What Is Minimally-Invasive Laser Liposuction?

Body contouring is one of the leading medical aesthetic procedures requested. But before you go spending money, be sure to know what different options are best for you.  

Traditional Liposuction

Fat reduction, skin tightening and body contouring, such as traditional surgery- tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) with or without liposuction, can be invasive.  Treatment areas include chin/neck, abdomen, arms, thighs and buttocks.

The major benefit of traditional surgery is the removal of excess skin and fat to provide the most aggressive transformation of the targeted area, especially the abdomen. It’s the preferred option following bariatric procedures and extreme weight loss. Also, some patients prefer being fully put under as they see or hear nothing during the procedure. 

These surgical procedures require General Anesthesia, prolonged recovery, moderate post-procedure pain and, more than likely, skin drains for a few days.  They also require a 14-day downtime. 

SmartLipo Laser Liposuction

Minimally Invasive options combine laser destruction of fat with liposuction utilizing a lidocaine solution called Tumescence rather than General Anesthesia.  A procedure under mild sedation avoids complications of General Anesthesia and provides safe, effective body contouring with excellent results, minimal recovery time- (usually 12-24 hours) and fewer risks of complications. Since there are no extra costs for an anesthesiologist and operating room setup, laser liposuction is usually less expensive. 

Smart Lipo by Cynosure is one of the leading devices for in-office, laser liposuction.  Treatment areas include abdomen, flanks, back, arms and thighs. Here is the simple, 4-step process:

Step #1: A microcannula is inserted under the skin to inject the lidocaine solution and numb the treatment area.

Step #2: A laser fiber is inserted within a microcannula that heats the tissue resulting in lipolysis or destruction of fat cells to be later cleared by the body’s circulatory system.

Step #3: The treatment area is then aspirated with a small trochar that breaks up and suctions away fatty tissue.

Step #4: A second laser fiber is reintroduced under the skin to stimulate collagen, reduce bleeding and enhance skin tightening .   

Is SmartLipo Offered at Baldwin GYN & Aesthetics?

Yes! Dr. Corbett offers a complimentary body contouring consultation to better review what treatment will provide maximum results and expectations.  After the consultation, a pre-op appointment is scheduled where Dr. Corbett provides complete instructions for pre- and post- procedure. To ensure you are a candidate for minimally-invasive laser liposuction, she also:

• Gathers medical history
• Obtains labs
• Writes prescriptions for mild sedation the day of the procedure
• Performs a physical 

Consents are also reviewed and signed during this appointment.

On the day of the procedure, you will need someone to drive you from the office due to the mild sedation.  Upon arrival, you will relax in our Zen room until setup is complete.  Prior to your treatment, photos and measurements are obtained. Most SmartLipo procedures will last 2-3 hours but may vary based on treatment areas. Once completed, a compression garment is fitted, a snack bag and drink are provided and a follow up appointment is scheduled for the next day.  

Does SmartLipo Hurt?   

There is mild to moderate discomfort as the area is numbed using the Tumescence solution, which lasts only a few minutes.  Throughout the procedure, you’ll usually feel pressure and a sensation of warmth or heat (particularly over bony regions such as hips or along ribs). Afterwards, we encourage ice packs and mild pain medication including Ibuprofen, Tylenol, or Tramadol, as needed. 

How Long Do I Need to Take Off Work? 

It is best to rest the first 24 hours after your procedure. The following day you will come to the office to remove any dressings and check the incisions. Vigorous exercise and sports should be avoided for 10-14 days. 

When Will I See Results from SmartLipo? 

The first few days after the procedure, it is normal to have mild swelling, sense of fullness, bruising and possibly drainage of thin fluid. As inflammation resolves, you should notice a significant improvement within 2 weeks. However, the laser lipolysis does require approximately 8-12 weeks for complete resolution of fat destruction and skin tightening.