Dr. Schlosser's Smart Lipo Blog (Q & A Format)
Q. How should I look for the right Smart Lipo providers?
A. Smart Lipo is a relatively new procedure so many different specialties perform it. The most important factor in choosing your MD is how many procedures have they done (at least 100 is important ... more is even better) and how long they have been doing it (often best to ask the office staff). Ask as well to see their "own" before and after pictures, and you can even ask to speak to some of their SL patients as well. Although you will read about opinions about Specialty certifications for this procedure, I believe it matters little, because NO Specialty or Doctor has been trained in this procedure before the any other (ie., in their residency or fellowhip).
EXPERIENCE is the only thing that really matters here. It can be well performed by Plastic Surgeons. Ob/Gyn's,Dermatologists, and General Surgeons as well...for example Ob/Gyn's perform 1/3 of the liposuction performed in the United States. Good luck and Choose Wisely!
Q. How soon after Smart Lipo should I be pain free?
In my experience, most patients do not experience much "pain" after Smart Lipo. If they do it is usually better in 5 to 7 days. Most patients do experience swelling for at least 10-14 days post treatment which can be uncomfortable. Some patients call this "pain" while many recognize and describe it as "discomfort." Is this just semantics? Maybe...but I have had the procedure myself, and I think the two are definitely different. Bruising, though relatively minimal with Smart Lipo, can add to the discomfort, but bruising is generally gone in about a week.
As for the "pain" being a sign of a problem it certainly could be, but is generally not. Let you doctor check the area if you are cocerned. Signs of a problem would be a fever, increasing pain or tenderness, increasing redness or a purulent (think pus) drainage. If you are worried please call your physicians office.
Q. Smart Lipo on abs and waist. Will it cause too much excess skin?
A. If you need a tummy tuck, the you need a tummy tuck, but if you have minimal to moderate laxity, MPX Smart Lipo is an excellent first step ,and recent studies show 18-25% (significant) skin tightening. For many patients with busy lives, there is neither the time or inclination to to take on the significant surgery and recovery time required by a tummy tuck. Consider the laser lipo 1st, and then if you have too much skin left, a mini tuck works well. I do agree that if you have significant muscle laxity ,a tummy tuck works best. Getting more than one opinion is a good idea.
Q. Smart Lipo vs. Traditional Liposuction on upper arms and love handles?
A. Considering your size, I believe that Smart Lipo will provide superior results for you.
First off, the recovery period is shorter and less uncomfortable. Secondly skin tightening with Smart Lipo is signicant and allows work in the superficial fat where traditional liposuction does not produce good results. This is the so called "sacred centimeter" that traditional Lipo surgeons are taught to avoid so as not to produce skin dimpling or irregularities. Smart Lipo is a body sculpting procedure. From your pictures, I'd suggest that is what you need if diet and exercise won't do the job alone. Smart Lipo has an 82% patient satisfaction rate which is quite good for any cosmetic procedure. Good luck!
Q. When will I see final results from Smartlipo?
A. I counsel all my thigh patients (and most other areas as well) not to expect to see ANY difference for at least 2 weeks. I normally see them at that point ,and invariably they tell me they are starting to see significant change in the previous couple of days. The total healing process for Smart Lipo is 4-6 months. Generally you will see full results at 2 (occasionally 3) months. Swelling will continue to wax and wane until 4-6 months. Be patient. Smart Lipo provides excellent results, but not miraculous ones. Instant gratification is nice, but doesn't exist in the post-op surgical world.
Q. Smart Lipo follow up appointments?
A. I prefer to see patients at the 2 week mark, except for the chin, which usually has a single tiny suture that I remove at 5-7 days. If things are proceeding normally, I see patients again at 6 weeks post-op and generally take post-op pictures to compare with pre-op photos at 3-4 months.
Most results are 95 % final at 2-3 months (ecept lower abdomen can take a bit longer), but swelling seems to come and go up to 4 and occasionally 6 months. Skin numbness is usually gone at 4-5 months. My own procedure took 5 months to be completely gone (100%), but it will go.
Q. Weight gain after Smart Lipo?
A. One of the common issues post lipo is the fact that some people suddenly feel less pressure about their appearance and eat more...not a good idea. You want to try to keep your weight stable. Studies show that patient satisfaction with their Smart Lipo results is about 85% if they have not gained weight,...and only 46% if they have gained weight. Use the procedure as a boost to go to the gym and exercise, and to see a nuitritionist. I refer every Smart Lipo client to a trainer and nuitritionist to help. You haven't impaired your end result. The fat removed is gone forever, but you can certainly add more if mot careful!
Q. Fat suction with Smart Lipo?
A. The FDA has approved Smart Lipo to melt fat. The laser turns the fat to an oily liquid which can then gently be removed by suction. In the United States, Lipo surgeons generaly remove the fat. In Europe and other parts of the world, many doctors leave the liquified fat in place, where the body excretes it over 10-14 days. The concern with letting the body remove it is the question as to whether some fat ends up in the coronary arteries. This is currently being studied, but until the studies are complete, our feeling is definitely remove the fat! It also provides a more comfortable recovery for the patient.
Q: Better Smart Lipo results from wearing compression garment longer?
A: There has never been a published study showing that compression improves results after liposuction. That having been said, many doctors have different views about the value of compression. I personally only use compression in the thigh/leg area for 2 weeks post procedure to reduce swelling and mainly to help patient comfort. I do NOT use any compression for any other body area at all, and results are excellent. One caution with using a compression garment after Smart Lipo: If the garment leaves indentations over the treated area it can cause collagen ridging there which is permanent. This risk is greater with Smart Lipo because the superficial fat is treated more aggressively then with traditional liposuction.
Q. Lipodissolve for dissolving fatty tumors?
A: There are studies showing good response of superficial fatty lipomas with Lipodissolve. However before you consider it, you should be sure these are indeed lipomas, and not originating in different tissue. Please have a careful evaluation with your physician before you consider this treatment. Be aware that Lipodissolve is painful for many people, and surgical excision or laser liposuction may be preferrable choices. Lipodissolve is less expensive.
Q. When can I expect results from Smart Lipo and Mesotherapy?
A. Smart Lipo works well and results are normally looking good at 2 to 4 weeks, although the total healing may be up to 4 months. It is unlikely your results will improve much at this point. Ask your Lipo surgeon how many cc's of fat he actually removed. It should be a significant volume. You should talk to him or her to arrange a touch-up, although this is not normally done until 6 months. Mesotherapy on the thighs is very painful with about a 50% success rate, ie success being defined as improvement. It will take at least 4 weeks to see results, and may take as much as 8 weeks. Good luck.
Q. What laser companies won't survive the recession?
A. Cynosure continues to bring strong new technology to the market place. The sales of their Smart Lipo and MPX upgrade continue to be excellent. They recently released their new Fractional CO2 device which is outstanding. If you want real information however, get the financials from the companies themselves...and then be "completely skeptical" and go to any of the financial sites on the internet and plug in the company name. Not only will you get detailed information about how the financial analysts see THAT company, but you'll get comparisons with all the others in the industry. MSNBC.com has great business tools to do this yourself, or ask you broker if he's still around. Best to make a wise well-informed decision.
Q. What area is considered to be a normal flank region?
A. Though not precise medical terms, the flanks refer to the low back (area over the kidneys) and are generally the size of a man's hand. The area you describe is a "bra roll" and would be considered a 2nd area for Smart Lipo or other liposuction purposes. If one of my patients has a very small bra roll, I will generally include it in the cost of the flanks. As for the Dr. Beraka's response, there are many excellent Board Certified Plastic surgeons in the country who really love their Smart Lipo technology. Some are on this site, and many others are just too busy with patients to respond. I would suggest he first tries the procedure with an expert before knocking it. He is simply incorrect.
Q. Why am I not seeing results after my Smart Lipo?
A. At 9-10 days post Lipo, you should be still quite swollen. Any bruising should be mostly gone. In the lower abdomen especially, you must be patient. It will look the same or even worse for several weeks. It will then gradually improve with good results seen at 4 weeks, and final results at 4-6 months. If you had specific skin tightening there, the new collagen does not even get going until at least 3 weeks. Relax and it will come. We all want immediate results with everything we try, but that is magical thinking and not realistic.
Q. Are there any true benefits to patients with SmartLipo?
A. It always surprises me how ambivalent or opposed to Smart Lipo the Plastic Community is.
However, if you talk to the plastic surgeons around the country who have actually adopted it, they are very pleased. I think the time consuming nature of the technique does not appeal to them because their time is so valuable doing other more expensive procedures they prefer, like breast augmentation and facial plastic surgery. Multiple Skin Tightening studies are now available. Note: see other plastic surgeon's answers above who "have" adopted it.
Q. How tight should I wrap my legs after Smart Lipo?
A. I routinely use Jobst stockings after thigh or leg Smart Lipo with a 20-30 mm Hg compression. This requires a prescription in most areas. Leg swelling is difficult after Liposuction...think gravity...and legs are the one area I stronly recommend it. It is mostly for patient comfort, and no study has ever shown increased results with compression. That said, using Ace bandages are not a great idea as the edges can leave creases which can cause collagen ridges as healing progresses. I have seen cases of this from other doctor's patients.
Q. Will aspiration help improve Smart Lipo results?
A. Inner Thigh Aspiration is the norm with Smart Lipo in the U.S. Typically 50 to 200 cc's can be removed gently from this area. Concerns about loose skin here are real, however, using the MPX Smart Lipo, I have gotten very good overall results including skin tightening on the inner thighs. You may want to seek a second opinion.
Q. How do doctors achieve symmetry during Smart Lipo procedure?
A. According to the American Plastic Surgery Society, OB/GYNS performed 33% over liposuction in the U.S last year versus 25% by Dermatologists of which he is one. The best results are obtained by physicians who have done the most work with Smart Lipo which has been approved by the FDA for about 18 months. Ask if your MD has done at least 100 procedures. Ask to see their own Before and After pictures, and finally if your still not sure, ask to speak to 2 or 3 patients to hear their experiences with the doctor and his office. Symmetry with MPX Smart Lipo is determined by careful pre-op marking and putting the exact amount of energy into each area marked. The artistic eye of your doector comes into play during removal of the liquid fat at the end of the procedure.
It is definitely "experience" that matter with this preocedure, not specialy certifications obtained LONG before the procedure existed. Choose wisely!
Q. Discoloration on arms after SmartLipo?
A. The discoloration from the SL procedure, especially in the arms, can take 4-6 months to resolve. It most likely will so please be patient. I had Smart Lipo MPX done on my flanks 6 months ago by one of the world's leading experts, and the full discoloration and skin sensitivty took 5 months to resolve 100%. The end result is great! Tincture of time will solve the problem. Good luck!
Q. Swelling and Scar Tissue after Smart Lipo?
A. It's hard to imagine swelling 8 month post Smart Lipo, however anterior and posterior thighs can be difficult to do and don't always provide the best results. If your doctor won't acknowledge the issue, I would suggest a second opinion with a different doctor in a different office. Be sure to bring you before and after pictures with. Good luck.
Q. Smart Lipo from a facial plastic surgeon?
A. When you choose your Smart Lipo surgeon, experience with the procedure is what matters most, NOT specialty . There is no "specialty" that has been trained to do Smart Lipo or MPX Smart Lipo, just individual doctors. If you like your physician, and he has done at least 100 cases, and you have seen his OWN before and after pictures, feel comfortable going ahead with him. Facial plastic surgeons are normally very skilled. If you are still not sure, ask to speak to 2 or 3 of his patients directly. Most offices will provide these. Good luck!
Q. Am I swelling from Smart Lipo?
A. The lower abdomen seems to take the longest for swelling to improve. Whereas the thighs and flanks improve greatly by the 2 week mark, it's been my experience that the abdominal swelling takes 4-6 weeks to improve and sometimes up to 3-4 months. I send all of my abdomen (and inner thigh and arm patients) for lymphatic massage at week one and week two. It is very gentle and opens up the lyphatic system which gets blocked in these areas leading to a faster recovery.
Be sure you find someone who is certified in this treatment, as most massage therapists are not. Mine was trained in Europe and patients love the touch and the experience. Good luck. It will improve gradually over time, and hopefully you'll be pleased with the end result.
Q. How can I get rid of skin rippling?
A. I agree with his answer fully. I'm sorry for your results. This is usually a "home run" area with good SL results and smooth skin. Would you be willing to post a photo of the areas you're concerned with? It might help us direct you a bit better. Thank You.
Q. Medications during or after Smart Lipo?
A. I prefer oral medications for this procedure. I feel it is safer than IV conscious sedation, and my patients seem to agree. I use a prophylatic antibiotic like Keflex, an anti-inflammatory like Celebrex an anti-anxiety medication like Halcion and a pain med like Vicodin or Percocet. I have been doing an office study on procedure pain for Smart Lipo (110 cases) and most patients rate it from 2 to 4 out of 10 (with 10 the highest pain). Certainly there are different views and opinions and you should discuss your this with you own doctor. I know one plastic surgeon who uses no oral meds, just the local and he swears his patients do fine!
Q. Are you conscious during Smart Lipo?
A. Smart Lipo is one of several methods to remove fat. It uses a tiny laser to melt fat as opposed to vaser which uses ultrasound, tradition suction and scraping, and power assisted methods as well. I prefer MPX Smart Lipo for two reasons. It can be easily and comfortably done while awake and therefore removes risks of IV anesthesia and fluid overload issues. There have been NO deaths with tumescent anesthesia...it is remarkably safe. The second reason is that the laser technique seems to provide the quickest and smoothest recovery for the patient. It takes me longer to perform it properly, but the patient gets the benefit of a faster recovery. I hope that helps.
Q. Smart Lipo vs. Smart Lipo MPX?
A. What the previous doctor is missing is that the "breakthrough" aspect of the Laser modality is the ability of well trained surgeons to use it in the "superficial fat" for the first time. For years, Plastic Surgeons have called this "superficial fat" the sacred centimeter, ie don't touch it... or you get poor skin healing, lumpiness, and irregularities post lipo. Here's what is NEW: The tiny laser fiber used in Smart Lipo is used quite aggressively directly in this area for the following reason : Fat cells are the most fragile and pop open quickly when they come in contact with the laser light. However, the firmer underlying structures here like nerves, connective tissue, ansd blood vessels are left pretty much intact...therefore a smooth sculpted contour results. *I often remove nearly as much fat superficially as I do in the deeper areas. THIS IS THE BREAKTHROUGH and that's why it's here to stay. Smart Lipo laser is not only effective at sculpting these areas beautifully, providing improved contours, but it promotes faster healing as well. There will certainly be future improvements and upgrades of course, but this current incantation is superb! As for your question re: MPX v.SL, I would say that the SL yag works fine in all areas, but may take a bit longer. The MPX is hotter, faster, and definitely provides better skin tighening (important in arms, abdomens and inner thighs mostly) than SL.
Q.Smart Lipo under general anesthesia on multiple areas?
I disagree with Dr. Rand. Tumescent anesthesia has been one of the greatest improvements in liposuction safety in the past 20 years. Study after study has shown that risks decrease significantly for Lipo done under this local technique rather then general. There is a decrease in bleeding and bruising with tumescense, a decrease risk of nosocomial infections (because you are out of the "hospital bacteria" setting) and there have been NO deaths with tumescence as opposed to multiple documented deaths and other serious other complications with general anesthesia and liposuction. Even recent large studies done by medical malpractice carriers across the U.S. have shown that both patient and physician risk are increased by using general anesthesia for liposuction of any type ... The only place I personally see for general anesthesia (with lipo) today is for someone who wants to do a long procedure with debulking and a patient willing to assume the risks noted above.
Q. Is Smart Lipo a good choice for poor skin elasticity?
A. If your goal is to have a taut hard abdomen, then tummy tuck is likely your best option, however be aware that recovery is generally long and uncomfortable. MPX Smart Lipo provides the best skin tightening I have ever seen because of skin release, and internal heating of the dermis to 40 degrees Centigrade provides more collagen stimulation than other external tightening devices can accomplish. Stretch marks are scars and to date nothing seems to help them very much because you can't build new collagen in the scar (only around it). A compromise choice that works well for some of my patients is to have the Smart Lipo MPX for fat removal and see how much tightening you get. Some are very pleased. Then if you want more have a mini tuck with excess skin excision. Good luck.
Q. Will I continue to see results after Smart Lipo?
A. Saddle bags or outer thighs tend to improve quickly so I hope you are beginning to see some results, and change in leg contour. The maximum Smart Lipo healing is generally seen at about 4 months post procedure, and you can see results improve until then. Skin tightening and return of normal skin sensations can take 4-6 months. If you are not happy with your final result at 6 months, speak to your doctor and ask him to touch up the area for you. Most will do this at no charge. For now, be patient as it's still early. There is still plenty of time for swelling to diminsh and improvement.
Q. SmartLipo vs Lipo-Ex?
A. No question that Smart Lipo will provide more removal of fat , permanently gone, as adults don't produce new fat cells. Fat cells get bigger (sometimes a lot) and smaller as well. Having done well over 100 cases this year and having chosen the MPX Smart Lipo for my own personal treatment, I can say that am very pleased with the results. If your weight stays stable, you will not gain weight elsewhere. If you gain more than 10 pounds, you will notice it is going elsewhere. For many clients MPX Smart Lipo is a "jump start" encouraging them to improve their exercise regimen and diet. I recemmend both a traIner and dietician to all my clients so they have that opportunity easily available. Time to ramp it up ... In my opinion RF doesn't compare. Good luck with your choice and results!
Q. Massaging post-Smart Lipo?
A. In my practice, I refer many patients post Smart Lipo for Lymphatic Massage. Not any massage therapist can do this for you, so be sure yours is certified in lymphatic massage. The patients usually begin at week 1 and get a second treatment in week two. It is a very gentle treatment so you need not be concerned about pain. It is relaxing and opens up the lymphatic system to promote faster drainage of fluid thereby reducing swelling . It promotes healing and will help with post procedure infection (rare). My clients love it and tell me they are glad to have done it. The therapist can then teach patients to do it themselves. I find it particularly useful in the lower abdomen, inner thighs, and in the upper arms. I recommend you give it a try, but find someone in your area who is certified in this procedure. Good luck.
Q. At what age is it safe to have Smart Lipo?
A. We haved performed Smart Lipo on large outer thighs in an 18 year old female, as well as flanks and love handles in a 70 year old male and a female. The most important decision factors are the health of the patient as well as their maturity and understanding of the procedure. Careful evaluation by an experienced doctor is equally important. Choose a doctor with significant experience with the MPX Smart Lipo procedure. The doctor's medical specialty is less important then the number of procedures your MD has performed (hopefully more than100, and ask to see "his" Smart Lipo before and afters, and ask to speak to a couple of his clients).
Many busy plastic surgeons knock the procedure because it takes longer to do properly than other methods. The additional time spent doing this procedure correctly requires more effort from your doctor, but provides a much quicker recovery for you! Good luck.
Q. Is Smart Lipo painful?
A. Everyone asks this question, so I have been documenting in the Operative Report patient scores for the past 100 cases or so. Using a scale from 1 to 10 with 1 being minimal to 10 being severe, I ask all patients to tell me their discomfort level during the three phases of the Smart Lipo: infiltration of anesthetic, Laser lipolysis, and removal of the liquid fat. The majority tell us it is in the 2-3 range overall, with a couple of momentary spots with greater pain in the 4-5 range. Overall, the discomfort of the procedure itself is a 2-3, although an occasional very sensitive or anxious paient may feel greater discomfort. Post-Op recovery discomfort varies to a greater extent. I have some patients who return to work the next day, but I don't advise it. I advise people to take 2 days at home after their Smart Lipo and most feel, in retrospect, that is good advice. A few patients complain of longer period of discomfort, but a careful history shows this is mostly pressure from swelling and not really "pain" per se. Hope this helps!
Q. How long does swelling from Smart Lipo last?
A. I agree with all Dr. Liu said in his previous answer. I also see a difference depending on the area treated. Necks seem to have the least swelling and improve in 5-7 days. Flanks, outer thighs, backs, and hips start to show reduced swelling and improved appearance in about 2 weeksand continue to improve almost daily from there. Lower abdomens (especially in women), inner thighs and arms seem to take a little longer generally in 3-4 weeks. Of course there is variation between individual patients, but these are realistic guidelines I recommend specialized medical lymphatic massage to most of these patients, and it really seems to improve both swelling and healing more quickly.
Q. Will Smart Lipo be obvious?
A. I am asked this question frequently. Although Smart Lipo causes significantly less bruising and swelling than traditional Lipo, there may be some. Small areas like necks can often be hidden with turtle necks, and arms can be hidden by long sleeves loose clothes, and night shirts. The drainage lasts 36-48 hours. The first couple of weeks things don't look too different, until the swelling subsides. Then the changes are gradual so it's mostly hiding any bruising. It's often wise to try to schedule your procedure if your significant other is away for a couple of days, so you can recover quietly. That having been said, I think honesty is generally the best policy, so consider why you don't want to disclose it!
Q. Smart Lipo with one kidney?
A. It would depend in part on why your kidney stopped functioning. Is there an underlying disease process such as hypertension or diabetes that caused it? That might be an issue with the anesthesia ie. tumescent or even general. I would recommend getting a medical clearance from your internist or nephrologist, before deciding to go ahead with your "elective procedure." Your overall health and well-being are MOST important!
Q. How much skin tightening to expect from Smart Lipo?
A. MPX Smart Lipo is NOT hype, though some plastic surgeons who have not embraced it might have you think so. There have been several medical articles in the literature that support it's skin tightening effect. A.G Goldman, a world renown lipo surgeon confirmed significant neocollagenesis in his 5 year study published in 2006. Badin confirmed that melting of the bands liberates the retracted skin without causing skin injury. Renowned NYC Dermatologist, Bernie Katz,M.D., using tattooing of the skin to accurately measure "5 cm square tightening", showed an average of 15% tightening in the overall area in just 1 month. And Plastic Surgeon Barry DiBernardo reported that the most significant skin retraction was 32% at 3 months. That having been said, the health of the skin, the amount of laxity, and sagging should be evaluated by an experienced Smart Lipo surgeon (over 100 cases). Results do vary, and in practice I don't hesitate to refer patients for abdominoplasty if they need or desire it. For the patient who wants significant fat removal, skin tightening, minimal discomfort (as compared to traditional lipo, vaser, or power assisted lipo), AND back to work in a couple of days, the consider MPX Smart Lipo. JUST LOOK to the patient satisfaction stats to your right. Smart Lipo 81% positive vs. Regular Lipo 56% positive! Good Luck.
Q. Can someone with low BMI undergo Smart Lipo?
A. Yes, lipodystrophy, or abnormal fat distibution, can occur in thin patients as well as heavier ones. If you have done the most possible to reduce your abdominal fat with diet and exercise, certainly see an experieced Smart Lipo Cosmetic surgeon for an evaluation. Together you can determine if this approach is well suited for you, as well as whether your expectations of body shape are realistic. Good luck!
Q. How long before Smart Lipo bruising heals?
A. Bruising in the thigh area is common with any kind of liposuction, athough generally less often with Smart Lipo since the laser coagulates most small vessels as it moves through the fat. The good news is that it tends to resolve in 7-14 days. Try taking some oral Arnica which helps with both bruising and swelling post procedure. The garments you are wearing are mostly for your comfort and support. There have never been any scientific studies showing that it improves the final results of liposuction. You should see improvement in the saddlebag area between 2 and 3 weeks, and it will continue to improve almost daily for two months or longer. Be patient! Five days post-op is often the most difficult time because you're tired of being swollen and impatient to see your results. They will come shortly. I hope it looks terrific.
Q. Which is best for butt bulges, Liposuction or Smart Lipo?
A. MPX Smart Lipo can be a very effective to melt and remove the mostly superficial fat (and sometimes deep fat ) in the "banana roll" located below the gluteal fold. However, it should be reserved for those very experienced using this new technology. Unlike traditional liposuction which must avoid the so-called "sacred centimeter" of fat just below the dermis, the MPX Smart Lipo laser fiber can be used directly against the dermis melting superficial fat, freeing subdermal connections without damaging the blood and nerve supply to the skin, and heating the skin safely to 38-40 degrees centigrade. This provides far more heat then external sources like Thermage can offer leading to potentially more collagen stimulation and skin tightening.
Because MPX Smart Lipo is new, clinical studies about tightening are pending, but as someone who uses Smart Lipo every day, my experience is that the skin tightening with this modality is superior to others on the market today. Hope that helps.
Q. Who can perform Smart Lipo?
A. MPX Smart Lipo is truly a breakthrough technology, and despite some of the things previously said by others here, the most important criteria is the "experience" of the physician doing the procedure. This is not a plastic surgery procedure or a dermatology prcocedure as many "so-called" core physicians often state. In fact most plastics & derms have not been trained to do it at all. As an example, Gynecologists performed more than 1/3 of all the Lipo in the U.S. last year. Choose a doctor who has done at at least 100 Smart Lipo procedures. Ask to see their personal photographic before and afters, and if you're still not sure ask for 3 names of clients you can call to discuss their experience with this doctor and his office. Don't make choices based on certifications that were granted years before this technology even existed. Beware of surgeons who tell you they will do Smart Lipo, but in fact, use a little laser and do most of the procedute using traditional suction or Power assisted lipo making it faster for them, but giving you a longer and more painful recovery. Insist your MD do the entire case with Smart Lipo or go elsewhere.Choose an experienced doctor that you trust, but I encourage you to do your due diligence as well. Best of luck!
Q. How soon after Smart lipo can I start working out?
A. One of the true benefits of Smart Lipo is that you can return to normal activies quickly.
For trunk areas like abdomen, flanks, etc. I recommend waiting 2 weeks to return to full activity. At that point, you may return to the gym to your full normal workout. If a particular exercise is very painful then common sense would dictate not to push it too hard. For the legs, you can exercise in 10 days and the arms in about a week or so. These are general guidelines, but trying to do it sooner increasesthe risk of seromas (fluid collections) which could ultimately slow down your recovery. Walking asmuch as you like can begin the day after surgery. So at Day 17 please feel free to get back to the gym. Here's wishing you a speedy recovery.
Q. Is it safe to have VASER Liposelection and SmartLipo done by a regular MD?
A. Most plastic surgeons and dermatologists do not perform either Smart Lipo and Vaser. This is an area where training and experience with the actual technology matters most, not a certification given 10 or 20 years before the procedure was created. Ask to see your doctor's own before and afters, ask for testimonials from patient's who you can speak with. And for the record, although I truly admire plastic surgeons in general, I have seen some very poor lipo results from them. Feel comfortable going to the experienced doctor you like.
Q. Will Smart lipo help on lumpy stomach fat?
A. The Smart Lipo MPX recent upgrade (5/08) allows much faster fat melting and is a significant skin tightener due to excellent skin release and collagen stimulation. We are achieving results in the superficial fat that could not be achieved with traditional liposuction. The results can be surprisingly good. The size of the pannus, degree of muscle laxity, and the looseness of the skin (including stretch marks) should be evaluated by a doctor familiar with both procedures. Tummy tuck (Abdominoplasty) may well be necessary, but it's a long recovery of six to eight weeks, and other less invasive options should be considered first. Best of Luck!
Q. Can Smart Lipo be used on the neck area?
A. Yes, Smart Lipo is a very effective approach for removing fat below the chin and in jowls and can be readily used to achieve skin tightening of the neck. It is done with 150-300 cc of tumescent anesthesia, making it very comfortable and can generally be done with a single 2mm incision that can be easily hidden in a fold just below the chin. Fat is gently melted with the laser fiber and then carefully removed with very low suction. Then the loose neck skin is divided into heating grids and each 5x5 cm grid is warmed to 38-40 degrees C. This allows for both release of the loose skin and causes collagen stimulation. The new MPX is very effective for tightening skin, but it is SO new, one should be sure their physician has a lot of experience using it. Good Luck!
