Smart Lipo and Laser Lipo are trademarked procedures that use laser liposuction as an alternative to standard liposuction that involves the use of a cannula or microcannula to suck the fat out of the treated area. The use of a laser for liposuction creates a wealth of benefits from smaller incisions (smaller scars after surgery), fat is broken down before being suctioned (less time suctioning, less powerful suction needed), faster procedure, no need for general anesthetic and the procedure can be performed in the surgeon’s office versus a certified medical facility.
Laser liposuction as a surgical procedure was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2007. There are a few different wavelengths that the various laser treatment machines operate on. The first one approved by the FDA operated at the 1064 wavelength – the same that targets red blood cells. By using this wavelength any blood vessels encountered during the liposuction procedure are cauterized and bleeding is significantly reduced. This helps to reduce both bruising and swelling due to fluid accumulation and blood loss.
The best candidates for laser liposuction are those patients who are less than twenty five pounds over their ideal weight and have fat deposits that have not responded to diet and exercise and are not happy with their current body image. To have elective surgery performed the patient must have a positive mental outlook and want to participate in any way necessary to make the procedure a success. Some things that can help you make the decision to use a laser technology for liposuction instead of regular liposuction are before and after photos of the procedures you are considering. You can look for photos of people who are similar in size and skin coloring to see the results they got. Keep in mind that results of the same procedure will differ from person to person and by how much fat you want removed during your surgery.
