Smartlipo
laser lipolysis
Smartlipo is a minimally invasive technique for removing localized subcutaneous fats. Smartlipo is a power-assisted liposuction technique that we reserve for smaller areas or for touch ups. For larger areas, we use Vaser, the most powerful and yet gentle form of Liposuction.
The Smartlipo's laser bursts the membranes of the fat cells when it comes into contact with it. A fiber-optic laser delivers this laser under the skin. The fats cells are transformed into an oily sludge-like substance or "debris", which is then "eaten-up" by macrophages (large white blood cells). The "debris" is then processed in the liver where they are eventually eliminated in the stools imperceptibly.
SUCTION OF MELTED FATS
Smartlipo in its purest form does not involve suction. Sucking out the lasered material called "lysate", converts a Smartlipo procedure into a hybrid-type conventional liposuction. In areas like the chin and cheeks where we use the Smartlipo extensively, we do not suck out the lysate. In these areas, the body is able to clear the lysate quite fast.
TREATMENT AREAS
We nowadays reserve Smartlipo for smaller or areas associated with loose skin or stretch marks that needs tightening. The neck, chin and jowls are areas that Smartlipo treats very well. We also use Smartlipo in the treatment of axillary hyperhidrosis.
What to Expect
Immediately
"Healing-tissue" occupies the areas where subcutaneous fat was destroyed, and as such the area feel swollen. Bruises are rare. If any they are barely noticeable. These take 2-3 days to subside.
By touching the area, one can feel immediately that it is different from other areas with subcutaneous fat.
3 months later
It is only after 3 months that the "healing-tissues" fully reorganize. The overlying skin is also contracted when the "healing-tissues" contracted. Hence there will not eventually be any loose skin.
If further reduction is desired, another session can be done after the 3rd month.
ADVANTAGES OF SMARTLIPO
Minimal downtime
A few of our patients even return to work immediately, almost like a "lunchtime Liposuction". Of course we normally advise a day or two of rest.
Minimal discomfort
During the procedure, there is no pain. After the anaesthesia has worn off, it only feels like the aches and pains that follow a vigorous workout. This is unlike in traditional liposuction where a patient feels as if a truck was driven over the body. The bruises too are minimal with Smartlipo.
Less traumatic
The fiber-optic cannula is inserted through a small puncture in the skin usually along creases that conceal the scar. As the laser melts the fats, it also coagulates the loose ends of small blood vessels. Compression garments are optional as the area will not bleed very much after the laser is removed. The granulation tissue (healing-tissues) does the rest of the work in contracting the treated area as well as the overlying skin.
By letting the body remove the melted fats (instead of forcefully sucking) we minimise a lot of the trauma.
Almost "normal" skin after 3 months
It would be very hard to find the insertion points or tell by looking at the skin that any liposuction has ever been done. Skin contracts with the healing-tissues that replace the melted fats.
Read more about Vaser, high def Vaser and Liposuction in general
For more information Smartlipo, call us on (+65) 6733 5300