FAQs
What exactly is laser-assisted liposuction (also known as Liposculpture)?
Liposculpture is a minimally invasive procedure that literally removes and sculpts fat deposits while you are awake. Unlike traditional liposuction, new liposculpture techniques do not require general anesthesia or IV sedation. The procedures take appoximately 2-3 hours. Because High Def Liposculpture Vaser and Smartlipo technologies liquify fat prior to suctioning, there is less brusing and enhanced skin tightening over traditional liposuction techniques
How much fat can Liposculpture remove?
Liposculpture can remove over a gallon of fat (approximately 10 pounds) in a single session. You can expect 50-80% of the fat that you can pinch in an area to be removed in one treatment leaving you with a slimmer, more youthful body contour. Although your body will continue to age, results are permanent as long as your weight remains stable.
Who is a good candidate for the SmartLipo procedures?
If you have small areas of unwanted fat that will not improve with diet and exercise or you need skin tightening in treated areas, than you may want to consider SmartLipo. Ideal candidates are men and women in good health and of normal body weight.
Does SmartLipo treat cellulite?
Cellulite can often be worsened with traditional liposuction methods. SmartLipo provides a unique advantage and may improve cellulite to a certain degree. When passed underneath the skin the SmartLipo laser will stimulate collagen production for up to three months post treatment. As collagen grows, the overlying skin will begin to tighten. Some patients experience as much as 50% skin tightening with use of the SmartLipo laser. At Physician Body Solutions we recommend a combination of Accent cellulite reduction treatment and SmartLipo for patients wanting optimal results.
How many treatments will I need?
For most patients, typically only one treatment is required. The sessions last approximately one hour per treated area.
What if I have a larger area of accumulated fat, will SmartLipo help?
SmartLipo can safely be combined with VASER LipoSelection to get rid of large areas of accumulated fat. You will have the skin tightening effects of SmartLipo along with the larger desired volume reduction capable with use of VASER ultrasound technology. Using both advanced technologies allows for maximum skin tightening and volume reduction with no additional risk or downtime. This is due to the liposelective advantage of the VASER and SmartLipo technologies.
Do I have to do anything pre-treatment?
-Blood tests are required two weeks prior to treatment.
-Arrange for transportation to and from the office
-Fill prescription and take medications as outlined by our staff prior to treatment
-If you take a blood thinner (baby aspirin, coumadin, plavix, etc.) please let us know as this affects your care and post surgical treatment.
-No aspirins, ibuprofen or alcohol one week prior to the procedure. Also discontinue all multivitamins, ST. John's Wort, and Vitamin E.
-Drink large amounts of water (1-2 quarts per day) for one week prior to your procedure
-Please bathe the day of the procedure and do not apply any creams or make-up
-Wear comfortable clothes.
What can I expect post-treatment?
-After the treatment you will need to wear a compression garment for approximately two weeks depending on the area being treated.
-You should refrain from hot-tubs, ocean water or strenuous exercise for 2 weeks.
-Antibiotics will be prescribed beginning one day before treatment and will continue for up to 10 days post treatment to avoid infection.
-Light massage to the treated area can begin 10-12 days post treatment.
-Continuous improvement may be seen over a six month period.
Are there any contraindications to treatment with VASER or SmartLipo?
-Significant systemic illness or illness to the area of treatment
-Medical history for occult systemic illness
-Pregnancy or recent pregnancy within the last 3 months
-Recent abdominal surgery or disorders of the lower abdomen (i.e. hernia, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, spastic colon etc.) This applies to patient desiring abdominal contouring
- History of:
-Thrombophlebitis
-Acute infections
-Heart failure
-Intolerance to anesthesia
-Allergy to lidocaine, or epinephrine
-Keloid scar formation
-Poor wound healing
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SmartLipo™ is one of the latest advances in liposuction technology. SmartLipo, which was originally pioneered in Europe, was the first generation of laser-assisted liposuction treatments on the market. It received FDA approval in mid-November of 2006 and has become the market leader in laser-assisted liposuction. The SmartLipo utilizes a unique laser that both liquefies fat cells and tightens skin without the mechanical trauma associated with traditional liposuction.
