A side benefit of the laser is that it stimulates the production of collagen, and actually tightens the skin. Older methods of liposuction do not stimulate collagen growth.

Smart Lipo has been shown to have fewer risks and side effects than traditional Liposuction. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia like traditional Liposuction.

What Is Smart Lipo?

Smartlipo™ is a new less invasive form of liposuction that uses a laser to liquefy unwanted fat on the waist, face, thighs, arms, or breasts. The laser's energy is applied directly to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and be drained away naturally by the body. Smartlipo utilizes a local rather than a general anesthetic. You are awake and comfortable during treatment, and can talk to the doctor. Treatments with the Smartlipo system generally result in less swelling and bleeding as compared to traditional liposuction methods and can usually be performed in one 45-minute session. Repeat touch ups are required less often than with traditional liposuction.

How Is Smart Lipo Performed?

During Smart Lipo, 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. (The incision is so small that it will not require stitches.) A very small cannula (tube) containing the laser fiber is inserted into the fatty layers. The small laser fiber delivers energy directly to the fat cells, causing them to rupture and easily drain away.

Smart Lipo is performed in an office setting and hospitalization is not required. The technique allows Dr. Falcone to remove fat more uniformly with fewer skin irregularities and less bleeding and bruising than would be possible with traditional Liposuction.

What Happens After Surgery?

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 Smart Lipo, patients are usually alert and able to function without nausea, or the "washed out" feeling associated with general anesthesia. The Smart lipo laser 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 Smartlipo procedure. Compression garments are typically worn for 2 weeks after Smart lipo as compared to 6 weeks for traditional liposuction.

Are There Any Possible Complications?

The safety record of Smart Lipo is well documented. The complication rate of Smart Lipo 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 Smart Lipo generally carry less risk than procedures that require general anesthesia like traditional liposuction.