Liposuction is one of the most popular and commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the US. Because it is normally completed within a few hours with the patient under local anesthesia, those who undergo it usually do not have to spend the night at the hospital but they return back home after the procedure is completed.

Various techniques have been developed over the years to be used for liposuction. One of them is Smartlipo. This technique uses a laser probe that is inserted into an incision made in the abdominal area. The probe emulsifies adipose tissue before the fat is removed. Emulsifying (melting) the fat before removing it from the abdominal section makes it possible for a higher volume of fat to be removed in a shorter time with less trauma to surrounding tissue compared to other lipo techniques. Additionally, Smartlipo causes mild contracture, which allows for more predictable tightening of the skin after the surgery.

What to Expect During the Smartlipo Procedure

The Smartlipo procedure begins by a surgeon making preoperative markings on the area that needs fat removal. The patient will then be asked to lie comfortably on an operating table whereby local anesthesia will be administered to him or her. In some cases, a mild sedative may also be administered to provide the patient with optimal comfort throughout the surgery. The surgeon will then make small incisions near the marked area to create space for inserting a cannula that will be used to deliver tumescent fluid into the area. This fluid is a salty solution that contains epinephrine to control bleeding and lidocaine for numbing the surrounding tissue.

Once the surgeon confirms that the patient is thoroughly anesthetized, the laser fiberoptic tip of the SmartLipo probe will be inserted into the incision. The surgeon will then move it back and forth slowly to melt fat in the area making it easier to suck it out. He or she will finish the procedure by inserting an aspirating cannula into the incision site to suck out the fat.

To close the incisions, a skin adhesive will be applied over them. Because of the preciseness of this technique, no sutures will be required. The patient will typically notice immediate improvement, but final results will be seen 3 to 6 months after the surgery.

The Goals of this Procedure

This SmartLipo is done to remove excess fat from certain parts of the body and slightly tighten loose skin to improve body shape.

What Concerns does the Procedure Address?

The cosmetic concerns addressed by SmartLipo include:

• Leg shape and size
• Buttock shape and size
• Arm shape and size
• Abdominal contour
• Excess body fat
• Mommy makeover

Recovery Process

It is common for the treated area to be swollen for up to 4 to 6 weeks after undergoing a SmartLipo procedure. This swelling might take even longer to subside depending on the procedure’s extent. However, the final results of the procedure will be procedure after 3 to 6 months post-operation.

Considering having this procedure done? Take a look at SmartLipo Michigan today.

Kelly Stokes