Procedure Description:
SmartLipo® is a revolutionary advance in liposuction technology. It has all of the advantages of conventional liposuction while involving minimal incisions and using only local anesthesia. It also has a significantly faster recovery time.
Dr Klainer is the first surgeon in Virginia and the Washington D.C. area to perform SmartLipo® procedures. SmartLipo® allows for the permanent removal of unwanted and exercise resistant fat with little if any ‘downtime’. It is safer and gentler than traditional liposuction and is done in Dr Klainer’s office under a local anesthetic. Areas such as the abdomen, ‘love handles’, inner thighs, outer thighs, neck, chin and upper arms are ideal regions for treatment.
SmartLipo differs from traditional tumescent liposuction in that it uses a small high-powered laser to melt the fat in the areas being treated. Additionally, the laser’s thermal (heat) energy produces a tightening effect on the overlying skin as well as coagulates the small blood vessels decreasing postoperative bruising. The improved skin tightening seen with SmartLipo may also reduce the need for additional more invasive skin reducing procedures. Compared to traditional liposuction, FDA approved SmartLipo results in:
- less bleeding
- less bruising
- less swelling
- less discomfort
- less downtime
- small punctures rather than incisions
- no stitches
- minimal scarring
- local anesthesia, not general
It all adds up to much better results – usually in a single one to three hour session. What’s more, all this can be done in Dr Klainer’s office with just local anesthesia. It usually requires just two day’s downtime and patients may often resume normal activity with the exception of strenuous exercise as early as the same evening.
The SmartLipo® laser is in extremely high demand and has been featured in People Magazine, on Good Morning America, the Today Show, and Access Hollywood. Dr Klainer is pleased to be the first plastic surgeon to offer SmartLipo® in Virginia, the DC Metro area, West Virginia and the Carolinas.
FAQ:
Q: How is the fat removed?
A: A very small cannula is inserted through a small puncture and the fat is removed using syringe suction.
Q: Who is a good candidate for SmartLipo®?
- Patients who have good elasticity in their skin.
- Patients who have tried other methods to eliminate fatty deposit such as exercise, dieting, etc.
- Patients who have defined areas of excess fat which may be disproportionate to other areas of their body.
- Patients who are in good health.
Q: Which areas can be treated?
- Abdomen
- Hips
- Flanks
- Buttock
- Love Handles
- Knees
- Inner and Outer Thighs
- Chin/Neck
- Chest
- Arms
Q: How long is the recovery?
A: Most patients can return to work in 1-2 days although there will still be swelling and bruising at that time.
Q: What types of dressings are used?
A: Patients need to wear a supportive garment for 3-4 days continuously and the for 1 week part of the day.
Q: Will the fat come back?
A: No, once the fat is removed it will not come back as new fat cells production stops after puberty. If you gain weight it will be proportionately distributed.
Q: What happens to the extra skin?
A: The skin will slowly tighten over 6-24 weeks. Although results may be seen earlier, continued improvement will be seen for up to 6 months.
Q: What type of anesthesia is used?
A: The surgery is performed under local anesthesia or local anesthesia with oral sedation.
Q: Will SmartLipo remove Cellulite?
A: No. Liposuction is not meant to improve this condition, although some patients do see an improvement as their skin shrinks and tightens.
Q: Where is the procedure performed?
A: The procedure is performed in Dr Klainer’s office.