Smart Lipo

SmartLipo/SlimLipo Procedure

Smartlipo or SlimLipo is performed under general anesthesia for maximum patient comfort and safety. We encourage patients who have concerns about general anesthesia to discuss the use of anesthesia with our doctors during their initial consultation.

To begin the procedure, your GraceMed surgeon will insert the thin cannula (about the width of an uncooked strand of angel hair pasta) into the treatment area. The cannula delivers laser energy to heat and melts the fat cells. Once the fat has liquefied, your GraceMed surgeon can easily remove the treated cells from the body with gentle suction. When he is satisfied with his work, he will close the incisions with sutures and may place a support garment to help the tissues heal.

SmartLipo/SlimLipo Candidates

The ideal SmartLipo or SlimLipo candidate is a healthy individual with a BMI under 30. Laser lipolysis is intended to selectively remove deposits of diet-resistant fat, not produce whole-body weight loss, so its effectiveness is limited when applied to significantly overweight individuals.

You should avoid having laser lipolysis if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. SmartLipo and SlimLipo are also unsuitable for patients who have cardiac pacemakers or who have medical implants in or near the treatment area. During your consultation, your GraceMed surgeon will review your complete medical history to make sure that you can safely have laser lipolysis.

Benefits of SmartLipo/SlimLipo

In addition to permanently destroying stubborn fat cells, laser-assisted lipolysis has other benefits. The laser seals blood vessels to reduce bleeding, post-operative bruising and swelling, and recovery time. Also, the heat from the laser promotes collagen growth for tighter, more youthful-looking skin. This is important because aging causes the production of collagen to slow down, which can contribute to skin wrinkling and sagging. Stimulating collagen growth helps the skin look more youthful and toned.

In most cases, the results of both SmartLipo and SlimLipo are permanent. The fat that is removed by laser lipolysis won’t grow back, though weight gain and age-related fat centralization can potentially mitigate some of the results of treatments. To ensure you get the most out of laser lipolysis, commit to eating a nutritious, calorie-controlled diet. Strength training may also help to prevent fat centralization.

SmartLipo/SlimLipo Recovery

Although patients’ recovery experiences from plastic surgery procedures vary depending on the individual, most Smartlipo and SlimLipo patients recover within a day or two of their procedure. They may have minor discomfort (akin to the aches and pains after a hard workout at the gym), but this can be easily alleviated through oral pain medication.

When to Expect Results

Most patients will see results within the first week after having SmartLipo or SlimLipo. However, the body needs time to excrete damaged fat cells and generate new collagen. You can, therefore, expect to experience continued slimming for four to six weeks after treatment. Your skin may improve in firmness and elasticity for two to three months after your last laser lipolysis session.

Most patients only need to have one SmartLipo or SlimLipo session to achieve excellent results. Still, some patients choose to have multiple treatment sessions to lose a significant amount of unwanted fat without conventional liposuction.