virtually no scars. Add lasers to the mix and liposuction really has become “smart”.

As with any successful surgery, liposuction has evolved with time. Many subtle and some dramatic improvements have occurred. One very dramatic improvement came from Dr Klein who developed the “tumescent” technique. Tumescent technique refers to the practice of putting a solution into the tissues prior to liposuction. The solution contains epinephrine and lidocaine which helps decrease bleeding and lessen post-operative pain.

Subtle changes include such things as power instrumentation and ultrasound treatment prior to suctioning. The refinements continue in an effort to make liposuction safer and eliminate problems. The latest, most significant improvement, however, has been the addition of lasers to liposuction.

Cynosure Inc. a leader in laser technology, developed and obtained FDA approval for the first laser specifically designed for use with liposuction. The laser, called “SmartLipo” offers advantages not seen with traditional liposuction.

With traditional liposuction, after the fluid solution has been placed into the target areas, the fat is removed by suction. Removal of the fat is traumatic leading to pain, bleeding, bruising and swelling.

With laser liposuction, after the fluid has been infiltrated into the tissue, a very fine laser cannula is inserted into and through the fat. The laser melts the fat and cauterizes the blood vessels encountered. See figure 1 for an example of laser treatment.

Figure 1

The body can absorb the oily substance which is left after laser treatment but better results are obtained if suctioning is then performed. Suctioning after treatment with the laser is much less traumatic which means less pain, bleeding, bruising and swelling or put another way, faster recovery.

Other potential benefits of laser liposuction are better skin contracture from the heat generated by the laser, which promotes fibroblast proliferation resulting in tissue tightening. Also because of the fine cannulas used more superficial treatment can be performed. The superficial fat layer is avoided in traditional liposuction.

People of all professions and shapes consider liposuction surgery. Some spend hours each day at the gym and still have unwanted fat. Others are simply too busy to exercise. Perhaps the “low-rise” jeans show what has always been. Regardless the cause, options are available.

Most patients complain about the same few areas. Stomach and “love-handles” referred to by many as the “muffin-top” are despised by all and the areas most frequently treated. Other unwanted spots include the inner and outer thighs, neck, arms and knees.

So what can you expect from “Smartlipo” or laser liposuction? The surgery itself can be performed with local and mild sedation or with the patient completely asleep. If sedation is chosen, some minor discomfort is experienced while the tumescent solution is placed into the target areas. Once the tumescence is in-place, the area will be numb; tugging, pushing and pulling are the only sensations thereafter.

The first couple days following your surgery you will be very sore and mild soreness lasts a few weeks. Even the first days after surgery, patients are encouraged to be up and moving around. Compression garments are worn until the majority of the bruising and swelling are gone which takes about two weeks. The skin where liposuction was performed may feel numb for a while. The treated areas often improve for a number of months after surgery.

Depending on the deformity treated, some changes are dramatic and immediately noticeable. Other times the changes are subtle and may only be noticed by the way clothing fits. Liposuction is a contouring procedure and not for weight loss. Your weight may not change at all even if your shape changes dramatically.

Figure 2 shows before and after pictures 1 month after surgery with fairly typical results.

Figure 2

If certain aspects of your body frustrate you, consider doing something. Liposuction can make incredible changes to your shape and your confidence. Many cosmetic and plastic surgeons offer liposuction. However, if you want to benefit from the latest innovation in liposuction, look for a Doctor who offers “SmartLipo”. The ease of your recovery will please you and the difference in your contour will amaze you.