Questions About SmartLipo, SlimLipo & Laser Lipolysis
The word "lipolysis" means to break apart fat cells. SmartLipo™ and SlimLipo™ are less invasive forms of fat removal that employ a laser fiber enclosed in a thin tube that inserted through a 2-3 mm hole in the skin. It can be safely performed on the face and body. The laser's energy is applied directly to the fat cells causing them to rupture. The majority of the liquefied fat is removed with suction and any remaining fat will be drained away naturally by the body. This procedure results in minimal bleeding and damage to the underlying tissues.
The laser allows the tiny arteries and veins to coagulate minimizing bruising, and often leaving skin firmer after the procedure. Laser lipolysis utilizes a local rather than a general anesthetic so you are awake and comfortable during the treatment. Treatments with a laser lipolysis device generally results in less swelling and bleeding as compared to traditional liposuction methods. Repeat touch ups are required less often than with traditional liposuction.
Traditional liposuction requires larger incisions for the treatment area, the insertion of a metal tube, and the vacuuming of solid fat. This surgery can be traumatic to surrounding tissues and is less precise than with a laser lipolysis device.
The SmartLipo™ and SlimLipo™ lasers have a light that can be seen from underneath the skin allowing Dr. Young to precisely guide the laser to the areas that are in need of treatment.
Laser lipolysis is not intended to significantly reduce your body weight. Instead, it will remove fat from targeted small, cosmetic areas of the body such as the face, arms, abdomen, hips, knees, thighs, and neck. An elastic bodysuit or a compression garment has to be worn after the surgery in order to control and reduce swelling. It also helps the body settle into its new shape. Patients usually will see the improvements in treated areas a few days after the procedure.
The surgery, because of the less invasive nature, leaves behind little damage to the surrounding tissues when compared to traditional liposuction. The laser promotes the production of collagen growth, which has been shown to improve the overall tightness of the skin in the treatment area. Weeks later, you will notice a dramatic difference in your appearance.
The laser allows the tiny arteries and veins to coagulate minimizing bruising, and often leaving skin firmer after the procedure. Laser lipolysis utilizes a local rather than a general anesthetic so you are awake and comfortable during the treatment. Treatments with a laser lipolysis device generally results in less swelling and bleeding as compared to traditional liposuction methods. Repeat touch ups are required less often than with traditional liposuction.
Traditional liposuction requires larger incisions for the treatment area, the insertion of a metal tube, and the vacuuming of solid fat. This surgery can be traumatic to surrounding tissues and is less precise than with a laser lipolysis device.
The SmartLipo™ and SlimLipo™ lasers have a light that can be seen from underneath the skin allowing Dr. Young to precisely guide the laser to the areas that are in need of treatment. Laser lipolysis is not intended to significantly reduce your body weight. Instead, it will remove fat from targeted small, cosmetic areas of the body such as the face, arms, abdomen, hips, knees, thighs, and neck. An elastic bodysuit or a compression garment has to be worn after the surgery in order to control and reduce swelling. It also helps the body settle into its new shape. Patients usually will see the improvements in treated areas a few days after the procedure.
The surgery, because of the less invasive nature, leaves behind little damage to the surrounding tissues when compared to traditional liposuction. The laser promotes the production of collagen growth, which has been shown to improve the overall tightness of the skin in the treatment area. Weeks later, you will notice a dramatic difference in your appearance.
1. Am I a candidate for Laser Lipolysis?
2. Which areas of the body can be treated?
3. Who is not a candidate for Laser Lipolysis?
4. Is the fat removal permanent?
5. How is the procedure performed?
6. Is there a recovery period?
7. Are there any complications?
8. When will I see the results?
9. When can I return to work?
10. Can Laser Lipolysis be performed if I have had previous liposuction?
11. What are the advantages of Laser Lipolysis over standard liposuction?
12. Are the Laser Lipolysis devices used at Young Medical Spa approved for use in the USA?
13. Is Laser Lipolysis covered by insurance companies?
14. What is the cost of a laser lipolysis procedure?
15. Why should I choose Dr. Young?
Am I a candidate for Laser Lipolysis?
Laser Lipolysis is meant for areas that do not respond to diet or exercise. The perfect candidate is in good health and of normal body weight. It is more efficient at removing fat from localized pockets which have proven resistant to conventional liposuction or exercise.
Which areas of the body can be treated?
Laser Lipolysis is ideal for the neck, jawline, arms, male breasts (gynecomastia), “bra fat”, abdomen, “love handles”, “saddle bags”, "banana roll", inner and outer thighs, and knees.
Who is not a candidate for Laser Lipolysis?
Laser Lipolysis is not suited for individuals with:
• poorly controlled diabetes
• liver problems
• blood disorders
• kidney problems
• heart problems
• skin disorders
Is the fat removal permanent?
Yes. Laser Lipolysis permanently destroys the fat cells releasing their contents, as a liquid, to be naturally drained away by your body or removed with suction.
How is the procedure performed?
During Laser Lipolysis, the area to be treated is infused with a saline solution containing a local anesthetic. A very small incision is then made in the skin (too small to require stitches). The laser is inserted into the fatty layers of your skin delivering energy directly to the fat cells causing them to rupture. The fat is then removed with suction.
The laser also causes small blood vessels to coagulate (gel) immediately on contact, resulting in less bleeding and swelling. The laser also affects the collagen in the skin which later causes the skin to tighten and shrink.
Laser Lipolysis is performed in our office and hospitalization is not required. The technique allows Dr. Young to remove fat more uniformly with fewer skin irregularities and less bleeding and bruising than would be possible with traditional Liposuction.
Is there a recovery period?
Laser Lipolysis causes small blood vessels to coagulate immediately on contact, resulting in less swelling and bruising and faster healing. Most people return to work and normal activities within two days of their procedure. This recovery time can vary; however, depending on the amount of areas treated and/or the volume of fat removed. Compression garments are typically worn for 2 weeks after Laser Lipolysis as compared to 6 weeks for traditional liposuction.
The local anesthesia fluid infused into the fatty tissue helps to keep the area numb for 18 to 24 hours following surgery. This greatly minimizes postoperative pain. After Laser Lipolysis, you should be alert and able to function without nausea or the “drained” feeling associated with general anesthesia.
Are there any complications?
The safety records of SmartLipo™ and SlimLipo™ are well documented. The complication rate of Laser Lipolysis has shown to be less than 1% as compared to 10% with traditional liposuction. While no procedure is risk free, procedures performed using local anesthesia generally carry less risk than procedures that require general anesthesia like traditional liposuction.
When will I see the results?
Soon after the procedure, the treated area will appear tighter, compact and smaller. Within the next 6-8 weeks, the skin and surrounding area will remodel and adjust to the body contour. The remodeling is a gradual process and the best results are seen in 2 to 6 months.
When can I return to work?
Depending on the number of areas treated and the extensiveness of the procedure, most people are able to return to work within 1 to 2 days.
Can Laser Lipolysis be performed if I have had previous liposuction?
Yes, Laser Lipolysis is designed to treat small and harder to reach areas of fat. After conventional surgical liposuction is done, and if small amounts of remodeling are required, Laser Lipolysis is an excellent adjunct.
What are advantages of Laser Lipolysis over standard liposuction?
• Laser Lipolysis offers minimal discomfort during the procedure
• There is mild to moderate discomfort which only lasts 24-48 hrs
• Majority of individuals can return to work in 1 to 2 days (longer if more body areas are treated)
• There is minimal bleeding or bruising
• There is no loosening or hanging skin after the procedure
• There are no side effects of general anesthesia
Are the Laser Lipolysis devices used at Young Medical Spa approved for use in USA?
Yes, both the SmartLipo™ and the SlimLipo™ are approved by the FDA. The SmartLipo™ was the first device to receive clearance from the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) in November 2006.
Is Laser Lipolysis covered by insurance companies?
No, it is strictly a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by any insurance companies; however, we do offer Financing Options.
What is the cost of a procedure?
Laser Lipolysis varies in cost depending upon the body area, or areas, being treated, the thickness of fat, the size of the areas, and the consistency of the fat (soft versus cellulite). Generally, treatments can be between $3000 - $8000. Please schedule a complimentary consultation with us to determine a more specific cost.
Why should I choose Dr. Young?
It does not matter what your medical specialty is when it comes to laser lipolysis as all physicians are trained the same way. What varies is how much training and experience a physician has, plus the quality of the training, and the trainer themselves. Dr. Young trained with the foremost experts in laser lipolysis and began performing SmartLipo™ Laser Body Sculpting soon after its FDA approval. He was the first to introduce it to the Lehigh Valley as well as the SlimLipo™, VASER® Lipo, and Body-Jet® devices. No one in the entire Lehigh Valley has performed more laser lipolysis cases than Dr. Young. In fact, Dr. Young performs approximately 30-40 procedures per month.
Dr. Young only performs aesthetic services in his practice and not only is on site, but also directly manages and supervises services performed by other staff members in his practice. His is a Speaker for Palomar Medical, Inc. the manufacturer of SlimLipo™ and a Trainer and Speaker for the Body-Jet.