SmartLipo is one of the major types of laser liposuction operating nationwide today. Not only does it remove stubborn and unwanted fat from any part of the body, but it also tightens and firms the skin at the same time.
SmartLipo: The Procedure
SmartLipo falls under the category of minimally invasive laser liposuction. Comparable procedures include Sono Bello’s TriSculpt and Elite Body Sculpture’s AirSculpt. Although they go by similar names, SmartLipo is nothing like noninvasive laser liposuction, which destroys fat externally and involves no cutting or tools inserted into the body.
SmartLipo procedures begin with the surgeon introducing a small probe with a laser-energy fiber into the targeted fat deposit to break down and melt fat cells. Once the targeted fat has been destroyed, the doctor will remove this material using a small suctioning tool called a cannula. The laser energy used during this process can also help tighten sagging skin, giving the body a youthful and firm tone.
Another notable feature of SmartLipo is that it can be performed under local anesthesia, meaning patients remain awake throughout the process. You may squirm at the thought of staying awake during liposuction, but doing so considerably decreases risks for patients.
SmartLipo is used to eliminate fat in small, localized areas, but this procedure can also remove up to eight pounds of fat if such amounts are desired. Patients can also combine laser liposuction with traditional liposuction if sufficiently copious amounts are slated for removal.
SmaerLipo Costs and Fees
You can get SmartLipo in any area of the body with excess, pinchable fat. Treatments cost about $5,000 on average, but prices fluctuate depending on the size of the treated area. Usually, the abdominal area is more costly ($5,000 to $8,000) than the area below the chin ($3,000 to $5,000), as it has more fat stored. A reasonable price range for SmartLipo on any area of the body is $2,000 at a minimum and $8,500 at a maximum.
Risks and Complications Associated With SmartLipo
Any surgical procedure involves certain risks, and SmartLipo is no exception. Local anesthesia helps to reduce the chances of complications, but it does not eliminate them entirely.
The most frequently reported risks involved with SmartLipo are:
- Bruising
- Hematomas (when blood accumulates below the dermis)
- Scars
- Infection
Less frequent, but more severe complications include:
- Burns on the skin or below the tissue
- Shock
- Excessive bleeding
The SmartLipo Recovery Process
One of the upsides to SmartLipo and other minimally invasive laser liposuction procedures is their associated recovery times. Unlike traditional liposuction, most patients can get back to their regular activities in one or two days. This shortened recovery means you won’t need to have that uncomfortable conversation with your boss about taking significant time off from work. Pain should also diminish within these two days, but your surgeon will likely request that you wear compression garments for a week at a minimum.
It is rare to see more severe complications occur, but if they do develop, you may need to return to your doctor for an immediate follow-up. When choosing your surgeon, ensure they possess extensive experience and a strong reputation, which will improve the chances of a seamless recovery with reliable results.