SmartLipo™ is a new less invasive form of fat removal that employs a laser fiber enclosed in a thin tube that inserted through a 2-3 mm incision in the skin. The laser liquifies unwanted fat on the face and body. The laser's energy is applied directly to the fat cells causing them to rupture. The majority of the liquified 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. SmartLipo™ utilizes a local rather than a general anesthetic so you are awake and comfortable during the treatment. Treatments with the SmartLipo™ system generally result 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 SmartLipo™.

The SmartLipo laser has a light that can be seen from underneath the skin allowing Dr. Young to precisely guide the SmartLipo laser to the areas that are in need of treatment.

SmartLipo 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.
Am I a candidate for Smartlipo?
Smartlipo™ Laser Body Sculpting 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?
Smartlipo™ Laser Body Sculpting 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 Smartlipo?
Smartlipo™ Laser Body Sculpting 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. Smartlipo™ Laser Body Sculpting permanently destroys the fat cells releasing their contents, as a liquid, to be naturally drained away by your body.

How is the procedure performed?
During Smartlipo™, 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). A very small cannula (tube) containing the laser fiber is inserted into the fatty layers of your skin. The small laser fiber delivers energy directly to the fat cells causing them to rupture. The fat is then removed with either gentle suction or MicroAire Power Liposuction.

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.

Smartlipo™ Laser Body Sculpting 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?
Smartlipo™ Laser Body Sculpting 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. Compression garments are typically worn for 2 weeks after Smartlipo™ 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 Smartlipo™, you should be alert and able to function without nausea or the “drained” feeling associated with general anesthesia.

Are there any complications?
The safety record of Smartlipo™ is well documented. The complication rate of Smartlipo™ 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 like Smartlipo™ 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 after 2 months.

When can I return to work?
You should be able to return to work within 1 to 2 days.

Can Smartlipo be used in conjunction with liposuction?
Yes, Smartlipo™ Laser Body Sculpting 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, Smartlipo™ is an excellent adjunct.

What are advantages of Smartlipo over other procedures?

• Smartlipo™ Laser Body Sculpting offers minimal discomfort during the procedure

• There is mild discomfort which only lasts 24-48 hrs

• Majority of individuals can return to work in 24 hrs

• There is minimal bleeding or bruising

• There is no loosening or hanging skin after the procedure

• There are no side effects of general anesthesia

• There are no incisions or suturing involved

Is Smartlipo approved for use in USA?
The Smartlipo™ Laser Body Sculpting fat reduction treatment received clearance from the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) in November 2006.

Is Smartlipo 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 Smartlipo procedure?
Smartlipo™ Laser Body Sculpting varies in cost depending upon the body area, or areas, being treated. Generally, treatments can be between $3000 - $8000. Please schedule a complimentary consultation with us to determine a more specific cost.