SmartLipo

The SmartLipo skin tightening laser has received a lot of media attention since being approved by the FDA in 2006.  The laser system uses a very tiny cannula to help form new collagen and tighten skin.  While the heat from the laser does melt a very tiny amount of fat, the SmartLipo laser by itself will not give a significant cosmetic improvement.  SmartLipo laser works best when used to help tighten lax skin in patients who desire the most skin tightening possible after the fat has been removed.  The charge for SmartLipo is an additional $500 per area. 

What is SmartLipo?

SmartLipo is a laser that uses heat to help break apart collagen bonds in skin.  The new collagen bonds that form are stronger than the older ones and new skin can become tighter and thicker.  SmartLipo works in a similar way to other skin tightening laser treatments, like Thermage or Titan, however the heat from SmartLipo is applied to the underside of the skin once the fat has been removed. 

What is the difference between SmartLipo and liposculpture?

Liposculpture removes the fat and helps tighten skin with vibration and suction.  SmartLipo helps provide additional skin tightening once the fat has been removed by using heat to try to further stimulate the skin's healing mechanisms.

So the laser is called SmartLipo even though its not used for fat removal?

Yes.  The name of the laser is confusing.  Even thought the SmartLipo laser has the word "lipo" in the name it cannot effectively be used for treating excess fat deposits.  The purpose of the laser is to help tighten skin in some patients after their fat has been removed. 

Do I need to add the SmartLipo laser to my liposculpture procedure?

Probably not.  Most patients will get a sufficient amount of skin tightening from liposculpture alone and do not need the addition of the SmartLipo laser.  If you have very loose skin, thin skin, or are very concerned with achieving the greatest amount of skin tightening, you may want to add-on the SmartLipo skin tightening laser to the area you are having treated. 

How much will SmartLipo tighten my skin?

Lasers are unpredictable and it is impossible to know how much your skin will tighten.  Some patients get a good deal of additional skin tightening and others get only a minimal amount.  There is no way to predict what kind of skin tightening result you might achieve because every one's skin reacts differently to the laser.

What areas is the SmartLipo most commonly used?

The most common areas that patients choose to add the SmartLipo skin tightening laser is to the abdomen, inner thighs, arms and chin.  While any area of the body can be treated with the laser, there is no need to use a laser on most areas of the body with thicker skin and good elasticity.

How is the SmartLipo part of the procedure performed?

The SmartLipo laser is used to heat the skin once the fat has been removed.  The laser is inserted through the same adit sites used to remove the fat.  No additional adit sites are necessary.  The SmartLipo portion of the procedure takes about 10 to 20 minutes and it is done at the end of the procedure.  

What kind of SmartLipo laser does Beverly Hills Liposculpture use?

We have an 18 Watt SmartLipo laser from Cynosure with the SmartSense intelligent hand piece delivery system that distributes a precise amount of energy for optimal results. 

What does the SmartLipo feel like?

The laser feels pleasantly warm.  The skin is numb and you will feel only some mild heat similar to the feeling of strong sunlight on the skin. 

If I add SmartLipo, is my recovery any different?

No. SmartLipo does not affect the recovery from liposculpture in any way.

Is SmartLipo safe?

Yes.  SmartLipo is similar in safely to other laser treatments like Thermage.   Because liposculpture removes the fat before the SmartLipo laser is used, there is no risk of lymphatic problems related to any liquefied fat.  With the SmartSense intelligent hand piece, there is no risk of burning or overheating the skin. 

Should I have SmartLipo without liposculpture?

No. There is no reason to perform SmartLipo without fat removal with liposculpture because the laser cannot effectively treat excess fat pockets.

How much does SmartLipo cost?

The SmartLipo is an optional $500 add-on charge to any treated area.   For example, if you have your full abdomen and love handles treated, you can choose to add the SmartLipo to each area (3 areas total) for $1500 or you can choose to add the SmartLipo just to the lower abdomen ($500).  You can choose which areas you wish to add the laser, if any.