SmartLipo is a new procedure that has revolutionized the way one can get rid of body fat. It is a form of liposuction in which laser is used for performing the procedure. It is also called Laser Liposuction. The procedure was initially practiced in Europe and the FDA has approved it a couple of weeks ago and it is been practiced in the USA since then. SmartLipo is such a smart procedure that gets rid of the unwanted ugly fat from the body so effectively that you are not left with any ugly scars or redundant skin folds. And above all you can report to work within a few days.

SmartLipo is ideal for treating small areas of the face, neck, arms, breasts and abdominal areas and areas of loose and flabby skin. Typically only one treatment is required. As much as 500 ml of fat can be melted away at a single session. The session may last from 45 minutes to one hour for each area treated.

SmartLipo is different from the conventional liposuction in a number of ways. These include -

"SmartLipo is done under local anesthesia called Tissue Infusion Anesthesia whereas the conventional liposuction is done under general anesthesia. Because of this there are many advantages like avoiding the complications of anesthesia, remaining conscious during the procedure, and faster recovery from the effects of the anesthetic drug.

"In SmartLipo, a 1 mm diameter probe is introduced through a small incision on the skin and laser is introduced through it which melts away the fat. Since the incision is so small it does not require any suturing and no visible scar will be seen at the treatment site. On the other hand a 4mm- 6 mm diameter tube is used to suck the solid fat out of the body in the conventional liposuction. An incision has to be done on the skin for insertion of this tube. This skin incision needs suturing and it heals with an ugly scar later.

"In SmartLipo, the thin probe introduced melts the fat inside and later collagen fibers are formed resulting in tightening of the skin. So the procedure does not cause any loose hanging skin. On the other hand, in the conventional liposuction, the fat is sucked out and this results in loose hanging skin folds which look ugly.

"In SmartLipo, the procedure causes less tissue damage and bleeding as it involves laser treatment. On the other hand, in the conventional liposuction, manual operation of the tube is done for sucking out the fat which may cause tissue damage and bleeding

"Patients undergoing SmartLipo procedure can return to work after two days. But those who undergo the conventional liposuction need rest and can resume their work only after a week.

The results are permanent as the fat cells are removed. But if a person gains weight, the excess fat gets deposited in places that are not treated with SmartLipo