Today, there are many different ways to shed unwanted body fat, with some approaches more efficient and sustainable than others.
Putting diet and exercise aside, certain types of liposuction have been proven effective for many individuals who struggle to lose stubborn fat – especially in the abdomen, hips, and things.
Among the liposuction technologies that have gained popularity over the years, Smartlipo is one approach that’s minimally invasive and thereby eases the recovery process for patients.
In fact, Smartlipo is the first FDA approved laser liposuction treatment to reduce fat and help contour the body.
But with any surgical procedure, regardless of being minimally invasive, there are always concerns for risks, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
So in the grand scheme of things, is Smartlipo laser liposuction treatment worth it? Below we peel the onion on this popular fat removal treatment and what individuals can expect.
What is Smartlipo Laser Liposuction?
In essence, Smartlipo is a minimally invasive body sculpting treatment that removes excess fat from targeted areas all while tightening the skin.
The treatment is similar to traditional liposuction, but because it uses laser technology, it is far less invasive, provides faster results, and minimizes recovery time.
Smartlipo is effective at targeting fat in troubled areas like the back, thighs, buttocks, stomach, arms, but it is also able to work on small areas like the chin and neck.
The procedure has been very helpful for many different individuals who are challenged by excess fat – whether they’re severely overweight or struggle to lose the last bulge.
How Does this Treatment Works?
While traditional liposuction uses a small tube (called a “cannula”) that is inserted into the body to remove the fat, Smartlipo uses an even smaller cannula that contains a small laser fiber.
This is the device that is inserted through a tiny incision made on the target area of the body.
The laser is designed to produce a high temperature that “melts” fat, thereby breaking it down and liquefying the fat cells so they are easier to remove.
The heat of the laser also stimulates the natural healing response of the body to increase collagen production, which helps to tighten the skin.
Additionally, the laser also coagulates the blood vessels that surround the incision to reduce swelling and bruising.
Efficacy of Smartlipo Treatment
Due to the small incision required for surgery, the treatment involves minimal scarring and only uses local anesthesia so the patient is awake during the entire procedure.
The thermal energy the laser produces destroys the fat cells effectively and increases the production of collagen so it tightens the skin leaving it firmer, reducing saggy skin and unwanted cellulite.
This is one of the biggest advantages of Smartlipo treatment when it is compared to traditional liposuction which removes fat but leaves the skin loose and saggy.
It is also able to reduce excessive fat and loose skin on delicate areas of the face and neck with strong precision.
To be an ideal candidate for this treatment, the patient needs to have a stable weight and good general health. Patients who have excess fat that doesn’t respond well to diet and exercise will get the most benefits of this treatment.
The treatment usually lasts less than an hour for each targeted area and results are immediate although the body shape will continue to improve over a period of several months.
Side Effects of Smartlipo
The side effects are the same as the ones from traditional liposuction and include pain, numbness in the area, tolerable aches, discomfort, discolored skin, bruising, and swelling; although these effects are minor when compared to the side effects of traditional liposuction.
The treatment boosts the natural healing process of the skin and tissue coagulation so the bruising and swelling are minimal and go away within a few days.
Recovery Process
You may need 2 to 3 days to recover, and you should avoid strenuous activities for 3 weeks. The recovery process is less severe and shorter than the one from traditional liposuction.
Depending on the treated area the patient will need to wear a compression garment for a short period of time to reduce swelling and help the body adjust to its new shape.
The patient should also eat a low-sodium diet to reduce the swelling.
Still, the incision that is made during the treatment is so small that it doesn’t require stitches and any mark will be undetectable.
Cost of the Smartlipo Treatment
The cost of the Smartlipo procedure depends on a number of variables, such as a target area to be treated and the provider administering treatment.
The cost of Smartlipo can be anywhere between $2,100 and $8,575 with an average cost of about $5,000, according to RealSelf.
Is Smartlipo Worth It?
Smartlipo is one of the safest cosmetic procedures, and the recovery process is shorter in comparison to traditional liposuction and other treatments to reduce excess fat.
Since the process destroys fat cells, if the patient happens to gain weight again, that new fat will be distributed in different parts of the body and not in the area that was treated.
Most patients notice positive results after the treatment, and not only a reduction in excess fat, but they also get rid of cellulite and loose skin. With a healthy lifestyle, good diet and exercises the results are going to be long-lasting.
About The Author:
Katie Caldwell is a journalist for WIFH, a laser aesthetics clinic and med spa recognized as Atlanta’s only Certified Laser of Excellence. WIFH provides a wide range of treatments ranging from laser liposuction, cellulite removal, body contouring, and laser hair removal.
