Have you tried dieting and exercise but still feel self-conscious about your trouble spots? You’re not alone. Countless men and women have stubborn pockets of fat that don’t disappear despite strict dieting and regular exercise.
Traditional liposuction offers an effective solution, but it comes with added risks from general anesthesia and an extended recovery period. At Balboa Medical Center & Spa in Encino, California, we have a better solution with SmartLipoTM laser liposuction.
Board-certified physician Dr. Amir Raeesy and our care team are proud to offer this groundbreaking fat removal treatment at our Southern California office. While most of our patients are familiar with traditional liposuction, SmartLipo laser liposuction is a new concept for most of our patients.
To help you better understand this minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Raeesy and our team have put together information about how the procedure works, what you can expect, and whether you’re a candidate for this revolutionary treatment.
What is SmartLipo liposuction?
SmartLipo laser liposuction acts as an updated and improved version of traditional liposuction. This laser-assisted liposuction procedure works to remove excess fat while simultaneously tightening loose skin.
To keep you comfortable during the procedure, your provider fully numbs the treatment area(s). Once you’re numb, Dr. Raeesy inserts a medical-grade laser into the targeted layer of fat through a small cannula, or tube.
Varying wavelengths of laser energy heat the fatty deposits, softening them and making it easier to suction from your body during the suctioning process. The laser energy ruptures the fat cells, but because the treatment is highly targeted, the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and soft tissues aren’t harmed.
In addition, the heat energy also increases the temperature of your skin, which encourages your body to produce more collagen, the structural protein that helps maintain skin texture and tightness. Tighter skin and less fat help you achieve the smoother, fitter look you desire.
The procedure isn’t a weight-loss solution but rather designed to treat trouble spots of fat that don’t respond to diet and exercise, including your:
- Abdomen
- Flanks (“love handles” or “muffin top”)
- Upper and lower back
- Arms
- Chin and neck
- Knees, hips, and thighs
With SmartLipo laser liposuction, you get the sculpted look you want with faster recovery and fewer side effects compared to traditional liposuction.
What can I expect from SmartLipo?
Most patients at Balboa Medical Center & Spa achieve the results they desire after a single SmartLipo treatment. During your consultation, Dr. Raeesy evaluates your areas of concern and helps you determine how many SmartLipo treatments you may need.
Once fat cells are destroyed, they won’t return, meaning you can enjoy your slimmer, sculpted physique indefinitely. If your weight fluctuates in the future, however, your shape may change as other fat deposits may accumulate with weight gain.
Recovery from the SmartLipo procedure is typically faster than recovery from traditional liposuction. You can expect some minor discomfort, bruising, and swelling, but most patients return to work 2-3 days after the procedure.
Recovery time depends in part on the areas treated and how much fat has been removed. For example, if you have SmartLipo on one or two small areas, you’ll return to normal faster than if you have larger areas treated.
Since SmartLipo requires only small incisions, you won’t need sutures or have noticeable marks after the procedure. In fact, most patients have minimal to no scarring after treatment. And while results improve with time, it’s common for patients to observe immediate improvement.
Is SmartLipo right for me?
SmartLipo laser liposuction isn’t for everyone, especially patients who are obese, don’t exercise regularly, and don’t eat a healthy diet. The procedure is best for people with stubborn excess fat pockets that haven’t responded to diet and exercise.
The best SmartLipo candidates are men and women who:
- Are at or near their ideal weight already
- Have a healthy diet and exercise routine
- Are in good physical condition (good muscle tone)
- Have good skin elasticity
- Are in good overall health
- Are not smokers or nicotine users
SmartLipo candidates must also be willing to avoid taking medications that act as blood thinners before their procedure and should have realistic expectations.
Learn more about the advantages of SmartLipo laser liposuction and whether it’s the right treatment for you by contacting the team at Balboa Medical Center & Spa in Encino, California. You can call our friendly staff at (818) 701-0017 or request an appointment online now.