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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I choose Dr. Young?
2. Which areas of the body can be treated?
3. Is the fat removal permanent?
4. Can Laser Liposuction be performed if I have had previous liposuction?
5. What can I expect on the day of the procedure?
6. Can I expect pain during the procedure?
7. What can I expect after the procedure?
8. When can I return to work/school?
9. Are there any complications?
10. When will I see the results?
11. Will I lose weight as a result of the procedure?
12. What are the advantages of Laser Liposuction over standard liposuction?
13. Are the Laser Liposuction devices used at Young Medical Spa® approved for use in the U.S.?
14. Is Laser Liposuction covered by insurance companies?
15. How do I schedule my procedure?
Why should I choose Dr. Young?
Regardless of what you read and hear, it does not matter what your medical specialty is when it comes to laser liposuction 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 originally trained with the foremost experts in laser liposuction and began performing SmartLipo™ Laser Body Sculpting soon after its FDA approval. He was the first to introduce it to the region as well as the SlimLipo™ and VASER LipoSelection® devices. No one in the entire Lehigh Valley has performed more laser liposuction cases than Dr. Young. In fact, Dr. Young had performed over 1500 procedures.
Dr. Young is also a Speaker for Palomar Medical, Inc. the manufacturer of SlimLipo™ and trains other physicians in awake tumescent liposuction procedures. He is also one of the few physicians trained to perform stem cell enriched fat transfer procedures and has his own state-of-the-art stem cell processing lab.
Professional Accolades & Awards:
Laser Liposuction 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.
Is the fat removal permanent?
Yes. Laser Liposuction permanently destroys the fat cells releasing their contents, as a liquid, to be naturally drained away by your body or removed with suction.
Can Laser Liposuction be performed if I have had previous liposuction?
Yes, Laser Liposuction 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 Liposuction is an excellent adjunct.
What can I expect on the day of the procedure?
You should have something light to eat prior to your procedure. It is mandatory that you have someone drive you to and from our office as you will be given mild medications to relax you and alleviate the post-operative pain.
Can I expect pain during the procedure?
You may experience mild to moderate discomfort when the Dr. Young administers the tumescent anesthesia.
What can I expect after the procedure?
For the first few hours after your procedure, you may experience nausea or dizziness. The tumescent anesthesia fluid infused into the fatty tissue helps to keep the area numb for 18 to 24 hours following your procedure. Compression garments are typically worn for 2 to 6 weeks to promote healing. Some drainage of the tumescent anesthesia, pinkish in color, will occur during the first 24 to 48 hours post procedure. You can expect some soreness after your procedure as your body begins to heal.
When can I return to work/school?
Most people return to work and slowly return to normal activity within a few days of their procedure. This recovery time can vary; however, depending on the amount of areas treated and/or the volume of fat removed.
Are there any complications?
The safety records of SmartLipo™, SlimLipo™ and VASER Lipo® are well documented. The complication rates for these procedures have 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. Serious risks with this type of procedure are very uncommon. This will be reviewed with you by Dr. Young during your second consultation.
When will I see the results?
Soon after the procedure, the treated area will appear tighter, compact and smaller. Within 4 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 depending on the body area treated and the severity of skin laxity prior to the procedure.
Will I lose weight as a result of the procedure?
With Laser Liposuction you can expect to lose “inches” and not “weight”. Your clothing will fit more comfortably as most patients typically see a 60-80% reduction in size in the areas treated. Of course, each individual patient’s results can vary depending on what was done.
What are advantages of Laser Liposuction over standard liposuction?
Yes, all of our liposuction devices are approved by the FDA.
Is Laser Liposuction 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.
How do I schedule my procedure?
If you require financial assistance for your procedure, our clinical consultant can determine if you might be eligible for financing through Chase Health Advance or Care Credit, usually within minutes.
You will be given a prescription to have blood tests performed. These tests must be received by our office before your second consultation.
At minimum, a $500 scheduling fee (non-refundable) is required to schedule your procedure date. Your remaining balance must be paid in full by the second consultation if you choose to forego financing.
A Final Note...
We are here to assist you throughout your procedure and we welcome you to reach out to us should you have further questions or concerns. Thank you for considering Young Medical Spa®!
2. Which areas of the body can be treated?
3. Is the fat removal permanent?
4. Can Laser Liposuction be performed if I have had previous liposuction?
5. What can I expect on the day of the procedure?
6. Can I expect pain during the procedure?
7. What can I expect after the procedure?
8. When can I return to work/school?
9. Are there any complications?
10. When will I see the results?
11. Will I lose weight as a result of the procedure?
12. What are the advantages of Laser Liposuction over standard liposuction?
13. Are the Laser Liposuction devices used at Young Medical Spa® approved for use in the U.S.?
14. Is Laser Liposuction covered by insurance companies?
15. How do I schedule my procedure?
Why should I choose Dr. Young?
Regardless of what you read and hear, it does not matter what your medical specialty is when it comes to laser liposuction 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 originally trained with the foremost experts in laser liposuction and began performing SmartLipo™ Laser Body Sculpting soon after its FDA approval. He was the first to introduce it to the region as well as the SlimLipo™ and VASER LipoSelection® devices. No one in the entire Lehigh Valley has performed more laser liposuction cases than Dr. Young. In fact, Dr. Young had performed over 1500 procedures.
Dr. Young is also a Speaker for Palomar Medical, Inc. the manufacturer of SlimLipo™ and trains other physicians in awake tumescent liposuction procedures. He is also one of the few physicians trained to perform stem cell enriched fat transfer procedures and has his own state-of-the-art stem cell processing lab.
Professional Accolades & Awards:
- Awarded “Best Overall Body Make-Over (a combination of procedures)” at THE Aesthetic Awards held in Las Vegas, NV June 2011 at THE Aesthetic Show
- Awarded the title of “Leading Aesthetic Physician” in the 2011 “Who’s Who in Business” in the Lehigh Valley
- Awarded "Best Medical Spa" in The Morning Call's 2011 "Readers' Choice Awards"
- Twice voted “Best Aesthetic Physician” in the Lehigh Valley Magazine’s “Best of the Valley” Readers Poll
- Named “One of the Top Ten Medical Spas in the U.S.” by SpaFinder
Laser Liposuction 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.
Is the fat removal permanent?
Yes. Laser Liposuction permanently destroys the fat cells releasing their contents, as a liquid, to be naturally drained away by your body or removed with suction.
Can Laser Liposuction be performed if I have had previous liposuction?
Yes, Laser Liposuction 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 Liposuction is an excellent adjunct.
What can I expect on the day of the procedure?
You should have something light to eat prior to your procedure. It is mandatory that you have someone drive you to and from our office as you will be given mild medications to relax you and alleviate the post-operative pain.
- The area(s) to be treated will be marked and pre-operative photos will be taken.
- Next, a tiny injection of lidocaine will be given to numb the intended insertion site. Dr. Young will then make a very small incision in the skin to enable the insertion of the anesthesia cannulas and laser fiber.
- The area(s) to be treated are infused with a saline solution containing a local anesthetic, called “tumescent anesthesia”. This numbs the area(s) to be treated, constricts the small blood vessels to reduce bleeding and bruising, and aids in the facilitation of the laser under the skin. By using tumescent anesthesia, you will be awake and conscious and will not be put under general anesthesia which is statistically more of a risk.
- The laser fiber is inserted into the fatty layers of your skin delivering energy directly to the fat cells causing them to rupture. 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.
- The fat is then removed from the body with gentle suction.
- You should plan on being in our office from approximately 3 to 5 hours.
Can I expect pain during the procedure?
You may experience mild to moderate discomfort when the Dr. Young administers the tumescent anesthesia.
What can I expect after the procedure?
For the first few hours after your procedure, you may experience nausea or dizziness. The tumescent anesthesia fluid infused into the fatty tissue helps to keep the area numb for 18 to 24 hours following your procedure. Compression garments are typically worn for 2 to 6 weeks to promote healing. Some drainage of the tumescent anesthesia, pinkish in color, will occur during the first 24 to 48 hours post procedure. You can expect some soreness after your procedure as your body begins to heal.
When can I return to work/school?
Most people return to work and slowly return to normal activity within a few days of their procedure. This recovery time can vary; however, depending on the amount of areas treated and/or the volume of fat removed.
Are there any complications?
The safety records of SmartLipo™, SlimLipo™ and VASER Lipo® are well documented. The complication rates for these procedures have 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. Serious risks with this type of procedure are very uncommon. This will be reviewed with you by Dr. Young during your second consultation.
When will I see the results?
Soon after the procedure, the treated area will appear tighter, compact and smaller. Within 4 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 depending on the body area treated and the severity of skin laxity prior to the procedure.
Will I lose weight as a result of the procedure?
With Laser Liposuction you can expect to lose “inches” and not “weight”. Your clothing will fit more comfortably as most patients typically see a 60-80% reduction in size in the areas treated. Of course, each individual patient’s results can vary depending on what was done.
What are advantages of Laser Liposuction over standard liposuction?
- Laser Liposuction 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
Yes, all of our liposuction devices are approved by the FDA.
Is Laser Liposuction 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.
How do I schedule my procedure?
If you require financial assistance for your procedure, our clinical consultant can determine if you might be eligible for financing through Chase Health Advance or Care Credit, usually within minutes.
You will be given a prescription to have blood tests performed. These tests must be received by our office before your second consultation.
At minimum, a $500 scheduling fee (non-refundable) is required to schedule your procedure date. Your remaining balance must be paid in full by the second consultation if you choose to forego financing.
A Final Note...
We are here to assist you throughout your procedure and we welcome you to reach out to us should you have further questions or concerns. Thank you for considering Young Medical Spa®!