Are you struggling to get rid of certain problem spots even though you’re working out and eating healthfully? Could you use some help getting rid of excess fat that seems particularly stubborn? Smart Lipo can get rid of those problem areas, removing enough fat to noticeably improve your overall figure. It’s one of the many treatments offered at the Plastic and Cosmetic Center of South Texas in San Antonio, TX.
What Is Smart Lipo?
This type of liposuction, which is also sometimes referred to as Laser Lipo, is less invasive and offers more refined results than the traditional version. This body contouring treatment can be used everywhere from the hips and thighs to the bra line. In addition to eliminating unwanted fat, this treatment also smooths and tightens surrounding skin for a more youthful appearance.
During treatment, a small tube with a laser tip is inserted into the problem area through an incision. As the tube is gently fanned back and forth, fat cells are liquefied and then siphoned out. Local anesthesia is administered during this treatment. Patients won’t feel any discomfort during the treatment, although they may feel light pressure as the fat is siphoned out.
How Long Is Recovery?
Patients who undergo Laser Lipo head home after treatment and usually spend several days resting. During recovery, patients wear a snug-fitting compression garment over the treatment area that helps the skin begin to adhere to the body’s new shape.
Which Parts of the Body Can This Be Used to Treat?
This versatile treatment can be used all over the body, including the buttocks, neck, legs and arms. It can also be used on the knees and ankles or along the jawline.
How Much Fat Can You Remove With Smart Lipo?
Depending on the patient’s body mass index, we can usually remove up to 10 or 12 pounds of fat. That’s generally enough to fully address a patient’s cosmetic concerns. This type of liposuction is not a weight-loss treatment, and it won’t help you achieve a certain number on the scale or get rid of a certain number of inches. In fact, ideal patients are already within 30 pounds of their optimal weight and simply need a little help tackling stubborn problem spots.
The real advantage of this treatment is that it can help you slim down areas of extra fullness and get rid of curves you don’t want. It gives you control over your figure in a way that traditional weight loss plans can’t. Patients who have undergone Laser Lipo have a sleeker, leaner physique that is more youthful and fit in appearance.
How Soon Will I See Changes in My Body?
You’ll see an improvement in the contour of your body within the first few days after treatment. And because your body will continue disposing of fat cells in the treatment area for several weeks, your results will continue to improve.
Will My Results Be Permanent?
This amazing treatment permanently melts away unwanted fat, giving you results that will last a lifetime. But it won’t prevent you from gaining weight in the future, so you’ll need to maintain your new look by sticking to a healthy lifestyle.
What Makes This Different From Traditional Liposuction?
The tube that is used to remove fat, also known as a cannula, is larger with traditional liposuction. The cannula also lacks a laser tip, so physical manipulation is needed to remove fat during traditional lipo. The larger tube and the physical manipulation make traditional lipo a more invasive treatment that requires a longer recovery. Traditional lipo also doesn’t smooth and tighten the skin like Laser Lipo does.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You’re in Good Health
Ideal patients are non-smokers who are in good general health and who can maintain a consistent weight. This treatment is not suitable for individuals who are pregnant or nursing.
Your Skin Has Elasticity
It helps if your skin still has elasticity, which means it will easily conform to the body’s new shape.
You Have One or More Stubborn Problem Areas
This treatment is ideal for patients who are already in pretty good shape and are within 30 pounds of their goal weight, but who need help toning down one or more problem areas. Because Laser Lipo is much gentler on the body than traditional liposuction, it is a good option for patients with multiple areas of concern. If you have several problem spots, we can make a recommendation about how many of them can be addressed at once.
You Have Realistic Expectations
Patients should have a realistic understanding of the treatment and the results it offers. Most patients don’t lose more than a couple of pounds as a result of this treatment, so it won’t help you achieve significant weight loss or shave decades off your appearance. But by toning down your problem areas, this treatment can revitalize your silhouette.
You’re Ready to Feel Great About Yourself
Many of our Laser Lipo patients have struggled with problem spots for years. This treatment can help them finally achieve the physique they’ve long strived for. Laser Lipo can help you feel great about your body again and boost your self confidence. Many patients are motivated by their results and begin to live more active lifestyles.
Why Should I Consider This Type of Liposuction?
It’s an Individualized Treatment
Laser Lipo can be performed almost any place on the body, which it can be used to address each patient’s individual concerns. Maybe you really want to focus on slimming down your mid section, or perhaps you’re most concern about the fullness that has developed along your chin. Once we have a sense of what it is about your body that you’re unhappy with, we can develop a custom treatment plan just for you.
Many patients opt to incorporate Laser Lipo into a comphrensive treatment plan that also includes some of our other services, such as botulinum toxin injections and dermal fillers.
It’s a Convenient Treatment
The downtime associated with this type of liposuction is minimal, and after this treatment you’ll be able to immediately head home to recover in the comfort of your own surroundings. Patients love the convenience of this treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can This Treatment Help With Cellulite?
Cellulite develops when fat accumulates around the fibrous cords that connect the skin to underlying muscle, creating tension and causing the cords to tug at the skin from below. While Laser Lipo can get rid of areas of fat and in some cases may help improve the appearance of cellulite, it is not a solution for cellulite. If you’re concerned about cellulite, our practice offers Cellfina, which directly and effectively targets this skin condition.
What Makes This Treatment Different From Other Body Contouring Treatments?
There are a number of body contouring treatments on the market, some of which use warm or cool temperatures or ultrasound technology to non-invasively break down fat and flush it from the body. One of the big advantages of Laser Lipo is that it directly and immediately removes unwanted fat from the body, giving the patient immediate and long-lasting results.
Is This Treatment for Both Men and Women?
Yes. This is an effective treatment for both men and women.
Is This Treatment Safe?
Yes. This type of liposuction was cleared by the FDA in 2006 and has been widely and safely used in the years since.
Does Insurance Ever Cover This Type of Liposuction?
Because Laser Lipo is almost always performed for cosmetic reasons, insurers usually don’t cover this treatment.
What Is the Best Age for Smart Lipo?
Candidates should be at least 18 years of age. Younger adults often make great candidates for this treatment because their skin is still very elastic and can easily adapt. But adults of any age who are frustrated with stubborn problem areas are encouraged to schedule a consultation with our practice. If Laser Lipo is not suitable for you, we may be able to recommend another treatment.
How Long Does This Treatment Take?
This type of liposuction can usually be performed in less than an hour.
Take the First Step Toward a Brand New You Today
If you’re tired of struggling with problem spots that won’t respond to diet and exercise, this convenient and effective treatment could be just the solution you’ve been looking for. What are you waiting for? Call the Plastic and Cosmetic Center of South Texas in San Antonio, TX, today and schedule your Smart Lipo consultation!
