When trying to lose weight, many people experience one or more areas on the body where they cannot seem to get rid of fat, despite their best efforts. Frustrated by their lack of success, many people turn to cosmetic surgery to achieve their physical goals and attain the body image they desire.
Laser-assisted lipolysis (SMARTLIPO) is an advanced, FDA-approved cosmetic procedure used to remove localized areas of fat from the body and tighten skin the area as well. This procedure is designed specifically for the localized areas of fat that are resistant to traditional diet and exercise.
There are several different types of laser lipolysis procedures currently available, each offering patients effective results through a minimally invasive procedure. These procedures, currently offered at Dr Khan’s office, are based on the tumescent assisted liposuction (TAL) procedure, which suctions unwanted areas of fat out from the body through small cannulas under local anesthesia.
While effective, liposuction (TAL) can sometimes be combined with laser-assisted liposuction in certain situations where there is a significant skin laxity and skin tightening is the desired outcome. These types of results are desired mostly in aging neck, face, jowls, lower abdomen and buttocks. Laser-assisted liposuction is an adjunct to TAL and can provide significant skin tightening without any surgery, scarring or requiring long recovery periods. Dr Misbah Khan might use lasers in conjunction with TAL to achieve the best possible results for her patients.
How does laser lipolysis (SmartLipo) work?
The laser energy heats the fat cells, causing them to liquefy and be more easily removed from the body through the cannula, which significantly reduces the trauma of the procedure. The laser also targets the skin in the treated area, causing it to tighten and conform to the new contour of the body.
Laser-assisted liposuction is also performed under local anesthesia and is tolerable for most patients. The procedure can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours to perform, depending on the size of the area being treated. Since the incision is so small, no sutures are needed and scarring is minimal, sometimes not visible at all. Patients can return home immediately after their procedure.
What are the benefits of laser-assisted liposuction (SmartLipo)?
Dr Khan recommends laser-assisted liposuction procedure to her patients if they have excessive skin laxity, relatively older age groups, post-pregnancy and if they desire cellulite reduction, as this procedure can safely tighten the skin and smooth out skin surface irregularities. Some additional benefits include:
- Less trauma
- Shorter procedure time
- Less scarring
- Less downtime
- Effective fat removal with skin tightening as well
- Fewer risks and complications
After treatment, patients can enjoy significant circumferential reduction and skin tightening in the treated area. Some of the most common areas treated with laser lipolysis include the waist, abdomen, back, hips, buttocks, knees, ankles, face, neck and cellulite.
What is the recovery like from laser lipolysis?
After the laser lipolysis procedure, patients can often return to work and other regular activities the very next day. The results of the procedure can sometimes be visible right away, and will continue to improve for several months as the area heals. Like liposuction, laser lipolysis results are considered permanent unless the patient gains a significant amount of weight after treatment.
Is laser lipolysis considered safe?
Laser lipolysis (SmartLipo) is considered safe for most patients with no risk of any serious or long-term complications. There is also a lower risk of side effects such as bruising, bleeding and swelling than with conventional liposuction because of the minimally invasive nature of this procedure.
Women who are pregnant or patients taking certain medications should not undergo this procedure. Dr Misbah Khan will help you decide whether or not this procedure is right for you after a thorough evaluation of your condition.
