SmartLipo is the latest cosmetic procedure to get rid of body fat that has been practiced in Europe and the USA. Since its approval by The FDA in October, many centers have started performing this amazing procedure. Unlike the conventional liposuction procedure, SmartLipo is very simple to perform with fantastic results.

Principle

In SmartLipo which is also called as Laser Liposuction, a thin 1mm diameter fiber-optic laser probe is introduced at the site where fat has to be removed. Nd: YAG 1064 laser pulses are released through the fiber-optic probe. This laser generates heat and destroys the fat cells at the site of application. The fat cells get liquefied. The liquefied fat cells are removed from the site by blood cells called macrophages. In addition to this, the physician also sucks out the liquefied fat. At the treatment site collagen fibers are formed which tightens the skin.

Preparation before the procedure

There is no special preparation required at the beginning of the treatment. Only a light is taken before the procedure. A dose of antibiotic is given before the procedure to prevent infection. The doctor performing the procedure will first evaluate whether you are fit for the procedure. The person undergoing SmartLipo will be thoroughly examined and taken to procedure room where he will be asked to wear a surgical gown. The doctor then will mark the sites where SmartLipo has to be done. The areas to be treated will be wiped with antiseptic solution and the procedure will be started.

Anesthesia

Unlike the conventional liposuction, SmartLipo is done under local anesthesia which is also called 'Tissue Infusion Anesthesia. A fluid containing a mixture of local anesthetic drug and other drugs that control bleeding will be injected in to the tissue around the site from where the fat has to be removed. The local anesthetic drug component makes the procedure totally painless. Other drugs make the blood vessels to contract so that the blood loss during the procedure is controlled. Since the procedure is done under local anesthesia, the person will be conscious during the procedure. For the same reasons, the recovery time will be faster and the complications will be virtually absent.

Procedure

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. The steps involved are -

- A small incision is made on the skin in the area from where fat has to be removed. The incision is generally about 2mm

- A fiber-optic probe of 1mm - 2mm diameter is introduced through the skin incision.

- Nd: YAG 1064 laser pulses are released in to the site. The probe is moved to and for so that the laser can destroy all the fat cells at that site. The destroyed fat cells are liquefied which are removed by blood vessels and lymphatics. In a few centers, the liquefied fat is also squeezed out and even sucked out. The laser coagulates the surrounding tissue. This controls bleeding and minimizes the tissue damage.

Post-procedure treatment

Since the skin incision is very small, there is no need for stitches. The procedure lasts for 45 minutes to one hour. After the procedure the treatment site is covered with dressing and compression garments are to be worn at the treatment area for about three weeks. This decreases the swelling seen at the treatment site. The person can resume his routine after 2 days.

Good results are seen after 6-8 weeks. The laser treated area remodels itself and adjusts itself to the contour of the body. There will be no visible scar since the skin incision is small and do not require any stitches. Only one treatment session is enough for one site and the results are permanent.