Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Ask Dr. Man- Smart Lipo

Dear Dr. Man, I saw a commercial for Smartlipo on TV last night. It made it sound like I can get it done and be at work the next day. This would be great because I lead a busy lifestyle. How does it differ from traditional liposuction? Signed, Bella in Boca Raton

Dear Bella, The first thing to remember is that television shows and commercials have a tendency to glamorize plastic surgery and promise unrealistic results. You should always speak to a board-certified plastic surgeon so you have realistic expectations for whatever procedure you choose to have done.

That being said, Smartlipo is the first and only laser lipolysis system to offer a revolutionary, minimally-invasive procedure for the removal of fat. Using a high-powered laser, Smartlipo is a new laser body sculpting procedure that requires less downtime and fewer side effects than traditional liposuction.

Smartlipo can be a great supplement to traditional liposuction procedures, although it does not replace conventional liposuction. Smartlipo is ideal for treating small areas of the face, neck, arms, breasts, and areas of loose and flabby skin. For most patients, usually only one treatment is required.

If you have areas of fat that do not respond well to diet and exercise, then you may be a candidate for Smartlipo. Ideal candidates are generally in good health, of normal body weight and have realistic expectations for the results.

A very small cannula (tube) containing a laser fiber is inserted into the skin. The cannula is moved back and forth, delivering the laser’s energy directly to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and easily drain away. Because the cannula is smaller than the traditional cannula used for liposuction, Smartlipo is a minimally invasive procedure and can be performed under local anesthesia. The laser causes small blood vessels to coagulate immediately on contact, resulting in less bleeding, swelling and bruising, as well as a quicker recovery time than conventional liposuction. Because general anesthesia is unnecessary, the procedure is very safe.

The session may last from 45 minutes to one hour for each area treated. After the treatment, patients wear a compression garment for several days to several weeks, depending on the body area being treated.

Everyone heals differently, but there is usually minimal downtime. Activity may be resumed gradually, but patients should avoid strenuous exercise for about 2 weeks.

Results can be seen in as soon as a week, with continued improvement over several months. The really good news is that Smartlipo provides lasting results. Adults do not create new fat cells; when a person gains weight, existing fat cells expand. The Smartlipo procedure permanently removes fat cells; so, if you do gain weight, most of the fat will be deposited in areas where the procedure was not performed. Good luck!

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Dr. Man


Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.

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