Liposuction remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the country with over 200,000 procedures carried out annually. While many patients continue to enjoy the benefits of traditional liposuction, some have now turned to a new form of this procedure known as SmartLipo. Here is a closer look at both of these procedures and how patients can determine which cosmetic surgery will help them meet their own cosmetic goals.

The Basics of Liposuction

Liposuction is a term that is used to describe the surgical removal of fat from one’s body. There are many different types of liposuction, and modern surgeons can carry out this procedure almost anywhere on a patient’s body including their legs, arms, hips, abdomen, and neck. Depending on the type of liposuction that is going to be performed, this can either be an inpatient or outpatient procedure.

As with all major cosmetic surgeries, this process begins with an initial consultation to determine if the patient is a good candidate for this procedure. On the day of the procedure, the patient will be given either a local anesthetic or general anesthetic before the surgery begins. In some instances, an oral sedative can be used to calm the patient. The surgeon will then create one or more incisions before a small rod is inserted to pull out the fat. After the fat is removed, a small amount of saline solution is injected into the area so that there is not a liquid imbalance in the patient’s body. The incision is then sutured and the area is bandaged.

What is SmartLipo?

The goal of SmartLipo is to remove fat and contour a specific area of the body as quickly and effectively as possible. What sets SmartLipo apart is the use of medical-grade lasers during the procedure. The laser breaks down the fat as it is being removed to help speed up the process. In addition to a shorter surgery, the laser will also tighten nearby tissue in a process known as tissue coagulation. For the patient, this will result in a shorter recovery time, less bleeding, and less bruising.

SmartLipo or Traditional Liposuction?

The primary factor to consider when choosing a type of liposuction is the amount of fat that must be removed. If a large amount of fat must be removed along with the excess skin that the surgery creates, most surgeons will suggest traditional liposuction. SmartLipo is best suited for small pockets of fat in areas such as a patient’s neck. The surgeon might suggest that the patient loses some of their excess weight through diet and exercise so that they will become a better candidate for SmartLipo.

The incisions that are made for SmartLipo are extremely small and might not even need sutures. Patients will generally only need to wear a compression garment for just three weeks and should be back to their normal daily routine in as little as two days. This can be compared to traditional liposuction that requires larger incisions, sutures, and two or more weeks to recover. All patients must speak with their surgeon to see which of these two options will suit their own needs and help them meet their goals.